The man who coined the phrase and developed much of the initial thinking around PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) recently passed away in the Los Angeles area. The terminology came about after the Vietnam War, when many war veterans began to exhibit behaviors that were often delayed but inextricably linked to their war engagement. Many medical experts claim that these delayed responses from serious trauma (now linked to abuse, devastating events, etc.) are the most costly medical expenses ever related to emotional issues.
Being conditioned by life’s experiences are not new. Gideon and Israel (after 7 years of being impoverished, violated, harassed and oppressed by the Midianites) spent much of their time building escape shelters, hiding from their enemies and on constant lookout for invasions. Only when the angel of the Lord came and offered hope to Gideon, did he move out and exhibit the courage necessary to lead Israel. It seems that to be used as an instrument of deliverance, you sometimes need to be delivered. Moving from terror to courage, he knocks down his father’s idol poles, builds an altar and calls it Jehovah Shalom. He then leads a very small band of warriors to victory over their tormentors! The only real antidote for being conditioned by life is to be re-conditioned by the Spirit! Surrender your pain, confront your fears and welcome His cleansing, delivering work… today!
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By: Glenn Burris Jr., general supervisor
