by Jem Harris
Do you remember as a kid walking hand in hand with a parent and trying to keep up with their shadow reflected on the pavement? Their larger strides always making it impossible to stand on their shadow for more than a second before its already moved to the next section of pavement. I made this game extra challenging by also having to avoid lines at the same time, but that’s just an aside.
As a kid, chasing shadows is a fun childhood past time, as an adult, chasing shadows can be an expedition fraught by self-destruction. The Cambridge Dictionary describes chasing shadows as “trying to unsuccessfully catch or compete with another person or team”.
I think it’s a fairly safe bet, that no matter how much we hate it and how earnestly we have tried to avoid it, as women we have all found ourselves at one time or another chasing shadows.
Perhaps the shadow you are chasing is a deep desire to please your parent and you find yourself still chasing their shadow of approval as an adult. I can bet its far less fun than it used to be. Or perhaps your shadow is a path laid out by someone you admire, a calling or purpose you wish was yours. Or perhaps your shadow is a body type, a charming personality or a family or partner you don’t yet have.
The bible warns against taking shelter in the wrong shadows. In Isaiah 30:2-3 it speaks of the Israelites peril for seeking shelter in Egypt’s shadow. Here is the problem with chasing shadows, well rather here are the three problems with chasing shadows:
- Shadows distort
Shadows aren’t an accurate representation of anyone, and therefore chasing earnestly after an elongated shadow (for example a highlight reel on Instagram) is striving for something that does not exist. Your perception or desire for approval, beauty or admiration is going to lead you on a wild goose chase for something that can never be attained.
- Shadows are another’s reflection
The shadows we chase aren’t only a distorted perception, but they are a distorted perception of a form that is not yours. Growth and goals are great but sometimes we chase shadows that require us to cut off a limb or two in order to become what we think we desire. But what good is a carbon copy of a carbon copy? The quality deteriorates with each attempt – and worst of all, while we attempt to mutilate ourselves in order to become a poor carbon copy of a distorted non existent perception, the world is robbed of the very form that God created and designed you to be – for such a time as this.
- Shadows disappear
The final problem with chasing shadows is that they disappear. They come and go with the spotlight of the sun and just as soon as we feel like we are finally catching up, the shadow disappears and leaves us in darkness feeling alone and incomplete.
But there is good news, the bible also gives us the remedy for chasing these fleeting and empty shadows. Because there is one perfect shadow, a shade of safety and rest, of wholeness and peace and it is where we can find our refuge. It is within the shadow of the almighty (Psalm 91) and in the shadow of His wings (Psalm 57) the shade of his right hand (Psalm 121) that we can finally find the satisfaction we crave.
So lets stop chasing these shadows that only lead to heartache and disappointment and instead lets rest in the shadow of His wings where we can find healing, acceptance, purpose and beauty from the one who truly gives it.
Jem Harris is a wife and mum of two girls, with a passion for sharing the gospel and spurring on and encouraging women in God’s call and purpose for their lives. She pioneered the women’s ministry at Life Point Christian Church in Rothwell 7 years ago. Jem’s passion for communication through preaching and writing is continuing to be worked out through her passion project Her Armoury; an instagram community and podcast acting as a platform for encouragement and hope to be offered to women in our region.
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