Lament as a Contributor to the Healing of Trauma: an Application of Poetry in the Form of Biblical Lament

Abstract

Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians begins with exuberant praise to the “God of all comfort who comforts us in all our affliction.” Many today suffer affliction and seek comfort in the words of this God. In the biblical psalms of lament, there is much with which they can resonate. Indeed, these poems can not only provide words for “those without words” but can also offer a model of how to compose one’s own lament to God. This latter possibility was tried in an empirical study with Zulu women who had experienced the trauma of sexual abuse. They learned to use the model of biblical laments to compose and perform their own poems. Certain features of biblical lament (regaining one’s voice, establishing a sense of justice, and rekindling hope for life going forward) are vital parts of the healing process, in line with Judith Herman’s model of trauma therapy. Thus, the author suggests that the use of poetry, in the form of biblical lament, can contribute to the healing of those who have suffered trauma.