Trig-mata: Cultural Triggers Out of Control

 This is the core article on Trig-matas: what they are and why we need to stop allowing them to deal with us...

The term trig-mata is a fusion of "trigger" and "stigma." It refers to a culturally reinforced stigma that has become so deeply internalized that it acts as an emotional trigger, causing an automatic and often subconscious conditioned response.

While we have words for "trigger" (an emotional reaction to an event) and "stigma" (a cultural belief that something is shameful), a single term for the phenomenon that happens when one causes the other has been lacking. The term "trig-mata" does this work.

It forces me to acknowledge a specific relationship: the way a cultural stigma becomes so deeply internalized that it acts as a a direct and immediate emotional trigger. This distinction is incredibly useful because it helps me to:

• Move Beyond Blame. When I feel a triggered reaction, I often blame the external event or myself. Recognizing it as a trig-mata allows me to see the cultural roots of my emotional response, which can foster a more compassionate and nonjudgmental perspective.
• Create a Concrete "Battle Plan." It's one thing to say, "I'm triggered by failure." It's another to say, "I have a failure trig-mata." The latter statement gives a specific, nameable target to address. It allows me to build a conscious strategy to interrupt the automatic response and replace it with a more intentional one.
• Reclaim My Power. Ultimately, this is about reclaiming power. By giving a name to this confusing and often frustrating cycle of shame and reaction, I can begin to deconstruct it. It's not just a descriptive term; it's a tool for self-awareness and healing.

"Trig-Mata" and the Christian Life

A trig-mata is an excellent way to describe how the flesh, a biblical term for our sinful nature, operates. It's a conditioned, automatic response that bypasses our rational mind and Spirit-led intentions. It's the "I know what I should do, but I do the opposite" that Paul lamented in Romans 7.

A trig-mata is also a direct consequence of the Fall. It's a sign that our emotional and psychological systems are corrupted and no longer function as God originally intended. We are born into a world where failure is shamed and vulnerability is viewed as weakness, and our minds are conditioned to respond accordingly. A trig-mata is a symptom of a fallen world acting upon a fallen human nature.

Social Media's Role in Spreading Trig-Mata

If trig-matas thrive in cultural stigmas, then social media is their perfect breeding ground. These platforms are designed to amplify cultural ideals and create environments of constant comparison, which acts as a force multiplier for every trig-mata in my life. The curated and often deceptive nature of online life makes it incredibly easy for these lies to take root and flourish.

Common Examples of "Trig-Mata"

• The "Angry" Trig-Mata. This is rooted in the cultural stigma that anger is a negative, destructive, and even sinful emotion. When I feel angry, this trig-mata can trigger an automatic response to suppress my feelings or, conversely, to lash out without regard for the consequences. It bypasses the rational knowledge that anger can be a vital signal for injustice and a powerful tool for positive change when channeled correctly.
• The "Busyness" Trig-Mata. This is the stigma that if I'm not constantly busy, I'm lazy or unimportant. It's often triggered by a moment of free time, causing a frantic need to fill my schedule and leading to burnout. This trig-mata bypasses the simple fact that rest and downtime are essential for my health and well-being.
• The "Comparison" Trig-Mata. This is a modern trig-mata rooted in the constant, curated highlight reels of social media. The stigma is that my life isn't as good as others'. It is triggered by scrolling through social feeds, causing automatic feelings of envy, discontent, and inadequacy. This trig-mata bypasses the rational understanding that what I see online is a small, carefully selected snapshot of another person’s reality, not the full picture.
• The "Failure" Trig-Mata. This is rooted in the cultural stigma that failure is a sign of personal inadequacy. When I fall short of an expectation, this trig-mata can fire, triggering intense anxiety, a complete shutdown, or a defensive reaction to deflect blame. It bypasses the rational thought that failure is often a key part of the learning process.
• The "Inadequacy" Trig-Mata. This is the stigma of not being "good enough." It's triggered by a challenging new task or by comparing myself to others. It can cause a deep feeling of imposter syndrome and a fear of taking risks, bypassing the rational knowledge that no one is perfect and everyone starts somewhere.
• The "People-Pleaser" Trig-Mata. This is based on the stigma that saying "no" is rude or selfish. When a request from someone is made, this trig-mata can trigger an automatic response to agree, regardless of my own needs. It bypasses my rational ability to set healthy boundaries.
• The "Validation" Trig-Mata. This is another social-media-driven trig-mata. It's rooted in the stigma that my self-worth is tied to public approval (likes, comments, shares). It is triggered by posting content, causing a compulsive need to check for external validation and a fear of being ignored. This trig-mata bypasses the truth that my identity and worth are not defined by others' opinions, but by my identity in Christ.
• The "Vulnerability" Trig-Mata. This is tied to the stigma that expressing emotional vulnerability or asking for help is a sign of weakness. When I feel a need for support, this trig-mata can trigger an automatic defensive reaction, causing me to hide my struggles and push people away, bypassing my need for connection.

The Redemptive Process: From Trig-Mata to Wholeness

The purpose of recognizing a trig-mata isn't simply to diagnose a problem, but to enter into a redemptive process of healing and restoration. Once a trig-mata has been exposed and brought out of the darkness, the real work begins. This is where I engage in the hard work of finding the root of the lie and tracing it back to its source. The Holy Spirit then enables the process of healing and helps me replace a conditioned, automatic response with a spirit-led, intentional one. This redemptive work applies to every part of our being, including our emotions. For example, the goal isn't to stop feeling angry. It's to sanctify the emotion, to direct it toward what grieves the heart of God—injustice, oppression, and evil—and away from what grieves our own pride or desires. In this way, anger becomes a fuel for prayer and a catalyst for action that aligns with God's will. This journey of redemption is where we find a true sense of freedom, replacing the bondage of automatic responses with the liberating power of a life guided by the Spirit.

The Spiritual Warfare Component

In the context of spiritual warfare, a trig-mata isn't just a psychological issue; it's a key tactic used by the enemy to keep us in bondage. The Bible defines strongholds as patterns of thinking that hold us captive, keeping us from the truth of God (2Corinthians 10:4).

A trig-mata provides the perfect camouflage. For example, if I have a "busyness" trig-mata, I don't see it as a spiritual stronghold of anxiety or pride. I see it as "just how I'm wired," a harmless personality quirk that keeps me productive. This prevents me from identifying the root cause and fighting the battle where it's actually happening.

This is why this project is so important. When I give a name to this pattern—when I call it a trig-mata—I expose it for what it is. I bring it out from its hiding place. The very act of naming it and taking it to the Lord is a direct act of spiritual warfare, as it allows me to take that thought captive and bring it into obedience to Christ (2Corinthians 10:5).

This realization completely changes the nature of the fight. It's not just about managing a bad habit; it's about tearing down a stronghold and walking in the freedom God intended.

The Role of a "Spiritually Safe Person"

While the redemptive work of identifying and healing a trig-mata is deeply personal, it's not meant to be done in isolation. Trig-matas are inherently armored in self-deception and nearly invisible without the help of another. This is where a Soul Care Coach, or another "Spiritually Safe person," becomes a crucial part of the journey.

The soul care coaching model offers a profound alternative rooted in spiritual transformation. Here, the bond is not transactional but transformational. The coach and coachee are spiritual companions on a journey, and the relationship is deeply integrated and person-centered. The Soul Care coach is a "Spiritually Safe person," a trusted individual who provides a secure, non-judgmental environment for the client to explore their deepest thoughts, emotions, and spiritual struggles. Their authority comes from the authenticity of their own spiritual journey and their ability to be a guide for someone else's. This is a role that moves from giving advice to asking empowering questions and a willingness to be vulnerable. As the Bible says, "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12).

The core of the soul care coaching model is the emphasis on the Holy Spirit as the true source of wisdom and healing. The coach does not see themselves as the primary agent of change, but rather as a facilitator for the work that God is already doing in the client's life. The coaching sessions become a divine partnership where both coach and client listen for the Holy Spirit's guidance. This reliance on divine power removes the burden from both the coach and the client to have all the answers. The model acknowledges that genuine, lasting transformation is not a matter of human effort alone but a divine work of grace.

The Crucial Role of a Soul Care Coach

Based on the nature of trig-matas, a Soul Care Coach, or other spiritually safe person, may play part of the healing process. They serve as a vital guide in several key ways:

• Exposing the Deception: Because trig-matas present as "just how I am," a Spiritually Safe person provides the trusted, external perspective needed to expose them. They can ask the clarifying questions that are difficult to ask yourself, piercing through the self-deception that keeps the trig-mata hidden.
• Creating a Safe Space: The Soul Care Coaching Model is rooted in a secure, non-judgmental environment. This is vital, as acknowledging a trig-mata often requires confronting deep-seated shame and pain. The coach's role is to provide a safe space where one can explore struggles without fear of judgment.
• Facilitating Spiritual Work: The coach is a "facilitator for the work that God is already doing." When we hit the emotional pain point of a trig-mata, the coach can help me listen for the Holy Spirit's guidance and stay committed to the redemptive process of healing.

In short, a Soul Care Coach acts as a spiritual companion and guide who can help me see the invisible lies and provide the support needed to do the hard, transformative work of finding the root and replacing a conditioned response with a Spirit-led, God honoring one.

If you think you're dealing with a trig-mata, if you want to explore how you can help someone else overcome one, or maybe you just want a spiritually safe person to talk to, schedule a Google Meet or phone call at Schedule with MochaMike or email me at Mocha@After1.Life .

Other articles in the Trig-mata series: 

Is My Anger a Gift? How I'm Learning to Use It for Good

Is My Anger a Gift? How I'm Learning to Use It for Good

Exposing My Anger Trig-Mata. 

It's a thing. Trig-matas. Click to the link and check it out, but it's a real condition, and a lot more present than we'd like. In short, it feels like culture is just "in my head" way too much, and it's out of control. So I get angry, but they tell me to either shut up about it or just let it go, but that just doesn't feel right...

I’ve often been taught that anger is a negative emotion to be suppressed or avoided. Yet, what if anger isn’t always destructive? What if it's a vital signal that injustice exists, and what if its fire can be harnessed to propel me toward constructive change? This document explores how I am learning to understand and channel what the Bible calls "righteous anger," transforming a volatile emotion into a powerful tool for my own personal growth, a deeper prayer life, and a more loving response to conflict.

Trigger warning: I know its a long Psalm and it’s rather raw, so proceed with caution - you may have to back away and come back after a few deep breaths. Or feel free to skip past it - but try to tough it out; I promise you, it's worth it!

The Foundation: Psalm 109

My God, whom I praise,
do not remain silent,
for people who are wicked and deceitful
have opened their mouths against me;
they have spoken against me with lying tongues.
With words of hatred they surround me;
they attack me without cause.
In return for my friendship they accuse me,
but I am a man of prayer.
They repay me evil for good,
and hatred for my friendship.

Appoint someone evil to oppose my enemy;
let an accuser stand at his right hand.
When he is tried, let him be found guilty,
and may his prayers condemn him.
May his days be few;
may another take his place of leadership.
May his children be fatherless
and his wife a widow.
May his children be wandering beggars;
may they be driven from their ruined homes.
May a creditor seize all he has;
may strangers plunder his hard-earned toil.
May there be no one to extend kindness to him
or to take pity on his fatherless children.
May his descendants be cut off,
their names blotted out from the next generation.
May the iniquity of his ancestors be remembered by the Lord;
may the sin of his mother never be blotted out.
May their sins always remain before the Lord,
that he may blot out their names from the earth.

For he never thought of doing a kindness,
but hounded to death the poor and the needy
and the brokenhearted.
He loved to pronounce a curse—
may it be on him;
he found no pleasure in blessing—
may it be far from him.
He wore cursing as a garment;
it entered his body like water,
into his bones like oil.
May it be like a cloak wrapped around him,
like a belt tied forever around him.
May this be the Lord’s payment to my accusers,
to those who speak evil of me.

But you, Sovereign Lord,
help me for your name’s sake;
out of the goodness of your love, deliver me.
For I am poor and needy,
and my heart is wounded within me.
I fade away like an evening shadow;
I am shaken off like a locust.
My knees give way from fasting;
my body is thin and gaunt.
I am an object of scorn to my accusers;
when they see me, they shake their heads.

Help me, Lord my God;
save me in your unfailing love.
Let them know that it is your hand,
that you, Lord, have done it.
They may curse, but you will bless;
when they attack, they will be put to shame,
but your servant will rejoice.
My accusers will be clothed with disgrace
and wrapped in shame as in a cloak.

With my mouth I will greatly extol the Lord;
in the great throng I will praise him.
For he stands at the right hand of the needy,
to save their lives from those who condemn them.

-a Psalm of David

My Permission to Be Real: The Imprecatory Psalms

As I read Psalm 109, I see that David did not hold back. This psalm, and others like it, are called imprecatory psalms because they are raw, unfiltered expressions of anger, frustration, and a desire for justice. They show a level of emotion that is often uncomfortable for me to read, and yet I see myself in them.

This intense honesty is the core of what I am learning it means to truly "cast all of my cares upon the Lord" (1Peter5:7). It's not about politely presenting my problems; it's about pouring out the full depth of my emotions, including the anger I feel when I've been wronged. In doing so, I am not acting on that anger myself, but rather trusting that God, who is just and righteous, will handle the situation on my behalf. It's a profound act of faith to surrender my right to vengeance and place it entirely in His hands.

Why I've Been So Afraid of Anger

I've noticed in my own life that many times, I become aware of a situation that requires a response, but I actively choose not to engage. This reluctance comes from a desire to avoid conflict and maintain a sense of ease or some other resemblance of peace. It can be a deep-seated reaction rooted in a number of factors:

• Aversion to Conflict. I am afraid of how others will react to my anger. Will they become angry, defensive, or turn against me? Will my truth be dismissed or denied? The process of a difficult conversation or confrontation is inherently uncomfortable, and it's often easier to ignore the issue and hope it will resolve itself, allowing me to stay in a comfortable, albeit passive, state.
• Fear of My Own Inadequacy. I lack confidence in my ability to articulate my thoughts without saying something destructive. I worry about losing my temper or mishandling the situation, which can lead to regret. I am also afraid of what the "light" reveals. The "fire of anger," as I've noted, gives me light to see things more clearly. Sometimes that light reveals truths I don't want to confront—either about myself, the other person, or the painful nature of a situation. The energy it provides for transformation can feel daunting because it demands hard work and change.
• The Cultural Contradiction of Anger. I have been taught by my culture and upbringing to view anger as a negative, destructive, and even sinful emotion. This social stigma has created a psychological trigger for me. Whenever I feel anger, my first instinct is to suppress it, because I've been conditioned to believe it's unacceptable and a sign of personal failure. This makes it difficult to even acknowledge its presence, much less use it constructively.
• Trig-matized. On the other hand, I'm also told it's okay to "let it all out" and "not hold it in," without regard for who gets hurt. This creates a conflicting message. I'm told to suppress anger for fear of hurting someone, but also that expressing it is a sign of authenticity. The danger here is that this glorification of unbridled emotion can become a "trig-matized" response—a culturally reinforced trigger that leads to lashing out without regard for the damage it causes. This can make me afraid of my own capacity for destruction when I am angry, and it can also make me feel justified in acting on it when I know I shouldn't.

For these reasons, the first step is often the most difficult: allowing myself to truly feel the anger and using it as a signal that something is wrong, instead of suppressing it.

The Surprising Revelation in My Woundedness

I’m realizing that God’s primary desire is not just to correct a situation, but to deal with me first. This is vividly reflected in Psalm 109. After David pours out his initial torrent of anger and a desire for vengeance, he reaches a pivot point: “Help me, Lord my God; save me in your unfailing love. For I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me.”

In the midst of pouring out my heart, I come face-to-face with the deeper reality of my own internal pain. My anger, like a searing light, illuminates not just the injustice done to me but also the un-beautiful truths and vulnerabilities within myself. It is in this moment of radical honesty that the true work of transformation begins. I find that the fire of anger not only exposes the external problem but also provides the energy to confront my own internal wounds. It is the necessary, if uncomfortable, first step toward wholeness and peace.

How I'm Applying These Principles

My recent experience highlights a powerful process for using anger constructively. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of that process, designed to be a useful reference for myself (you may find it handy to make changes to these steps for yourself, but DO have a battle plan for recognizing and dealing with anger…):

Step 1: Acknowledge the Constructive Potential of My Anger.

• I need to recognize anger as a "fiery emotion" that, when properly channeled, can be a source of energy for transformation.
• I see it as a tool that can provide "light to see by," revealing personal areas of passivity or injustice that need to be addressed in my life.

Step 2: Practice Strategic Withdrawal and Self-Control.

• In moments of intense emotion, I need to prioritize withdrawing from the situation to prevent destructive words or actions.
• This act of self-control is a form of wisdom that creates the necessary space for a more productive response.

Step 3: Redirect My Anger to Honest Prayer and Scripture.

• I will allow the passion from my anger to propel me into a place of honest, direct prayer. I will ask God, "Why?"
• I will do so with ALL OF THE AUTHENTIC EMOTION within me. If I have to go somewhere and yell and scream it out (away from others), I need to do so KNOWING that this act of outward authenticity will give me clarity with what God already sees. Because, sometimes, just gently asking God, “Why?” isn’t enough.
• I will engage with scripture and meditation to seek divine guidance. This discipline is essential for shifting from a reactive state to a receptive one.

Step 4: Receive Clarity and Execute God's Will.

• Through this process of prayer and study, God will provide clarity and reveal His will for the situation, even if it's contrary to my initial feelings.
• The goal is to apply this knowledge and "execute this piece of knowledge" by acting in accordance with divine will, even when it's difficult.

From Anger to Action

The journey from righteous anger to purposeful action allows me to move past what I was hoping to ignore. It transforms a painful emotion into a powerful catalyst for personal growth. By persevering in prayer, I can allow my passions to guide me toward a correct spiritual posture, becoming a more effective vessel.

It's a difficult path, but it’s a journey worth taking. I believe that my anger, when surrendered to God, is not a problem to be solved, but a gift to be opened. If this resonates with you, I encourage you to begin your own journey. Don't be afraid to acknowledge the fire within you. Bring it into your space, find clarity, and watch as it guides you to a place of wholeness.

If you think you're dealing with anger or any type of trig-mata or emotional challenge, if you want to explore how you can help someone else overcome one, or maybe you just want a spiritually safe person to talk to, schedule a Google Meet or phone call at Schedule with MochaMike or email me at Mocha@After1.Life .

Other articles in the Trig-mata series: 

Trig-mata: Cultural Triggers Out Of Control

The Power of Parables: A Thematic View

In our study of the Bible, we often encounter the parables of Jesus as individual, self-contained lessons. While each story holds profound wisdom on its own, a richer and more complete understanding emerges when we view them as a cohesive whole, an interconnected tapestry of truth. This document, the first of a two-part entry, explores how these parables were designed not just to convey simple moral lessons, but to reveal the complex, layered narrative of God’s Kingdom.

The true power of the parables lies in their ability to teach on multiple levels. They were designed to engage the hearts of listeners while also concealing deeper truths from those who were not ready to receive them. In this first part, we will analyze a curated list of parables through a singular framework: spiritual cultivation and the active role of the laborer. This approach, which we've developed together, shows that when we look at scripture with a unifying lens, we uncover a story far greater than the sum of its parts.

Through this lens, the parables cease to be isolated stories and instead become a single, powerful narrative about divine grace, human effort, and the inevitable harvest. The following list is the foundation for our exploration.

Here is a curated list of parables related to spiritual cultivation. Take a look at their titles and summaries, and then read the assignment at the end.

Parables Of Primary Focus

The Parable of the Growing Seed

• Location: Mark 4:26-29
• Summary: The kingdom of God grows on its own, not solely because of human effort, showing a mysterious, inherent power of growth.

The Parable of the Sower

• Location: Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23; Mark 4:3-9, 14-20; Luke 8:5-8, 11-15
• Summary: A sower casts seeds on various types of soil, representing different responses to the Word of God, with only one type producing a bountiful harvest.

Parables Of Related Importance

The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree

• Location: Luke 13:6-9
• Summary: A vinedresser pleads for one more year to cultivate a fig tree that has not borne fruit, illustrating God's patience and long-suffering.

The Parable of the Fig Tree

• Location: Matthew 24:32-35; Mark 13:28-31; Luke 21:29-33
• Summary: Jesus uses the budding fig tree as a sign of the approaching summer, instructing followers to recognize the signs of his return.

The Parable of the Hidden Treasure

• Location: Matthew 13:44
• Summary: A man finds a hidden treasure in a field and, out of joy, sells all he has to buy that field, showing the supreme value of the Kingdom of Heaven.

The Parable of the Leaven

• Location: Matthew 13:33; Luke 13:20-21
• Summary: A woman mixes leaven into flour, which gradually works its way through the entire dough, representing the pervasive, transformative power of the Kingdom of Heaven.

The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price

• Location: Matthew 13:45-46
• Summary: A merchant finds a pearl of such high value that he sells all his possessions to acquire it, illustrating the great worth of the Kingdom of Heaven.

The Parable of the Two Sons

• Location: Matthew 21:28-32
• Summary: Two sons are asked to work in a vineyard; one agrees but doesn't go, while the other initially refuses but later obeys, showing that actions matter more than words.

The Parable of the Weeds

• Location: Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
• Summary: A man's field is secretly sown with weeds by an enemy. The master lets both grow together until the harvest, when they will be separated, illustrating the coexistence of good and evil until a final judgment.

The Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers

• Location: Matthew 21:33-46; Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-19
• Summary: Tenants of a vineyard kill the master's servants and eventually his son, an allegory for the rejection of God's prophets and his own Son.

Assignment: Unpacking the Parables

Based on our framework of "spiritual cultivation," please complete the following assignment.

Instructions:

• Read one parable from the "Of Primary Focus" section and two parables from the "Of Related Importance" section. 
• Please read ALL of the scriptures for the parable that you choose. 
• Make sure that at least ONE of the parables you choose has a total of at least 5 verses.
• For each of the three parables you choose, provide a brief written perspective on its meaning.
• Your perspective should connect the parable's message to the core themes of spiritual cultivation, labor, and divine patience that we have explored in this document.

Conclusion of Part 1

This concludes Part 1 of our study. In Part 2, we will continue our analysis by exploring the integrated meanings of these parables to deepen our understanding of these powerful, interconnected teachings.