Welcome to episode #77!
This week, Matt and Braden discuss fantasies and why it matters to expose those destructive thought patterns!
Fantasies are often linked to past experience or hidden desires
Many of us have experienced moments in the past that have shaped our current fantasies. Trauma, early sexual experiences, hurts, and shame are all components that may have been part of our past and when we learn more about our fantasies, we see that there is often a link. Exposing our fantasies in the right environment can help in understanding what our fantasies are linked to. Then we can invite God into those moments so that we can begin to heal. Along with that, exposing our fantasies may reveal desires that have been twisted into something perverse, but God wants to reclaim those desires in your life so that you can live free!
Fantasies are destructive when left hidden
Hiddenness breeds shame and guilt, which causes us to keep people at arms length to avoid sharing things keeping us stuck in addiction. Often we think that our main goal is sobriety and we don't give any thought that fantasies can be just as destructive in our lives as porn is. If left alone, fantasies can eventually become behaviour that we act out, but if we get honest about this struggle, the hold that fantasies have on our life can be broken with God's help!
Community is important
We need a safe place to share with someone that can provide help and understanding. That is why it is so important to have accountability and group support to share what our fantasies are. It will break the shame so we can begin to understand where our desires have been hijacked and perhaps where our past experiences are informing our present.
Stay tuned
Next week, Matt and Braden talk about two key warning signs that may reveal the slippery slope towards addiction.
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Resources
Pure Freedom Community for men 18+
Pure Freedom Journey for men and women
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FamilyLife Canada: Resources and events to strengthen your marriage
Online marriage resources (FamilyLife Canada)
Covenant Eyes Accountability Software - use promo code RM30 for 30 days free
Podcast Hosts
BRADEN HAFNER
Braden is the Regional Director in Alberta for FamilyLife Canada. He has been married for 12 years to his wife Kristen, and they live in Edmonton, Alberta. He is passionate about seeing marriages grow and thrive, and helping couples move to a deeper oneness with one another and with God. FamilyLife Canada has a variety of resources and events to help you and your spouse take your marriage to the next level. See what would benefit you at www.familylifecanada.com
MATT CLINE
Matt and his wife Louise raise their little guys, David and Oliver, in Edmonton, Alberta. He is honored to do what he can to tackle the epidemic of pornography and sexual perversion in every way possible. Seeing lives and marriages get free and experience the love of God in profound ways is what drives him every day. He leads Restored Ministries, is a certified speaker and coach for the John Maxwell Team, and formerly played hockey in the WHL and for Hockey Canada. You can visit www.restoredministries.ca.
