Introduction of Topic
My project presentation will be centered on trauma and tribulations' impact on military
service members and their families, and how resilience and spirituality can bring forth the
change needed in our military community. “We are warriors, all of us. As warriors, we must be
prepared. We can build bounce and increase resilience ahead of time before encountering the
next tribulation and trauma that are sure to come” (Dees, 2011, p. 69). I want to share a focus on
how resilience is already instilled within the families, even though they may be enduring certain
tribulations due to the traumas of their loved ones being in the military. Traumas throughout a
service member’s time in the military can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD, which
affects not only the soldier but the rest of the family. With God, continued resilience, treatments,
and support from our community, we can help our soldiers and their families bounce back from
the traumatic experiences they had to endure during their time in the military. With my personal
experiences, I would love to create a place where military families can feel like they can be seen
and heard to build stronger relationships with God and each other. Ephesians 4:2-3 says, “Be
completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to
keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace”.
At a younger age, I didn't know how to build a relationship with God, my parents never
made it a priority for us as a family. It felt as if my dad was always deployed, and my mom
worked a full-time job as a bartender. My dad would then come home and be angry, it felt as if
he didn't know how to act with my sister and me when he came home. However, I verse that has
stuck with me, and I like to remind myself when I reminisce on those memories is, Corinthians
13:4-5 says, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It
does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of
wrongs”. I never remember seeing him and my mom happy together, around nine years old, my
parents got a divorce. It wasn’t until my mid-twenties that I started surrounding myself with
friends who had such a strong connection with God I didn't know was possible. I devoted time to
building my relationship with Him and praised Him during church. I listened to podcasts that
were about others’ journeys and their relationships with God. I took college classes to learn more
about the Bible. He is the reason why I decided to continue my education at Liberty so I can
continue to learn about God and my relationship with Him.
Audience
Resilience is a word that carries great weight throughout a soldier’s military career. It is
necessary to help push them through some of the most difficult tasks they will accomplish in
their lifetime. Making the initial decision to join the armed forces, resilience must already be
present in one’s mind. To step outside the comforts of society and join the military in the
preservation of our national freedoms and liberties takes a great deal of strength. Resilience is
not something that’s bought and paid for, it cannot be taught or faked. Resilience must be real
and has been a trait possessed by some of history’s greatest men and women. Traumas and
tribulations can break anyone down, let alone the experiences soldiers and veterans have
experienced throughout their career. When they find themselves navigating through life after the
military, it is so important to find a supportive community where they can come together with
others who understand the tribulations they’ve been through.
In an article, Religion, spirituality, and mental health of U.S. military veterans: Results
from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study, shared “many people turn to their R/S
[religion/spirituality] as one of the first resources when faced with potentially traumatic life
events or significant stressors. (Sharma et al, 2020, par. 2). There are multiple challenging
objectives, deployments, missed dance recitals that can all weigh heavy on a military family.
Being able to rely on your religion and spirituality to get you through these courses will provide
peace, reassurance, and strength. Joshua 1:9 says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and
courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord will be with you wherever you
go”. Sharing this perspective with military service members and their families can help our
military community. Positive changes that can occur if this audience is educated concerning this
topic can help a family before it is too late. If there is a chance, I would be able to prevent a
family from having to endure the trauma our family did with divorce, I would be making a
difference. This impact could be beneficial to our entire military community in addition to them
sharing this message to other military families who may be impacted as well.
Justification
We live in a world with trauma, it has never and will never go away. Traumatic events
can come in direct or indirect ways. When we investigate direct traumatic experiences, think
about being taken hostage or assaulted. When we think about indirect, this would be related to
losing a friend or loved one from war. It is stated that traumatic events, direct or indirect
experience, will inflict harm to a person’s mental stability. This type of trauma can result in post-
traumatic stress disorder (López et al., 2014, par. 4). Resilience is the key to getting anyone to be
able to bounce back from any traumatic experience. Finally, when all is said and done, when it’s
time to hang up your hat, turn in your uniform, and return home to your family resilience is again
needed. This transitional period is extremely difficult for a lot of soldiers. Soldiers have one job,
and they are good at it for so many years and then suddenly leave that behind, as well as their
friends/co-workers behind. To not slip into depression and sadness, and instead push through
onto this next chapter of life, and not just survive it but flourish in it. “The development of
characteristic symptoms following exposure to one or more traumatic events” (López et al.,
2014, par. 3). Ephesians 6:16-17 says, “In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with
which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and
the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God”.
Discuss the Trauma egg exercise…
Suffering from PTSD can reflect the traumas endured over time in service. The strong
relationship with God that was created and brought with soldiers overseas doesn’t go away when
they come home. The relationship must continue as well as possible treatments for PTSD. The
benefits of counseling for all family members during deployment can be extremely beneficial.
When their partner comes back from deployed, the family can already feel more equipped if they
are familiar with and capable of looking for signs of PTSD. Research shows, “Home-based
delivery of psychotherapy may offer a viable alternative to office-based treatment for post-
traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by overcoming several barriers to care” (Acierno, 2019). Being
aware of the treatments in place for our veterans as well as a supportive community will make
the transition back to reality more do-able.
If you are attempting to educate the audience about the unique needs of PTSD sufferers,
what characteristics may accompany those with PTSD?
Conclusion
In conclusion, resilience is a trait for not only soldiers but everyone, to help guide them
through the traumas and tribulations of their lives. The choice to join the armed forces itself
requires resilience and spirituality for the sake of preserving our freedom and liberties.
Resilience is created within us, “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able
to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened
on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness” Ephesians 6:13, 14.
Resilience honors the bravery and commitment of those who have served and continue to serve.
Throughout their time in the service, veterans have endured traumas, hardships, and mental
health concerns. With continued resilience, God, and support from our social workers and
community, we give back to our veterans the same love they have given our country. Our
veterans are faced with multiple challenges after leaving their military careers. They can struggle
with finding their purpose and identity, and even their mental health (Weiss et al., 2020, p. 299).
Religion and spirituality can provide “greater feelings of self-efficacy, behavioral
restraint, and self-regulation, encourage more attempts to solve problems, and enhance perceived
and received social support for those who attend spiritual groups or religious services (Sharma et
al, 2017, par. 4). If you were to ask most service members if they feel they are spiritual people
you’re likely to be surprised by the answers you receive. While most members of the military
would not say they are linked to a high degree of spirituality, the job simply cannot exist without
it. Spirituality is one of those things that is not cut and dry, it’s valuable and can look different
based on the individual. The core concept of putting others first and having the right mindset as
opposed to material items or possessions is exactly what the military is about. Corinthians 1:3-4
says, “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I always thank my
God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ”. By sharing a focus on how resilience is already
instilled within the families, providing knowledge and additional support to military families
who are impacted by the traumas and tribulations of the military, I know our community will be
stronger.
