Afraid of your own shadow?

My little boy discovered his shadow the other day. It was not a pretty sight! He was stunned and scared, and this thing just kept showing up. He tried to handle it his own way, crying and pointing at the shadow, to no avail. I went to rescue him and he calmed down a bit. My older son and I tried to explain to him how harmless a shadow was, but in all his toddler wisdom, he was determined to be scared.

This got me thinking about shadows in our own lives. The things that make us scared, even though they seem to hang on so tightly to us we can't get rid of them. So, I went to find the preschool explanation of how shadows form - just because!

Shadows form when an opaque object blocks the light from passing through. In my living room, when my toddler stood between the light and the floor, he saw a dark shadow that wouldn't leave him alone. If only he knew, he would have stepped out of the light’s path and seen the shadow just disappear. And if it was physically possible, he could just let the light shine through him instead, eliminating the shadow altogether. And maybe, one day, he will indeed look at his shadow and realize it poses no threat to him.

Where might other shadows be lurking? Where do we need to step out of the light’s path? Where do we need to allow the light to shine through us? Where may we need to confront the shadows?

Navigating Shadows

Just like my toddler’s innocent fear of shadows, many of us carry our own burdens, anxieties, or insecurities that follow us from one area of life to another. Faith, work, and personal life all intertwine, creating unique intersections that can either bring us closer to the light or cause us to stand in the shadow. At these intersections, we often find ourselves wrestling with competing priorities, conflicting demands, and, yes, the fear of what might happen if we let go of control. The question is: Do we allow the light to shine through us, or do we let the shadow linger?

In our work, we are often driven by expectations—of others, of ourselves, or even of a greater sense of purpose. Sometimes, these expectations become the opaque object, blocking the light. We may be striving for success, yet feeling burdened by self-doubt or the pressure to prove ourselves. The shadow grows, inching into every aspect of our work. But when we let go of the need to be in control, to always have the answers, we begin to experience a shift.

Stepping Out of the Path of Light: Recognizing When to Let Go

It may sound counterintuitive, but sometimes the best thing we can do is to step out of the path of light. In a culture that celebrates hustle and busyness, we often think we have to be constantly moving forward, always shining and pushing ahead. But that’s not always the case. Just like my son could have stepped out of the light’s path and allowed the shadow to disappear, we, too, can step back when necessary.

By stepping back, we give ourselves the opportunity to reflect. Sometimes, it’s not about doing more, but about being still enough to let the light shine in, unhindered by our opacity, and clearly showing us what truly matters. When we let go of striving, we allow faith to guide us—not from a place of effort, but from a place of peace. In the comfort of this space, we remember we’re not meant to carry everything alone. We can trust that God's guidance will direct us, not based on our own strength, but on His.

Confronting the Shadows: Embracing the Fullness of the Light

There are other times, however, when we must face our shadows head-on. The fears that come with failure, imposter syndrome, or insecurities around our identity and self-worth are all shadows that won’t disappear just because we turn away from them. In these moments, it’s essential to stand in the path of light and confront what’s before us.

This often means acknowledging the challenges we face and bringing them into the light of God's truth. For instance, our work may be stressful, and we may feel underappreciated or overburdened, but confronting these feelings with the light of faith reminds us that we have worth beyond our productivity. When shadows seem too large to face, bringing them into the light helps us find the courage to address them.

Living Fully: Allowing the Light to Flow Through Us

When we truly live at the intersections of faith, work, and life, we see that there is light in all of these places. It’s not about avoiding the shadows altogether, but about how we respond to them. Do we run from the darkness, or do we allow the light to shine through us, casting those shadows aside?

When we allow God’s light to flow through us, we begin to see that the shadows that once scared us no longer have power over us. It’s not just about stepping away from the shadow, but about letting the light transform the space around us, so we can step into a fuller understanding of our purpose. This light doesn’t just illuminate our path—it transforms the way we live in all areas.

So, where do you find yourself today? Are there areas in your faith, your work, or your personal life where shadows are lingering, holding you back? Are you afraid to confront them, or are you ready to step into the light? It might not always be easy, but know this: The light is always there, waiting for you to step into it—ready to shine through you and illuminate every corner of your life. The shadows will fade. The light will remain.

Let the Light shine through,

M.