Thread by @vhobbs5

Tuning in to this first session from which I'll be live tweeting. #CSBVcon22

https://twitter.com/CSBibleViolence/status/1528791857404289024

Dr. June Dickie is the first speaker, who has extensive experience esp re: trauma-sensitive translations of the Psalms. She now works with various communities in the important work of trauma healing. #CSBVcon22

Dr. Dickie begins by looking at literary trauma theory. "Texts encode and witness to trauma, using symbols ... Traumatic memories can be revisited, but safely, at a distance." #CSBVcon22
Examples she has used with some success include Ruth, Job, rape of Tamar, lament Psalms

Dr. Dickie speaks about trauma recovery.
First, establish safety.
Reconstruct the trauma story. (truth-telling)
Reconnect with the community, since trauma leaves a person feeling isolated. #CSBVcon22

Abuse involves a "collapse of the self", a "loss of sense of identity and a personal history ... attention must be given to a person's sense of shame and injustice, the need for justice."
#CSBVcon22

"For soul healing, time and place [for lament] should be 'sacred' and 'safe' (and for communal laments, public)."
I'm thinking again about the case that launched the PCA abuse committee, which led to the victim's public lament in worship, an act that was rejected by her community

Dr. Dickie now giving attention to the biological factors involved in trauma. #CSBVcon22

Dr. Dickie: Neurons damaged due to trauma can be replaced/repaired, under moderate levels of stress in a positive interpersonal environment. #CSBVcon22

In lament Psalms, we have a way to hand over issues of justice to God. "They enable us to have a sense of justice restored" #CSBVcon22

Dr. Dickie now talking about the performance of Biblical stories to help facilitate trauma healing. #CSBVcon22

Dr. Dickie shows us a video of participants performing passages from Ruth.
I'm reflecting on the ways re-enactment provides a safe sort of distance from traumatic events, while allowing participants to enter Biblical story, applying themselves to the text! POWERFUL #CSBVcon22

I love how Dr. Dickie is embedding all of her points in STORY. This is how the discussion of trauma and scripture should take place. She's showing pictures of people involved in her work, speaking about their involvement. #CSBVcon22

It's so moving seeing these videos of women acting out the book of Ruth. The Bible is theirs. #CSBVcon22

The pastor said afterwards, "Heaven came down." #CSBVcon22

How can people use the Biblical songs of lament to compose one's own lament? #CSBVcon22
"Freedom comes from lamenting together."

"Before God, all emotion is acceptable ... God welcomes them and views lament as an act of faith. God speaks to them in their pain ... As they hand over justice to God, they are free to forgive and move forward in their lives." #CSBVcon22

The oppressor says, "God will never help you."
Dr. Dickie performs this in a mocking, sing-song voice, then silences it with a reading of Psalm 3.
But you, O Lord, as a shield about me ... I cried aloud to the LORD and he answered me from his holy hill." #CSBVcon22

Dr. Dickie not shying away from talking about the raw feelings of revenge that the oppressed are burdened by and their ability to tell the truth about their anger to God, to give it over to God.

"Lord, how long will people play me? They make me like a car that won't start, a useless one. Till when? Every time I try to put things together life is not coming together. And you are there, just looking ... Till when? Till when, my Lord" #CSBVcon22

"I know my Lord, I have to wait, but it's hard.
I will stay in the hope, And you are my light." #CSBVcon22

Dr. Dickie speaking about the importance of focusing on "emotional resonance rather than content. NOT didactic questions with 'right answers.") #CSBVcon22

What a start to the @CSBibleViolence conference! Wonderfully powerful and trauma-informed.