Trauma affects almost everyone in our society. War, rape, physical and emotional abuse, untimely loss, and many other events can traumatize those who survive the experience. Oftentimes, the traumatized are left struggling to hear the voice of God and thus, they sink into despair. This forty-day devotional focuses on the journey that traumatized people can take in order to move from despair to hope.
Using scripture such as the Psalms and stories of others who have been traumatized, this devotional uses forty days to represent times of trials and tribulations in scripture. The journey from despair to hope is one that takes people from a time of disorientation to a new understanding of God and his relationship to us. While “forty” is symbolic, the journey inspired by this devotional is a real journey that leads to hope and peace for those who seek God.
About the Authors:
Michael W. Langston, PhD, DMin, is Professor of Chaplaincy and Practical Theology in the Columbia Biblical Seminary at Columbia International University in Columbia, South Carolina. He retired after 36 years of service (30 active) in the U.S. Marine Corps (infantry officer) and the U.S. Navy Chaplain Corps receiving a diagnosis of severe PTSD after his tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. Mike is a graduate of the University of Louisiana in Lafayette, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Bethel Theological Seminary, and the Naval War College. He completed his PhD at King’s College, University of Aberdeen in Aberdeen, Scotland.
Kathy J. Langston, PhD, teaches professional communication at the University of South Carolina. A native of Greenville, South Carolina, Kathy embraced military spouse life and enjoyed her ministry with Navy and Marine Corps spouses. She taught university religion and English courses to military students for over fifteen years. Her degrees include: Doctor of Philosophy in English, Master of Arts, Master of Divinity, and Bachelor of Arts. The Langstons have three children, two daughters-in-law, and three grandchildren. Kathy and Mike have been married over thirty-seven years.
