Moving...

As you all know, Laura and I have been moving alot lately. Well, We're moving into our house on the 1st! That's good news, but this may be bad new. I'm moving the blog. It's going to be at http://hardcorechristian.wordpress.com/ if you want to keep following me. I'm learning wordpress for work and it just makes since to use the blog system I know more about. Hope you all follow me!

An amazing ride!

Whoa! It's been more than 2 months since I blogged last, and I've been amazed by God's grace in this time. Many of you know, Laura and I made the leap to move back to Dallas and persue further education toward ministry. I have been called to men's ministry and she is feeling a stronger call to writing and women's ministry. To understand this a bit better, let me tell you about what has happenned since I wrote last.


Laura and I moved from Austin the first week of January. Now, that in itself isn't amazing, but the circumstances are. We had made the decision to move back in July or August, and started job hunting. As the time drew nearer, neither of us had found anything. I thought I would be working part time at a coffee shop or something similar. Continuing toward finishing my Bachelors online, I assumed this would be my primary occupation. When we arrived in Dallas, I began applying to mundane jobs, just to get a paycheck, and we moved into my parents house. I had a assignment in one of my classes to interview a foreign born Christian leader. I contact Dallas Theological Seminary to see if I could interview Dr. Ramesh Richard. He was unavailable when I needed to talk to him, but they set me up for a meeting the next week. I couldn't use him for my assignment, but I still wanted to talk to him as his sermon on the Ministry Problematic had been so influential to me (I had listened to it on DTS's podcast). I met with him and asked him questions about what brought him to America and Christianity. It was a great conversation. What surprised me is that he asked me for my resume.

Arriving home a few hours later, I pulled up my resume, checked it over and updated it, and sent it off to him. I had only once used my ministry resume before with no results, so I really didn't hope for much. The next week, David, his ministry's operation manager, contacted me wanting an interview.The next 2 weeks was a practice in patience. I met with David and interviewed for a position at RREACH as the assistant to the president (Dr. Richard). David had some difficulty reaching my references, as it was the middle of Dallas' Snowpocalypse '11. We finally had all the contacts made and David offerred me a position, not the original one I interviewed for. The plan was for me to become the online evangelical counselor and help out a little with all of the ministries in the office.

I've been in this job a week now and I'm blown away.

God works in amazing ways. We are going to look at a house tonight and I am looking to trade in my little Celica to get a truck. We pray God will continue to provide wisdom, discernment, and grace in our walk with him.

3 days and counting.

I know, you are thinking I'm talking about Christmas, right? This time, I'm actually not. I'm counting down the working days until I am taking the next step in this risk I am making for the new year. You see, Laura and I are moving to Dallas for me to enter into ministry.

We've done the job hunting, and it seems like we keep missing the mark, but that may be changing. Laura has a chance at a pretty good job at a large women's ministry, and I am still looking for something for me.

So here we are. We are making a step without knowing that there is floor to catch us with the next step. Is this responsible? If we had kids, I would say "no", but since we don't yet, I'm not nearly as worried about it. We have taken some precautions. Our home is going on the rental market with the new year, so that should cover the big bill. Our cars are paid off and we've saved a little for the move. I'm finishing up my BA in February (finally) and moving on to Seminary in the fall. We have spent more time in prayer about these decisions than anything else I can remember other than kids, and we have peace when we think about these "risks".

That's something that I think is funny. We call these decisions "risks", but if we are following God, is there really any risk? Laura and my relationship has improved, our personal emotions have lifted, and we are truly happy. That doesn't sound like the effects of taking a risk to me. Usually, when I am coming up on a risk, I a stressed out, grumpy, and unsure of what is ahead. Now, I am happy, eager, and ready to make the leap. It seems that risking for God is not risking at all, it is doing the one thing you are built to do.

So let me encourage you. It does not matter what it is, but pray to God before taking a risk. If you are following his lead, you will feel peace. That is how to be responsible about life and your family. God will deliver you from any strife, if you follow him and give him the lead. So stop being so independent and follow God. If he has a "risk" for you, jump in with both feet and ride the wave for His glory, not for yours.

A thought from a song

I listened to Casting Crown's "While you were sleeping" on the way to work this morning. Have you heard it? If you have, you'll know what is coming, but if you haven't, check it out, it's well worth the $1.29 on ITunes.

Casting Crowns reall catches America clearly in talking about first Bethlehem and the the US. How is it that we have been shown the King, yet we still turn away from him. What other man showed his power and grace through miracles and resurrection. I look at the things that many churches focus on and wonder. Why is the greatest miracle of Jesus his own resurrection? With all of Jesus' miracles, why is this seen as the biggest?

It seems to me that it is even greater for him to have raised those who had died as he traveled from town to town. I also see his walking on water as greater. Or his feeding of 5000 with only a few loaves of bread and fish. His greatest sacrifice for man was without a doubt his torture and crucifixion, but his resurrection is held as most important. Why?

Jesus' resurrection and later his ascension to heaven proved that the things he taught were true. We see in scripture that others do "magical" things, just look at Moses and the Pharaoh's magicians. But no one raises any from the dead except for Jesus and those given the gift of resurrection by the Holy Spirit. That is why his resurrection is important. Jesus' resurrection shows that life after death is not a lie, but reality.

"While You Were Sleeping" really makes me think about the birth and resurrection of Christ. Here we see the image of Jesus being born in a barn because "there was not room in the inn." Jesus left his place at the Father's right hand to be a man. How do our lives echo Bethlehem. Do we make sure there is always room for Jesus in our lives? I know I don't always. Even as I search for work in ministry and prepare myself for Seminary, I crowd my schedule so much that I miss community group or time in the word.

Looking around America, we do much the same. How much about Christ have you seen this Christmas? I've seen plenty of Santa. I've seen tons about sales and parties, but not one nativity has been seen in my surroundings. In church and community group we've talked about him, but I haven't seen him much outside of there. This is not to say i have not felt his ever present guidance, I have, but I have not done my side of the bargain and showed him to all around me through my words and actions. In a country where it is okay to kill an unborn child but we have to "save the trees," we have to set out to keep Christ in our lives and to welcome him when he returns. Will he find a place to rest his head when he returns? I'll have a place for him, will you?

Risk...putting it to the test.

I recently read Risk by Kenny Luck and I'm trying to apply it's lessons to my life. I shouldn't really say it's lessons, as it simply reveals Jesus' lessons in a different way, but Luck did well. Now here's the kicker, God's putting me in the position where I have to apply it. Laura and I have been planning to move to Dallas so I could go to seminary after finishing my BA for some time, and we have been job hunting as well. Now as we approach 3 weeks from the move date, Laura and I have both been unable to find jobs, and we really don't know where we are going to live for long. My parents have offered up their house until we get ours leased, but i know my mother and I do better loving from a distance (our personalities are like water and oil!). So here we are moving to Dallas, with no jobs and no permanent residence. God is giving me tests, and I will survive. I know he is calling me into the fire, and all steel must be tested by fire before it is cured. I only ask for your prayers as we step out into this next chapter of life.

It's not often...

I rarely link to any one else blog, but a good friend of mine posted this piece on trust and it stood out to me.

http://thecandidpastorswife.com/

Enjoy.

PTSD Dogs...

Had a friend of mine send me an article from Yahoo about service dogs for PTSD affected veterans. All I could do is think how great an idea this is. Here's a few articles on this.

http://yhoo.it/fSi1iz

http://bit.ly/c21BK3

So the question I have is this- Would these dogs be accepted as service animals in non-military communities? I'd love to get one of these dogs to help me with my battles with PTSD, but to have one and then walk into my church or school with it might not be accepted freely. For those that know me well, you know I love dogs. I have 2 pugs, but i can't see one of them being truly effective in this role for me. I have thought about getting a mastiff for Laura, but I could look into getting that dog trained to fill this role for me. What are your thoughts?

So, I have a question...

For those of you that read this, here's a question for you. What do we need to make our churches more attractive to men? I'm watching a series called "Why men hate church" and it is talking about some big changes in church that could bring the guys in. When I look at the church of today, many of these things are done, but there are others that aren't. As far as the reason why... I don't know. So what do you think? Ladies, no offense, but this is really a question for the men, as we're the ones that are increasingly being pushed from the church due to unintended things that are done, while the attendance of women is growing.

Been doing some thinking...

After a lot of hard prayer, consideration, and downright hard work, I've decided to pass on the Tough Mudder this year. Two major points play into this decision. 1. It's January 29th, two weeks before I complete my Bachelors, and I'll have to be training (about 2hrs a day) between now and then to do it and do it right. I need to be putting that time into my studies, not this personal goal, but to the goal that benefits the family the most. 2. I'm preparing for a move at the beginning of January. between School and Work, I barely have time to move, much less train for something this intense.

So I'm going to delay for a year. Tough Mudder is a great benefit and it'll be around in 2012, and I'll be more ready for it by then. Anyone feel like getting on board for a year long training schedule with me? It will include Insanity, Running (street and broken field), Biking, and anything else I can think of...(anyone know where I can find a public obstacle course? Parkour? Any other ideas?)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! What are you thankful for today?

I am thankful for a loving family and for God's plan taking shape. Let me know what you are thankful for.

A Challenge to Men.

So... if you read my blog you know that last weekend I competed in the Warrior Dash. I could tell you about it, but if you really want to know, just look me up on facebook and check out my photos (Laura took them), or check out warriordash.com While prepping for this run I trained harder than I have since I got out of the Army, and I'm going to be pushing myself even harder over the next 2 months getting ready for the 10 miles that is Tough Mudder.

I know a lot of you are asking yourself, "What does this have to do with me?" Well, the fact that I've done this and am continuing doesn't have anything to do with you. What does have to do with you is the question, "What can I do to make myself more ready to stand up and fight on God's front line?" Every one of us has a different job in this, and each of us has the same job as well. The specifics of what God has called each of us to do is known only to you and God, but there are some generals I'd like to point out to you.

First, as men, we are given the mission to be the spiritual leader of our households. This means you need to stand up and be a man. Lead your family, not as a tyrant, but as a servant leader. Jesus led his apostles (called ones) not with an iron fist, but with loving guidance. He showed them the Word, just as you should show your family. He led them into dangerous situations and protected them through the danger. His guidance of 12 men led to you and I being able to receive his salvation and have everlasting life... don't we owe the same to our family? He knows we don't deserve it, but we know they deserve it as much or more than we do. Leading your family also means stepping out of your comfort zone, going to church, and taking on challenges that you're not sure you are ready for. If you don't, how can you expect your children or wife to.You don't like your church? Step up and take a leadership position to help it become a place that is friendly to Men.

Second, we are tasked to be the provider for our family. This has always been a rough one for me. I'm not sure how money figures into this one. Am I failing if my wife makes more than me? No. God does not tell us to be the earner, he tells us to be the provider. This means that we take the task of being the provider and giving our family what they need. Your wife can work and make more than you, but if something were to happen and she was unable to bring home that paycheck, make sure you have plans in place to replace the income or do without. Spend time ensuring that you are not in debt and that you are free of the chains of financial burden to others. Teach your family how to manage the money you have, and help them to reach their goals. Use the provision that God has given and be a steward, not a scrooge. Continue to make yourself a better leader in this area and in the spiritual realm.

Third, man is called to be the protector. Does this mean you have to have a gun? Nope. It means you have to have the plans in place to protect your family. If something happens, what do you do to protect them. What is the first thing you grab when your home catches fire? Your computer? Your car? Your family? If you said anything but family, you need to reevaluate your priorities. American men are taught from a young age it is all about our "stuff", but the Bible teaches us differently. Jesus even challenged the rich man to give everything away and follow Him. Would you? If the answer is no, you need to look at what you are holding on to. Protection is most important when we look at this from a spiritual view. There will always be things that we can not protect against, but the one thing we can protect from is Hell. If we lead our homes as God has called us, we lead our loved ones to His side, and thus to everlasting life.

Okay, so how does the Warrior Dash play into this for me? I found that I was becoming increasingly unhealthy and lazy, sitting in front of the TV, XBox, or PC all night, every night. In stepping up and dedicating myself to do a 5k and later a 10 mi run, I gave myself goals. I made a plan and I stuck to it, even with the bumps in the road. That is how it played into God's calling. I followed a plan, just as we must follow a plan that God has given us.

So here's my challenge to you, Men. This Advent, Step up and make a plan. Read the Gospel and Paul's Epistles. Look at and study what we as men are called to be. And then make a plan to do this. Not just a goal, but a written plan. You don't have to share it with anyone, just stick it in your wallet and look at it every once in a while. If you follow this plan, you will find out amazing things. Your family life will improve. You will grow in you understanding of God. You will grow in your self confidence. And you will achieve in ways you never dreamed.

Remember, the difference between a dream and a goal is a plan. So make a plan and see how deep the rabbit hole goes!

Warrior Dash... 3 Days to go...

Well, you are all aware by now that i am running my first Adventure Challenge on Saturday. I have to admit, I am starting to feel nervous. It's 3.1 miles and 11 obstacles, so why am I so nervous? I've been doing Insanity for about 2 months (though I haven't been able to keep up on month 2 and had to restart it with month 1) and I have seen remarkable change. But the difficulty remains, I haven't pushed myself to conquer something like this in more than 5 years. Do I still have what it takes? Will my friends show me up? Should I even be worried about that? I'm taking this challenge because I don't know what my limits are. I have pushed myself before, but I never reached my limit. Basic training, Air Assault, Sapper Leader Course, Expert Field Medic, Iraq, Eagle Scout, the list goes on and on. Why am I worried about this showing me my limit? Age and wisdom perhaps? I read somewhere that the male frontal lobe develops around the age of 25. That's the area of the brain that directs self preservation. Is this little tinge of fear from that? I don't know. I could rely on the often quoted scripture, "I can do everything through him who gives me strength,(Phil 4:13,NIV)" but does that apply here? Paul used it to talk about withstanding suffering, and while I know my body will suffer as I push myself to new highs, I don't feel like it is the same. I'll just rely on the tried and true to survive this, prayer.

Lord, I worship you and know that you are the most high. I ask that you would give me peace and dedication as I seek to give you glory through my efforts this weekend. Let me carry your name with me as I run and help me to give others help and fellowship as we conquer these obstacles together. In your son's name I pray. Amen.

Warrior Dash... Warrior Spirit... God's Special Forces

What is it that God wants out of me? Does he want me to be 10 foot tall and bulletproof? No, he would have made me that way if he did. Does he want me to be a business or political leader? No, he'd have groomed me for that. Does he want me to be a special forces soldier? Kind of. Let me give some background on this.

I've been reading "Risk" by Kenny Luck. It about giving your life over to God. What is it that make a special operations soldier great? Its his willingness to put his job before anything else. Is he the fittest in the military? Nope, probably not. Is he the smartest in the military? Maybe, but that's not what got him his job. What got him where he is was his willingness to sacrifice and to die if necessary for the cause. So what does God want from his warriors?

God wants our 100% dedication to his cause. 25% doesn't work. 50% doesn't work. Even 75% isn't enough. He wants 100%. So what does this mean? It means different things to different men. The key is that everything you do must be done for God's glory. You have to get out and spread the Word.

What am I doing to be a member of God's Special Forces? Over the last year I have made huge changes in my life. I have taken my life in a new direction. I was going to school for theatre and planning on opening a Haunted House. Now I am finishing up a BA in Christian Studies, setting my sights on Seminary and feel called to Men's ministry. Along with this, I am getting back in shape. I have started Insanity, an intense cardio training program, and I am going to be running the Warrior Dash in November. I spend daily time in the Word and I invest in friends, family, and coworkers, even when they are resistant to it. God is a daily part of my life, and my life shows it. My wife and I are happier than we have ever been before. We are succeeding even when we don't know what we are doing.

So, living a life as a soldier in God's Special Forces isn't about getting out and starting am ministry. It's about making your life a ministry. Get out and make people ask you what it is about your life that is so great, and tell them. God gives us all skills that he uses for a special duty, and God uses you for those things he had prepared you for. Stop doubting him and go out and do his work.

Week one did this... What's week 2 got in store for me?

So, last week I did the whole weeks Insanity work outs and then decided to try on an old pair of jeans, don't ask me why, I just did. And lo and behold, I was able to fit into a pair of 36s. I haven't worn these in about 6 months, and I was a mazed to find that i not only could get them on, but they fit comfortably. That's saying something since I've been in 38s for about that long. Well, I don't think i could get better motivation than that. Who knows maybe I'll make it back to my 32s that have been in a box since 2005! Day 8, Here I come!!!!

Day 4... Am I Insane?

So there I was ready to get my cardio killed again with day 4, and look, it's recovery. My muscles still got a workout, but I wasn't getting ready to fall over from the high heart rate yesterday. After I was done, I went and cleaned up and then tried some jeans on that I haven't worn in a while (they were too tight) and now they fit perfectly! I have a hard time believeing that in 4 days i lost 2 inches, but I can't deny the fact that these jeans fit great now...


So now I am eager for Day 5 tonight, though I have heard it's the hardest one yet. Its still worth it. Gonna smoke myself silly to get the results I am looking for. Are you with me?

So day 2 is complete... and I was oh so relieved when it ended. I'm working on getting my form right, but my coordination leaves something to be desired. My thighs are still sore from it and I felt like I was going to fall over during it. I actually had to sit out for 2 of the exercises because my heart rate was too high (close to 190). I watched closely during those so I could get an idea of how they were done. I look forward to today, but even more to the recovery day tomorrow. I keep wondering if Shaun T has Army in his background, that medical tat on his arm sure looks like a meddac tat. Anyways, I'm going strong and will keep rolling. INSANITY!!!!!!

Day 1 Complete, Day 2 coming fast!

So I did the first day of Insanity: Dig Deeper and Fit Test. I felt like I was going to fall out. There were points when Shawn T was yelling to push it harder and I couldn't even get off my hands and knees. My results are better than i thought they would be, but I'm going to have to push harder and dig deeper today. one thing has changed for me though. I feel able. Yesterday I was worried I would not be able to finish the test, but today, I know I can do this. I feel more alive and more awake. I feel my muscles ready to go again. No pain. That is the biggest thing for me. I don't feel pain today. How can that be? Shawn drove me to muscle failure on the push-up jacks and the plank obliques, but I'm not in pain today. I'm eating better (though I'm not eating quite right yet) and I got great sleep last night (even with the dog waking me up for water and to go out!)

I am convinced that each day is going to be better. I'm going to push further and dig deeper. I will reach targets that I never reached in the Army and then go farther.

One interesting thing is that the last day is actually going to be postponed 1 day. I will be competing in the Warrior Dash here in Austin on November 20th. I'm going to put the fit test off until Monday (or maybe Sunday) while I compete in this run. I feel like this program is going to make me able to push myself through the 3.2 miles and 11 obstacles in 35 minutes or less, 10 minutes faster than I had originally set me goal.

In all things, I give God the glory. It is because of him that I am doing this and because of him that I can compete. Thank's to God that I have the strength and I ask him for the perseverance to push further, faster, and harder than I ever have before.

Insanity! Am I insane?

So, I'm starting insanity today (Actually yesterday 9/20). Am I crazy? This is going to be the hardest thing I have done since I left the Army... What can I do to keep myself going? What is this going to take? Do I have it in me?

Yes! I can and will do this. I want to be the guy that my future kids look at and want to be like. I want to be able to take my shirt off at the beach and not be ashamed. I will push myself to do what needs to be done to reach this goal.

I will start every day's workout with a prayer of thanks and for protection. I will push myself to perform better than the day before and not give up on any workout, anytime. I will complete this program and continue after with more exercise programs to strengthen myself, mind, body, and soul.

Warrior Dash

So it's official, I've signed up to run the Warrior Dash on November 20th down here in Austin. I'm running at 2:30 if anyone wants to join me and do the wild and crazy obstacles to share a beer with me afterwards. I'm running with a few from Crossroads and trying to recruit more.
So now here's the question. I'm planning on running painted up like a Celtic Warrior wearing a kilt. Think of Braveheart but my whole body will be blue. What I'm trying to figure out is how I can be a good steward of God's message while i run this race/challenge/dash/whatever. I could wear the cross necklace I have that's made out of nails, but that could be uncomfortable if it gets cockeyed during the wall climb or the mud crawl... so probably not. Anyone have any ideas that I could use to have fun and show that God's children can have just as much fun as unbelievers without going against his teachings? I figure that this could be a good opportunity to reach out to those that may not get reached out to.
Anyways, for those that want to see me do this, or those who want to join me, check out the Central Texas Warrior dash at warriordash.com

PTSD and the Church

As a sufferer of PTSD I have a unique outlook to see a problem coming before the Church. PTSD is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. In the past is was called combat fatigue, shell shock, and many other things; even being mislabeled as readjustment disorder in recent years. In layman’s terms, it is a natural reaction to extreme stress events which cause a physiological shift in how the brain functions. There is much more to it than this, but for this purpose, my definition will suffice.

First I’m going to give a little background about me and my PTSD to give a little understanding to you. I’m a 30 year old Christian man who, despite being raised in the church, came to Christ at the age of 23, about 5 months before deploying to Iraq in February of 2003. After returning in February of 2004, I had a series of bad events that left me back in my parents’ home at the age of 26, broke, and feeling helpless. I had turned away from God, as I could not understand how he allowed friends to die in Iraq, or put me in a position to fire my weapon and another man. How could he let me feel the guilt and pain that riddled me daily?

My parents took me to church with them and took me to the VA. The VA helped me by getting me into counseling for PTSD and getting me on some meds to regulate the chemicals that had gotten out of whack. But Christ gave me so much more. Reading the word again and spending time in prayer showed me that the bad thing I had experienced were not caused by his lack of love, but because he loves us so much that he will not take away our free will. This includes allowing bad things to happen while Satan has dominion of the Earth. In October of 2006 I met an amazing woman. She was attending seminary and opened my eyes up even further. She helped me understand things I had not before, and she gave me love freely, with no expectations. Laura and I were married a year later in November of 2007.

“What does this have to do with the Church?” you ask. Simple, Thousands upon thousands of soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen battle these same issues every day. These are the young, the old, and the in between. From Vietnam to Panama, from Afghanistan to Iraq, these brave men and women have risked their lives for the country we believe in. We are not loved by our country though. In many cases we are hated. The Westboro Baptist Church drives servicemen away from God with every sign held high in protest. Every time a uniform is defaced in protest of the war or a soldier sees his flag burned, he loses a little of his love for the people who would disrespect his sacrifice. We as the Church, the body of Christ, need to change this.

Another thing we (PTSD sufferers) face is a feeling of despair brought on by the chemical imbalances. This becomes more manageable with treatment, but it still comes at times. While not as severe as back in the early days after returning from the war, I still have periods where I want nothing to do with anyone or anything, not even God. I have Laura to help me, but many soldiers don’t have anyone. The leading preventable cause of death in the military today is suicide. One major cause of this is the feeling of immense despair I am talking about. Think about this in a different way, if you are sure that you are worthless and a failure, that God doesn’t love you or doesn’t exist, and that all the world has to offer you is suffering; what reason do you have to continue living? I am definitely not trying to justify these thoughts, only trying to help you understand, and I can only do that because I have not felt these feelings in many years. With treatment, these feelings do go away, and with support they can be completely avoided. That’s where the Church comes in.

The Church is Christ’s tool on Earth. It is his hands and arms. By welcoming one in, we help that body to grow and we help one more to know His love. Sound good so far? But what does it take to do this? Investment. You have to go forth and invest your life in those around you. I can almost guarantee that everyone reading this knows at least one soldier, though you may not know much about him or her. Try starting with a dinner, servicemen love to eat, trust me on that one, and once you get food in us we talk more (might not be good to feed me much, since I already talk too much, but most others you’re safe on). Pay attention to what they are talking about. Above all, do not bring up the war. If we want to talk about it, we do. If we don’t, we still respect you enough to answer questions (it’s in our training). So leave that off for now. (By the way , a huge number of soldiers do not have PTSD to any degree, and even fewer have truly debilitating PTSD, but even so, bringing one more into the Church is a good thing, right?) Learn about us and then build on what we say with stories of your own. Share pieces of Jesus’ teaching when you can, but don’t preach. Basically, be our friends. It does not matter if you served. It does not matter what you think of the war (though if you are against it, you still need to show us that you are thankful for our willingness to die for you if we are called to). It doesn’t even matter if we’re the same age or demographic. Some of the people I am closest to are people I have met since returning from Iraq, and they simply stepped up and showed me His love. I have friends twice my age because of this, and I have many differences with them, but they showed me his love and that earned them a spot in my heart forever.

The other thing we have to do is accept. PTSD can lead to short tempers, to apathy, to depression, and to emotional outbursts with mood swings. We have to expect and accept these. They are part of the person now.With treatment, the sufferer will learn to control these things, but it's going to take time. Remember, they are having to relearn things since their brain works a little differently now.

Oh, and PTSD is not limited to combat veterans. Often, we see PTSD symptoms in rape, assault, and sexual abuse patients. Any psychologically traumatic event can cause PTSD.