A Journey Through Trauma and Healing
Some wounds don’t bleed but ache quietly in the heart. Over time, I have come to understand that the hardest battles are often the ones no one else can see. These are the struggles we carry in silence, shaping our inner world in ways that may not be visible to others. Trauma isn’t just about what happened to us—it’s also about how it changes us from within.
Trauma can stem from various experiences such as abuse, loss, betrayal, or sudden tragedy. It leaves behind invisible scars that can influence how we perceive ourselves and the world around us. However, there is a truth that remains: you are not broken beyond repair. Healing is possible, and it is already reaching for you. This article is an invitation to begin that journey, one step, one breath, and one moment of hope at a time.
The Tragedy That Changed Everything
My trauma began with a tragic car accident on our way to visit my sister-in-law in Beitbridge in December 2023. An oncoming vehicle entered our lane, and in the blink of an eye, everything changed. My son and my husband died instantly, and by some miracle, I survived the crash, though I sustained severe injuries. What others might have seen as a miracle, I saw as a curse. I often wished I had died alongside my family. I no longer saw any purpose in living.
I became a shell of myself, physically unable to walk for three months due to broken arms, mentally depressed, and emotionally shattered. There was nothing anyone could say or do that made me feel better. I spent months in the hospital, unable to move forward on my own. Eventually, I was discharged, and my family took the initiative to take me to counselling. It was during these sessions that my counsellor helped me begin to face the reality of my situation. Slowly, I started to accept what had happened and what I had lost.
Finding Hope in Faith
However, I felt that professional counselling alone wasn’t enough. I needed something more—biblical counselling. I began questioning whether I truly knew Jesus and if I wanted to know him more deeply. One of the things I started doing was listening to worship songs, especially when I felt low. Though I couldn’t pray at the time, I found peace in the music and felt uplifted. I also began reading the Bible again, seeking a deeper connection with Jesus.
An aunt introduced me to a church community called New Life Oasis at Celebration Ministries International. There, I met Pastor Rutendo Mtungwazi, the author of This Is the Beginning of a New Life for You. That was the beginning of my turning point. Hearing the stories of other women who had gone through similar experiences helped me realize that I was alive for a reason. I began to see my life not as a tragedy, but as a second chance. All these experiences slowly contributed to my healing.
The Challenges of Healing
Despite this progress, the journey was far from easy. I still withdrew from people and isolated myself. I continued to experience pain, anger, and frustration. Sometimes, I thought I had moved on, only to be triggered and feel like I was regressing. There were moments when I wanted to give up, but it was by the grace of God that I kept going. I am grateful for the love, support, patience, and prayers of my family and friends.
The trauma I endured has shifted my perspective on life. I now understand the meaning behind the scripture, “all is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2). It highlights the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits and reminds me that true fulfillment comes from God. I have also come to recognize that all life belongs to God, and while we may not control who lives or dies, we can find comfort in His presence.
Encouragement for Others
To those who have experienced trauma and are on their healing journey, I encourage you not to lose hope. Be patient with yourself and trust in God, even when you’re angry with Him. To families caring for someone who has gone through trauma, I urge you to be patient and allow them the time they need to heal. Healing is a gradual process, and pushing too hard can hinder progress.
This journey has taught me that even in the darkest moments, there is always a path forward. With faith, support, and perseverance, healing is possible.
