What Lies Within | This is Us Part 2 | Mark & Kendra Graham | Elevate Family Conference
Channel: Elevate Church
Date: 2019-11-08

Speakers: Pastors Mark and Kendra Graham

In Today’s culture we tend to be focused on our “outer life” (appearances). The Bible tells us that our “inner life” is actually more important! If you are single or married, it is critical that you develop a healthy “inner life” in order to fulfill God’s will for you. The most difficult task we face as Individuals is actually managing ourselves.  Why? Because we have to confront aspects of Who we are that we prefer to neglect, forget or deny! This makes it difficult to have a clear “vision” for ourselves and our families!

So here is the “elephant in the room” when it comes to singleness and marriage;  keeping “Busy” sometimes COVERS UP areas we may need  to address!

The Truth about Who We Are
If we avoid the journey of dealing with our “Inner Life” the people we Love will eventually Suffer and be Hurt by our attitudes and actions! Pastor Mark and Kendra introduce the concept of the “Shadow”. This could begin the journey that may Heal, Enrich & Enhance your life. So you can live as successful single or married life!

What is the Shadow?
It is the accumulation of untamed emotions, less than pure motives and thoughts that, while mostly unconscious, strongly influence and shape our behaviors.

It is the damaged, but most of the time, “hidden” version of Who We Are!  The “shadow” lives in our “Soul ”. 

How you know it is your Shadow
1. The inability to “connect” and have intimacy in relationships and marriage
2. Dismissing the people close to you when they bring up a personal issue about you
3. Repeating behavior even though the consequences remain negative
4. Doing and saying things out of fear of what others may think
5. Becoming busier and avoidant rather than reflective when there is conflict

The consequences of ignoring your “Shadow”
1. Your “shadow” will undermine the Best of who you are.  Emotional Intelligence accounts for 58% of success in relationships
2. Your “shadow” will limit Your ability to connect & relate to others in a Healthy way (Intimacy)
3. Your “shadow” will blind you to the “shadow” of others
4. You can’t escape your “shadow”. The real you will come out of you no matter who is with you!

The “Shadow Battle” is with us all! Even Paul talks about in Romans 7:15-20

The Reward of choosing to face your “Shadow” in Singleness & Marriage
1. You break the “shadows” hidden power! Negatives are developed in the darkness.
2.You discover the “shadow’s” hidden treasures.
3.You can’t tame your feelings, until you name your feelings (naming gives you back control!)
4.You start to identify the “scripts” that have been handed down to you that are embedded in your “inner life” (Generational Curses).  Your past relationships stop hindering your future relationships!