Deep as the Sea: Letters to Survivors of Trauma

by Timothy C. Bourman

Physical or emotional abuse, accidents, unforeseen loss, military combat, and other tragedies remind us that we live in a fallen world. The painful emotions that arise from these circumstances often linger long after the experience is over. This book is not a devotional or self-help guide, but a carefully written walkthrough of the healing process. Using his doctoral expertise on addressing trauma through a Christian lens, Pastor Timothy Bourman will help you grieve through the pain, find refuge in God, and discover a new purpose in life. Pastor Bourman provides an overview of current psychological treatment models and many comforting Scripture readings to address the grief, sorrow, shame, anger, and other emotions that accompany traumatic events.

117 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2022

Reviews

[Jim B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is written for the survivor of trauma. The author created it because he found nothing on the market that addressed his spiritual needs in the aftermath of his near-death experience. The prologue defines trauma, describes common approaches to healing, and offers suggestions for building a support team that includes medical, counseling and spiritual guidance. Twelve letters to survivors of trauma are grouped into the three stages of recovery. An epilogue explains more about the three stages. This edition includes a helpful "reader's guide" that sometimes suggests steps the reader can take that accord with advice in the book, sometimes providing a choice of steps so that the reader can find what works best for them.

According to an interview with the author on the book's webpage https://online.nph.net/deep-as-the-se... (accessed May 22, 2022), the book was deliberately made in a small size that could fit into a purse or coat pocket, so that survivors could read parts of it repeatedly at their convenience. It seems as though every effort was made to make this brief book (117 pages including notes) a resource that can be consulted again and again.

Some resources call themselves "biblical" but are really psychology in search of a few compatible Bible passages. Deep as the Sea is profound because the author is a biblical scholar who experienced trauma and searched the Bible for Scriptures that address the pain, disorientation and trials he went through. He digs deeply into the 12 Bible texts on which he based his letters to survivors. Some of these texts (especially 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 and Psalm 46) have become more clear and helpful to me after reading the thoughts he draws out of them for people who have gone through trauma.

Although the book was written for survivors of trauma, Deep as the Sea is also a valuable tool for clergy, chaplains and Christian counselors. Working through the book with a survivor will open up healing conversations. In fact, although a survivor will find comfort reading this book, I believe that discussing the book can open up understanding even more, and reinforce the meaning of what is written here.

Deep as the Sea breaks new ground. It deals with profound spiritual devastation that is almost always overlooked or treated only as emotions and psychology. At the same time, the author understands the latest literature about trauma and its impact. His progression of thought in these letters is accords with the insights that have developed through widespread study of the effects of trauma and the process of recovering from it.

[Jeremiah Gumm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reads like healing waters for those who have endured trauma. For Christian or pastoral counselors, this book will prove to be priceless as they serve those who have faced trauma.

[Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written book. I cannot personally speak to how it affects the intended audience, survivors of trauma. I have not experienced anything truly traumatic personally, but as a Christian bearing her own crosses, Bourman’s words beautifully illustrate/explain the depth of God’s love for us in our sadness and experience of sin in the world.

This book takes the philosophical and deep things written about the topic and puts those thoughts into bite sized “readable” language. It doesn’t get sidetracked with attempting to explain the whys of trauma, but focuses the reader on who God is and his relationship with us. I intend on rereading this book.

I loved the picturesque reminders that our God is Lord of Leviathan, and that Jesus has snatched me from the burning fire. Bourman quotes Mark Paustian’s essay on vocation, which I recall being very impactful for me when I read it in college.

While I cannot speak for this book’s impact for survivors of trauma, I feel this book is a worthwhile read for any Christian who has ever felt anxiety, depression, or sadness and cried out to God for his help and needed encouragement from God’s Word.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptionally helpful and reassuring book after trauma and abuse.

[Philip Meinel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe my favorite resource for trauma recovery. Quick read, personal, hits the heart of it, reframes life going forward....and there is life going forward.