May we work to face the darkness that prevents us from shining bright in His sight

The Gift of Embracing Your Shadow

Kundtz writes, “Both good and evil are in all our hearts. Only when I can acknowledge all parts of me can I move from childhood to maturity, from isolation to community, and from running and covering to peace and equanimity.” The topic of discussion today focuses on our shadow. According to psychologist Carl Jung, a shadow is “an archetype, or a pattern of perception, that we all hold in our consciousness. It refers to that secret and often negative and fearful part of ourselves that we generally like to keep hidden or pretend doesn't exist.” However, Jung worked to identify the shadow as a positive force and a means to self-understanding. It is important for us to ensure we face our shadow, for they reveal things that prevent us from being our best selves. As the theme from Kundtz continues, stopping allows us to take time to confront our shadow and what lurks within it. The Oxford dictionary defines a shadow as a dark area produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface. The dark side of us comes about as we work to walk as if all is well, working to shield ourselves from literally facing what lurks behind and within us. May we each take time to stop, and confess, whether to ourselves or to someone else, the darkness—unhappiness, evil, distress—that we’ve held onto, so that we can reveal to heal, shining more light as a result.

Psalm 63:7 reads, “For you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I sing for joy.”

Let us face our shadow and allow ourselves to walk in our Father’s for He is shelter and protection that restores and brings joy.

Small Straws Scripture: Psalm 46:10

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

Each time we feel the need in our Spirit, let us stop, and allow God to be with us and speak to us in the stillness, for He knows what’s best and will help us handle what’s next.

Youversion Verse of the Day: Luke 9:23-24

Then he said to them all, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it.

Each day, let us turn to Christ and let go of what keeps us in the dark to share the light He provides to us.

May we work to face the darkness that prevents us from shining bright in His sight, my friend.🙏🏽💚🦋🌈‭‭