Day: February 12, 2024

My Review of The Body Keeps the Score

2/12/2024

So, I just finished an audiobook called The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk M.D. A teacher I know told me she was reading this book and recommended it to me. Before I get into my review of this book, I do want to make sure if you intend to read this book you know it is not written by a Christian author. There is cussing and talks of what could be considered inappropriate material and/or circumstances involving trauma someone may go through. Some of it can be more detailed than I would have wanted to know.

Also… PLEASE NOTE… if you are a victim or have suffered trauma, look at all the reviews you can and educate yourself before you read. I read one review that stated this book upset them, and I would not want anyone to read this if it were to bring on more trauma.

Ok… my review. I am not a psychologist or a psychiatrist. One opinion I have is that there is a ton of good information in here. The author talks about all sorts of trauma and the reasons for trauma. He goes into talking about studies and therapies he had done with his patients. He will admit some of the studies and therapies he talks about are controversial, even in his field of study. I have a family member who has a degree in psychology but have not talked to him about this book yet. It will be on my list of things to talk to him though.

This book contains more information than I can write about in this review. It has given me some things to consider when I am interacting with people who may seem like they have some trauma. This is a one and done book for me. I probably will not refer to it or read it again. For my part, I am a believer in Jesus, and I believe Jesus needs to be at the center of anything and everything we do.

If you aren’t in field of psychology or psychiatry, I would only recommend this book to give you an understanding of trauma and how it affects our brains. Personally, I would be more interested in reading Dr. James Dobson books. Dr. Dobson is a psychologist and founder of Focus on the Family. He now has Dr. James Dobson Family Institute.

So, with that said, I would definitely recommend Bringing Up Boys by Dr. James Dobson. I have read this book, and it gives you great advice on raising God fearing young men in today’s society.

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Daily Devotional

2-12-2024

Acts 20:35

I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

In the world we live in today, people are more concerned about their selves than others. It brought to memory a recent trip I have taken with a BFF. We went to Nashville, TN for a few days. We had a hotel room downtown. Most of the time, we left the car at the hotel and walked around Nashville. This would be the first time I have been around a big homeless population since I was in the US Navy. There were several times we stopped and talked to some of them. Some asked for food. Once, my friend offered her leftovers from a restaurant. It would be a healthy meal with healthy veggies, but they didn’t want it. Another asked for something to eat, and I had a package of trail mix that wasn’t setting well on my stomach. I gave it to my friend for her to snack on and she passed it to him. He took it and ate it. Once, a lady dropped all her belongings and we stopped to help her pick up her stuff. My friend started witnessing to her, and I witnessed to the man who was with her. I pray they have accepted Jesus as their savior.

I think of this often. We should open our hearts to those who are suffering and need Jesus. Where we live now, there isn’t a big homeless population. However, if you do live in a city where you can be of help in those in need, I pray you go and introduce them to Jesus. Look at ways you may help. I’m currently praying for some way to help our local homeless here. Please pray the Lord will open a door for me also.

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