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Sometimes Life Happens — Wounds, Wisdom & the Word (Ep. 3)

Summary

When “life happens” all at once—panic triggers, a family car breakdown, and a violent crash right in front of you—how do you keep it together? Jamie and Doug unpack a whirlwind week that led from crisis triage on the roadside to unexpected gratitude, church family support, and even a soul obeying the gospel. Along the way they talk trauma, coping, the myth of “having it all together,” and learning to thank the parts of us that helped us survive—while letting them rest.

Chapter Markers (approx.)

• 00:00 – Welcome & why we missed last week; “Sometimes Life Happens” theme.
• 03:06 – Doug’s week: physical illness, a trigger tied to prior pastoral trauma (infant death call), panic/dissociation.
• 08:16 – Emergency in Nashville: the Denali’s shifter linkage breaks; stress spikes.
• 09:50 – The crash: car in front of Doug gets T-boned; he stops to help amid glass and smoke.
• 11:36 – Triage on the shoulder: controlling severe facial bleeding, shock, and keeping the victim talking about her kids until EMS arrives.
• 15:28 – She codes in the ambulance; life-flight to Skyline; Doug processes the aftermath.
• 21:47 – The church shows up: car seats, funds, medicine—needs met and then some.
• 23:39 – Hospital visit, providential layers, and—on Monday night—the husband obeys the gospel.
• 31:26 – “Baling-wire faith”: doing what you can with what you have (and why “barely holding it together” is still holding it together).
• 44:13 – Comfort vs. familiar: why dysfunction can feel “normal,” and how perspective breaks the spell.
• 49:20 – Thank the survival parts, then release them from duty.
• 50:35 – Closing & Scripture.

Key Themes & Takeaways

• Trauma can ambush on ordinary days. Triggers may resurface old wounds without warning; name what’s happening and ground yourself.
• Small actions matter in big moments. Pressure on a wound, calm words, and presence can change a family’s future.
• Church family as first responders. Practical help (seats, meds, money, rides) reveals Christ’s love in motion.
• “Barely” is still victory. If you “barely held it together,” you still held it together; celebrate that.
• Comfort ≠ Healthy. What’s familiar can be dysfunctional; seek new, healthier normals with wise support.
• Retire old survival strategies. Thank the parts that kept you alive, then release them so growth can happen.

Scripture (ESV)

• Hebrews 13:2 — “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (Used in the episode’s close.)

Practical Tools Mentioned

• Grounding & self-talk: naming panic, orienting to the present, giving yourself credit for “holding on.”
• Perspective-taking in counseling: viewing younger “you” with compassion; outside-in reframing.

Listener Reflection Questions

1. When have you “barely” held it together—and what helped you keep going?
2. Which familiar patterns in your life are comfortable but not healthy? What one step could you take toward a new normal?
3. Who around you might need practical love this week (a ride, a meal, a bill covered)?

Content Advisory

This episode includes references to traumatic events (infant death scene, car crash, severe injury, dissociation/panic). Listener discretion advised.

Call to Action

• Share the episode with someone who’s in a hard season.
• Tell us your story or ask for prayer/support—reply with a message or email.
• Subscribe & review to help others find the show.

Want this turned into a formatted blog post, YouTube description, or social captions (FB/TikTok/IG) with hashtags? I can spin those up from the same transcript next.

Episode 2: Trauma 101 – Big T, Little t, or Mr. T

To reach out to us, please email us at jimdouglasgregory@gmail.com. Please include WW&TW in the subject line.
Podcast: Wounds, Wisdom & The Word
Hosts: Doug & Jamie

Introduction

• Episode 2 opens with gratitude for the unexpected support and feedback from listeners after Episode 1.
• Title playfully references “Big T, little t, or Mr. T” to frame a discussion on trauma and its impact.

Defining Trauma

• Clinical definition: A deeply distressing or disturbing experience with lasting psychological effects.
• Practical definition: The lasting emotional, mental, and sometimes physical impact of overwhelming or painful experiences—“too big to handle at the time.”

Types of Trauma

• Physical – Bodily injury or harm.
• Emotional – Includes witnessing traumatic events.
• Sexual – Assault or abuse.
• Developmental – Neglect or abuse during childhood.
• Complex – Repeated exposure to trauma.
• Moral – Witnessing or participating in unethical/harmful acts.

Trauma’s Effects

• Always changes worldview – reshaping how people see themselves and others.
• Loss of control is often central to traumatic experiences.
• Example: 9/11 created lasting trauma for both direct victims and distant witnesses.

Stigma & Faith

• Some families and faith communities dismiss trauma and mental health struggles.
• Proverbs 1:7 (ESV) – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
• Therapy and science are not opposed to faith but uncover truths about God’s creation.
• Believers are encouraged not to ignore trauma or reject treatment.

Symptoms of Trauma

Physical: Chronic headaches, fatigue, back pain, appetite/sleep changes.
Emotional: Anxiety, depression, fear, guilt, shame, nightmares.
Cognitive: Trouble concentrating, memory issues, confusion.
Behavioral: Avoidance, hypervigilance, substance abuse, unhealthy coping.

Big T vs. little t

• Big T trauma: Sexual abuse, natural disasters, terrorism, war, severe medical events, sudden loss, neglect.
• little t trauma: Emotional neglect, perfectionism, people-pleasing, unhealthy relationships, bullying, parental pressure, infidelity.
• Trauma is relative: Impact depends on age, background, culture, and lived experience.
• Key insight: Trauma isn’t just what happened—it’s how it was processed and stored.

Trauma & the Brain

• Amygdala = alarm system.
• In trauma, the alarm gets “stuck on,” leading to hypervigilance and overreactions.
• Trauma alters brain chemistry, leaving people in constant fight-or-flight mode.

Coping & Addiction

• Many addictions (alcohol, drugs, food, porn, even Netflix) serve as numbing strategies.
• All activate the same dopamine/reward centers in the brain.
• Paul’s struggle in Romans 7:15–25 reflects the inner war between intention and harmful choices.
• The root problem isn’t always the addiction itself, but unresolved trauma beneath it.

Validation & Healing

• Traumatized individuals often lacked validation of their experiences.
• Validation means acknowledging pain while building resilience.
• Example: Responding to a bullied child with empathy and support, not dismissal.

Closing

• Doug shares his original poem “I Hate You Trauma”—an honest reflection on loss, grief, and hope in Christ.
• Reminder: Healing is possible, scars can bless others, and God provides strength and community.
• Teaser: Next episode will cover transgenerational trauma—“the gift that keeps on giving.”

Key Scriptures

• Proverbs 1:7
• Proverbs 23:9
• Proverbs 12:25
• Luke 21:34
• Romans 7:15–25

Takeaways

• Trauma is real, multifaceted, and affects everyone differently.
• It alters the brain and body, influencing choices and behaviors.
• Faith, therapy, and community are not at odds—together, they bring healing.
• Recognizing trauma is the first step toward reclaiming peace and purpose.

💬 Have a question, topic idea, or encouraging word? Email Us @ Jimdouglasgregory@gmail.com Please include WW&TW in the subject line.

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/i0kxHy2JqEw

Show Notes:

🎙️ Wounds, Wisdom & The Word – Episode 1: Hope

Episode Summary

In the very first episode of Wounds, Wisdom & The Word, hosts Doug Gregory (preacher, West Side Church of Christ) and Jamie Shepherd (licensed marriage & family therapist specializing in trauma) introduce the heart behind their new podcast. Together, they address the struggles Christians face, the lies of isolation, and the life-giving reality of hope.

This conversation weaves together real-life experiences, biblical insight, and therapeutic wisdom, reminding listeners that no matter how dark the season, there is always hope in Christ.

Key Themes & Highlights

• Why This Podcast?
  • A safe place for Christians who struggle.
  • Not about “just pray harder,” but real conversations about wounds and healing.
  • Goal: give listeners hope.
• Meet the Hosts
  • Doug Gregory: Preacher in Elkton, KY; transparent about his own mental health journey.
  • Jamie Shepherd: Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist; experienced in trauma counseling and trained in EMDR & brainspotting.
• Core Pillars of the Podcast
  • Wounds: Everyone carries wounds—emotional pain registers in the same part of the brain as physical pain. Healing means turning wounds into scars that become part of your story.
  • Wisdom: Not just knowledge, but rightly applied understanding (Proverbs 1; Ecclesiastes 3). Sometimes wisdom means resting or listening to your body.
  • The Word: God has given us all things for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Scripture speaks to our mental health struggles—like Paul’s words on anxiety (Philippians 4:6).
• Hope in the Midst of Storms
  • Acts 27: The sailors abandoned “hope” in the storm, but still made it safely to land.
  • Message: It does no good to throw hope overboard—don’t give up.
• Faith Meets Therapy
  • Trauma is stored in the body (“The Body Keeps the Score”).
  • Survival responses are valid, but healing requires new patterns.
  • Addiction is not the root problem—it’s often a symptom of deeper wounds.

Memorable Quotes

• “Sometimes hope is just knowing that you’re not alone.” – Doug
• “Your wounds don’t need to be fixed; they need to be healed—and healing leaves scars that tell your story.” – Jamie
• “We can hold hope for you until you find it again.” – Jamie
• “It does no good to throw hope overboard.” – Doug

Scripture References

• Proverbs 1:5–7 – Wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.
• Ecclesiastes 3:1 – A time for everything under heaven.
• 2 Peter 1:3 – God has given us all things for life and godliness.
• Philippians 4:6 – Do not be anxious, but bring everything to God in prayer.
• Acts 27:20, 44 – Even when hope seemed lost, God brought them safely through.

Resources Mentioned

• Book: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
• Therapies: EMDR, Brainspotting
• Ministry: Transformation Through Christ (Elkton, KY)

Connect & Future Plans

• Coming soon: website, contact email, and listener Q&A episodes.
• Weekly releases planned, featuring both biblical teaching and real-life stories.