Healing the Wounds of Trauma

Helen of their mother’s words: “Dirty laundry is washed at home.” Helen knew that no one would believe her story anyway. Helen’s Sunday school teacher became concerned about her. She was not paying attention like she had before and she looked discour- aged. One Sunday when they were alone together, she asked Helen if anything had happened. Helen couldn’t keep it in any longer. She spoke in a very small voice, but the tears began to pour out of her eyes. Finally she was sobbing. The teacher told Helen that what hap- pened was not her fault and that she was right to talk about it. They embraced, both in tears.

❂❂ SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION 1. Why did Helen not tell anyone? 2. How did Helen begin to find healing?

The story of Amnon and Tamar Amnon was King David’s firstborn son. He was handsome and first in line for the throne. He fell desperately in love with his beautiful half- sister, Tamar, who was a virgin. He loved her so much it made him ill, but he couldn’t find a way of being alone with her. When his cousin saw how sad he was, he asked, “What’s the trouble? Why should the son of a king look so dejected morning after morning?” Amnon told him, “I’m in love with Tamar.” His cousin thought of a plan. He said, “Go back to bed and pretend you are sick. When your father comes to see you, ask him to let Tamar come and prepare some food for you.” Amnon did just that, and King David agreed to send Tamar to take care of Amnon. She came to his house and made food for him there. Then he said to her, “Now bring the food to me in my bedroom and feed it to me.” She did, but as she was feeding him, he grabbed her and demanded, “Come to bed with me, my darling sister.” She cried, “No, my brother! Don’t be foolish! Don’t do this to me! You know what a serious crime it is to do such a thing in Israel. Where could I go in my shame? Just ask the king and he’ll let you marry me.” But Amnon wouldn’t listen to her, and since he was stronger than she was, he raped her.

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How Can We Help Someone Who Has Been Raped?