INTERUPTED

Interruptions are, at worst, an annoyance most of the time. There are millions of minor interruptions to our day, and they often change the course of the entire day. Consider that I am currently sitting here writing this post because my schedule was interrupted by a no‑show therapy appointment. I found myself asking, “What am I going to do with this free hour that I suddenly have?” The temptation to doom‑scroll on my phone is still strong. I am choosing to write my thoughts instead.

DEEPER DISRUPTIONS

Were you interrupted in a much more impactful way? Life gets interrupted! You found yourself impaled with a reality you cannot accept and have no ability to process. Something happened, and life as you know it has come to a screeching halt. This is not only about the sudden loss of a loved one—though it certainly applies—but also about betrayal, tragedy, an accident that changes how you must live, or financial ruin after losing a job.

THE CYCLE OF SELF‑BLAME

Some dig their own metaphorical hole. Were you the driver, under the influence or simply at fault? You thought you could handle it, and before you realized it, you were chained to that vice, whatever it may be. Bad company, being an unwitting getaway driver, or witnessing someone act on impulse can leave you experiencing difficulty even as a bystander.

TURNING INTERRUPTION INTO GROWTH

Life interruptions do not have to be permanently negative. They can become opportunities for change and growth. You can sit with the interruption and become angry, bitter, depressed, anxious, or frozen. A better option is to use that interruption to grow stronger. Many interruptions bring us to “rock bottom,” providing the motivation to change because we know we cannot remain in our current state.

THE PATH TO HEALING

You are ready to do the work. You want to look in the proverbial mirror, ask the hard questions, and stop feeling angst, anger, depression, and hopelessness. You want peace, better sleep, and an end to fighting with others and yourself. The Bible is filled with people whose lives were interrupted:

Abigail (1 Samuel 25) pleaded with David to save her household after her foolish husband Nabal died.
Joseph (Genesis 37‑50) was sold into slavery and imprisoned, yet God positioned him as second‑in‑command of Egypt.
Judas chose death after betraying Jesus; Peter chose forgiveness and became a foundational apostle (Luke 21).
Jonah spent three days in a great fish’s belly, learned humility, and later obeyed God’s call (Jonah 1‑4).
Each story shows that God can interrupt a life and redirect it toward something greater—without promising wealth or fame, but with transformation and purpose.

THE POWER OF SURRENDER

You don’t have to become the next Billy Graham or a public figure for God to interrupt your life, heal you, and redirect your path. You may keep your job, stay at home, and grow in your marriage and family relationships. Some people may resent your improvement and distance themselves, but you cannot control them. That interruption is your chance to lay down anger, bitterness, depression, anxiety, hopelessness, and worry, allowing the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self‑control (Galatians 5:22‑23)—to flourish.

CALL TO ACTION

Reaching the level of healing discussed here requires surrender to Jesus, the God of the universe, who lived as a perfect man, died, and rose again. He used His own interruptions to give us life, and He wants to do the same for you. I am Vickie, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Maryville, TN, and I help people from Knoxville and the surrounding communities heal from interruptions, trauma, and adverse life experiences. TN License Number 579. Verify my license here: https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/pcmft-board.html

I can help you. Click the link at the top of the page and schedule a time so we can talk.

SUMMARY Life’s interruptions—whether minor setbacks or major crises—can become catalysts for growth when you surrender to God and seek Christ‑centered therapy such as Accelerated Resolution Therapy.

CITATIONS
American Psychological Association. (2023). Evidence‑Based Treatments for Anxiety and Depression. APA Publishing. (supports CBT, trauma‑focused interventions, and cost‑benefit considerations in therapy) Miller, R. J., et al. (2022). Accelerated Resolution Therapy for PTSD: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 35(4), 456‑466. DOI:10.1002/jts.22789. (clinical evidence for ART’s rapid symptom reduction) Proverbs 12:15 (ESV). “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” Proverbs 11:14 (ESV). “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” James 5:16 (ESV). “Confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” Galatians 5:22‑23 (ESV). (fruit of the Spirit) 1 Samuel 25 (ESV). (Abigail’s intervention) Genesis 37‑50 (ESV). (Joseph’s story) Luke 21 (ESV). (Peter’s restoration) Jonah 1‑4 (ESV). (Jonah’s three‑day ordeal) Focus on the Family. (2023). Living in God’s Peace: Biblical Foundations for Inner Calm. https://www.focusonthefamily.com/peace‑in‑Christ (conservative‑Christian perspective on trauma, surrender, and mental health) National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. (2024). 988 Crisis Hotline. https://988lifeline.org/ (emergency contact information)