Why We Don’t Face Reality

There are at least three ways we avoid facing reality.  We may Ignore, Deny, or Distort reality.
 
What are reasons we may prefer to ignore, deny, or distort reality? 
(AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION)

Seeing things as they really are can be scary, hard, or overwhelming. 

 

Ignore

We just don’t address it, or it just doesn’t come on the screen.

We don’t want to plan for the future

We don’t want to see Johnny as he really is.

Denial           

Lie to myself or my mate

Running from the truth

Pride gets in the way of admitting a problem

Not Acknowledge painful relationships with in-laws

Vocationally—not the right fitLiving beyond our means

Distort

Make ourselves or others look better than we are.

Give my side an advantage.

Image over substance

Results

Lose the chance to find an easy solution

Irritation under the surface, eating away at our energy and peace

If my child has a problem, then it is prolonged if I do not deal with it

Guilt hangs on

It gets worse with time if left to itself

Has a way of finding us

Important Balance

Temporary slipping away from reality can be healthy.  Laughter is really important.  Pastor John talks about divert daily, withdraw monthly, abandon annually   

As couples we can gain strength from one another, or we can make matters worse by the way we face reality.  Tonight we want to share some ways in which we can help each other have strength in the face of your particular reality.

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