Episode 97 :: Dr. Tiffany Tajiri:: Stories of Pursuing Peace and Hope for Veterans and Survivors of Trauma Simply Stories Podcast

Today on the podcast we have Dr. Tiffany Tajiri who is a veteran of the Air Force, an Army and Air Force psychologist, and the current Chief of the largest behavioral health clinic at Fort Bliss in El Paso, TX. She and her team work with active duty armed forces, veterans and their families to help them prepare for the missions and deployments and cope with the trauma of their experiences and how they impact them spiritually, emotionally and how that manifests in their bodies and reaches into every part of their lives and relationships. 
Dr. Tiffany is passionate about helping others find healing and she does so in this fascinating space where science and faith cooperate because the Creator is the Author of both. She shares with us today incredibly insightful science of how the brain, mind, soul all work together and how God wired us to heal. Then, she reminds us how scripture is layered with verbiage that talks about God’s word and the body. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength.” (Matthew 22:37) “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2 - just to name a couple.) God knows our bodies! He made them! He also knows that what we will endure on Earth takes an incredible toll on our bodies, our minds, hearts and our faith, and so we need His word hidden within us so that when the lies of the enemy come, we have an answer,, a sword to wield to defend ourselves and to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 
This conversation and the topics Dr. Tiffany and I cover are not exclusive to veterans, but I do believe it felt important to share this episode this week because we just experienced the 20th anniversary of 9/11, the affects of the exit from Afghanistan is ongoing, and there’s just A LOT that continues to come to the surface for the armed forces community, for veterans and for those who fight their own battles with trauma of all types. We need tools to know how to respond to the war we are in that is not of flesh and blood, but also to serve those who give their all on all different types of front lines. This is swimming in the deep end of the pool friends, but it's not a place the Lord is unfamiliar with, and wherever He is, that’s where we want to be.
The presence of God is so close to you, even in this very moment. The only thing that will fill the void created by pain and trauma is Jesus, y’all. Mental Illness, depression and anxiety, suicidal ideation, these are all VERY real things that attack our body and every part of our existence. When you are sick, you get medicine, you get help. While you are healing your body and addressing the neurons in your brain,  your soul and your mind still needs to be addressed and filled with what is true to address the cracks in the foundation of what your life is built on. The Spirit can lead you to that place, and be near to You in the journey of healing your whole self. I love that Dr. Tiffany shared with us that both the physical and the mental/spiritual elements of who we are matter and all of it deserves the attention of healing. 
You matter, friend. Your story matters. 
Connecting with Dr. Tiffany: 
Book // Peace After Combat : Healing the Spiritual and Psychological Wounds of War 
Instagram
Website
YouTube
 
Episode Sponsor: Hopefuel
Facebook 
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Link to shop
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References:
Branches of the Armed Forces
Moral injury
Neuroplasticity 
Rhythms of Restoration
Bilateral stimulation
Butterfly hug tap// video 
REM sleep 
Dr. Kelly Cole’s study 
Robert Bannister
 
Scripture References: 
Isaiah 43:19 - Makes a way in the wasteland 
Luke 10:27- Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength  
John 13:35- Seeing others through their love 
Psalm 119:105- A light to our path 
Romans 8:37-39- Nothing height nor depth 
1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Ephesians 4:30,  Revelation 12:11- Bought and sealed by t