First Sunday of Advent (A)

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The Unknown Day and Hour   Lectionary: 1 Reading 1 -  Isaiah 2:1-5 Responsorial Psalm -  Psalm 122: 1-9 Reading 2 -  Romans 13:11-14 Alleluia -  Cf. Psalm 85:8 Gospel -  Matthew 24:37-44 '... Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.' Introduction  As we gather on this First Sunday of Advent , we also mark the beginning of the Church’s new liturgical calendar and a four-week preparation period leading up to Christmas. The word Advent comes from either of two Latin words, which simply mean “to come” (Ad-venire) or “to arrive” (Ad-ventus), and as early as the fourth (4th) century, Christians have had this special time of preparation towards Christmas. Of course, Advent is not merely a countdown to Christmas; Even as we begin the material preparations for the social celebration of Christmas, the liturgical celebrations of these weeks invite us to prepare ourselves for the coming of Jesus. But what does the co...
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Review: Triumph Over Trauma: Find Healing and Wholeness from Past Pain

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Triumph Over Trauma: Find Healing and Wholeness from Past Pain Triumph Over Trauma: Find Healing and Wholeness from Past Pain by Gregory L. Jantz

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Written in three (3) parts, this book looks at how we experience trauma, how trauma affects us and how we can recover from trauma. Each chapter is fairly short, introduces a single concept clearly in easily understood/common language that is generally supported by some research or study and a brief reference to scripture and/or faith in God. It is not as heavy handed as many religious self-help books that I have encountered, but for readers that generally eschew any spirituality, it might be distracting or otherwise difficult to get by. I thought it stuck a good balance. The chapters ended with a “Your Personal Healing Steps” that seemed to be very pointed and practical … making the over all book very well organized. The author was clearly able to comfortably cover holistic/non-traditional medicine such as aromatherapy, acupuncture, biofeedback, et al and included a good review of each in Appendix A and a reference to organizations that can help with trauma in Appendix C. Over all, with my somewhat amateur exposure and limited training to the subject of trauma, I couldn’t find any fault in the material nor did I have any trouble understanding it (which was expected for something targeting people who have either experienced trauma or are supporting someone who has). As such, I have not reservations in giving this book high marks across the board.

Part 1 - Broken: Trauma Strikes Suddenly or Gradually
1. The Truth Will Set You Free
2. Hope amid Heartache
3. Ten Truths about Trauma

Part 2 - Trauma: The Loss of Your True Self
4. Repressed and Depressed
5. Emotional Pain, Physical Problems
6. Interrupted Circuitry
7. Wary and Watchful
8. Crushed in Spirit
9. Bright Future Dimmed

Part 3 - Recovery: The Way Back to Your True Self
10. Restore Your Freedom
11. Revisit the Hurt
12. Revitalize Your Body
13. Reset Your Brian
14. Reconnect with People
15. Revise Your Script
16. Reclaim Your Power
17. Reinforce Your Spirituality
18. A Closing Word

Appendix A - Proven and Promising Treatments for Trauma Recovery
Appendix B - Avoid “Anesthesia”to Soothe Your Pain
Appendix C - Recommended Resources

I was given this free advance reader copy (ARC) ebook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

#TriumphoverTrauma #NetGalley

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