When What We Think We Know, We Don’t Know: Understanding Cause, Effect, and Consequences
Life has a way of humbling us when we think we have all the answers. Sometimes, what we believe to be true turns out to be incomplete. The ripple effects of our actions, behaviours, and emotions often run deeper than we realise, leaving a toll on our physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
Too often, trauma is associated with singular events - childhood experiences, abuse, or physical harm.
But trauma is not the event itself; it is what happens within us as a result. It is the invisible imprint left on the body, the nervous system, and the mind.
Over the years, we’ve learned to appreciate the gut as the “second brain,” only to discover that there are actually six organs that function like brains. Science and knowledge are ever evolving, yet Western medicine often falls into the trap of hyper-focusing on isolated aspects. The holistic view, the interconnectedness of the body, emotions, and behaviours remains neglected. This failure often stems from a system driven by pharmaceutical sponsorships and government funding.
In contrast, ancient traditions from cultures far older than ours have long understood that health involves the whole body, including emotional and spiritual well-being. Reflecting on my own journey as a parent, I remember the rabbit hole I went down when Seth was diagnosed at the age of three. My hyper-focus on the diagnosis left me overwhelmed and disconnected. Looking back, I understand why I fell into this pattern, and it’s part of the reason I’m so passionate about helping others avoid similar struggles.
The Emotional Toll of Diagnosis
Receiving a diagnosis, whether for ourselves or a loved one, often triggers feelings of unworthiness, shame, guilt, and blame. For caregivers, this guilt can spiral into harmful patterns of behaviour and involuntary responses to crises.
Science now shows that our reactions are often not conscious choices but are driven by deeply ingrained patterns in the nervous system, messages stored at the cellular level.
This is especially important for women contemplating parenthood. The emotions, beliefs, and behaviours we carry are passed on to future generations. Research reveals that trauma can affect the second and third generations, something scripture has long acknowledged:
“The Lord is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation” (Numbers 14:18).
However, this is not a condemnation ; it’s an invitation to do the work, to heal, and to break these cycles.
Addressing the Root Cause
As someone who has dealt with chronic health issues like IBS and endometriosis, I’ve seen how autoimmune conditions persist when the root causes of inflammation are ignored. This is why I pursued further study in nutrition and holistic health.
We are only now recognising the significant gap in medical education regarding the connection between food, emotional well-being, and health. Universities are beginning to fill this gap, teaching doctors how nutrition impacts mental and physical health. The evidence is undeniable—our thoughts, actions, and emotions affect not only our external lives but also our internal health.
The Bible offers a stark reminder:
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
At first glance, this verse seems solely about spiritual death. But when we consider sin as anything that separates us from God, including destructive patterns, shame, or neglecting our health it’s clear that unaddressed issues lead to suffering, illness, and even physical death.
Healing and Restoration
This isn’t a message of despair but of hope. Healing and restoration are possible, even in the most challenging circumstances. To begin, we need to reconnect with ourselves, others, and God.
Tools like daily routines, gratitude, quality sleep, confession, forgiveness, and acts of service can help us find balance.
As James writes:
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).
Healing requires effort and courage. We must let go of shame and guilt and be willing to do the work to expand our understanding. We need to see the bigger picture, to address patterns and beliefs that are not our own and to embrace the wholeness God desires for us.
Moving Forward
When we take a whole body approach to healing, we empower ourselves to break generational cycles and build resilience. The work may be challenging, but it is also deeply rewarding. As Jesus said:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
Let us rest in this promise, knowing that restoration is always within reach. By addressing the root causes of our struggles, we can create a legacy of health, peace, and connection for ourselves and future generations.
If you’re ready to take steps toward healing, consider exploring holistic approaches that address the body, mind, and spirit. Together, we can break free from harmful patterns and embrace the abundant life God has promised. For further reading, check out my previous post, [Awakening to Childhood Trauma: A Journey of Healing and Self-Discovery], or explore the Generational Grace Package at Soulroots Therapy to begin your transformative journey.
