Finding God in our Feelings: Facing Shame

"We look forward to this summer’s blockbuster movies, particularly with heroes fighting for good. We love heroes who confront and vanquish evil, face darkness whatever that darkness may be, and have courage to persevere and live into their mission and destiny. We also are inspired by news of regular people doing courageous things, like standing in the gap for someone or going the extra mile, sometimes at personal sacrifice to face a challenge, address an evil or injustice, and live into the heroic lives God intends for each of us. Like the heroes of our stories and even real-life heroes, we also must face the darkness that can invade our lives, especially when that darkness is within. Darkness within, if left unaddressed, can lead to lives of quiet desperation, depression, and defeat, robbing us from living fully into our God designed destiny. As we look at challenging feelings, we have to be willing to go within and face areas of pain and darkness. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, God partners with us, taps our inner hero, and invites us to be strong and courageous. In this message, we are going to learn from a Bible hero, Tamar. She had to navigate through dark shadows to live into her purpose and calling; Tamar had the courage to face the darkness and live into the calling God had for her..."