Bring Light to Your Shadows

    Traveling to Greece has been remarkable as visiting Europe was on my bucket list. I've learned about Greek history, Christian history, and the healing power of beach days all in one trip. Initially, I didn't expect any spiritual challenges or lessons because the purpose of this journey is academic, but God is good, and always finds a way to communicate love to his children. Today, I visited a chapel and encountered God in a way that sealed the message he was sending me as I could feel the spirit of tenderness all around. He simply said, "stop hiding from me," and freedom enveloped me.

    Human nature falls prey to shame easily. Adam and Eve prove this in Genesis when they hide in shame after sin. The beauty in that story is that our all-knowing God knew they sinned, yet still called to them and wanted to see them. He was not afraid to confront their mistake and address their feelings about each other. This story highlights the importance of acknowledging what we are afraid of in ourselves. We are imperfect; there will always be something we are working on or embarrassed about. Maybe we are hiding trauma that feels too scary to touch, but we are also holding ourselves back from the freedom that comes when you write your story instead of shame.

    You are not bad. When you sin, when you fear, or when you hurt someone, it does not make you bad. You are a human that is learning and healing. You deserve freedom over shame, and to have control over your narrative in a way that benefits you. Feelings that are left unaddressed and under the surface can grow into something we do not like, but we have the power to manage them well when we address them and channel them into something better. 

    Quite a few of my inner child wounds had been triggered on this trip, and I found freedom by choosing to share my feelings with someone, and think through the healthiest decision for me. God gave me an opportunity to rewrite my story through this trip, and for that, I'm forever grateful. Whether you share with God, family, or a close community, you must bring light to your shadows.

   

    This picture depicts a small portion of the chapel I visited that is covered in paintings from the Bible, and the place where God spoke to me today. My challenge for those reading is to consider: what do you fear most about who you are? When you think of yourself, what aspects bring you shame and embarrassment? Remember that the answers don't define you and your worth, and should be explored without judgment. Lastly, what do you like about yourself? What is good about you?

Thank you for reading,

-Alexyanna