Rejecting Synthetic for Authentic; Looking for Patterns and Capturing Thoughts

Course Cut-OutFreedom From Pornogrpahy
Written By Austin Cavaliere

If you need help seeing Jesus in the middle of your struggle, or just feel like you are stuck, ready to move into growth and healing, connect with a Christian coach.

Excerpt: Captive Thoughts Model

Course: Freedom From Pornography

Speakers: Ryan Miller

Rejecting Synthetic Intimacy

When I began my own journey of healing from pornography, one story from a course I took stuck with me: the tale of the gypsy moths. You might not know about them, but back in the early 1900s, these moths were devastating forests in the Northeast. Scientists were stumped until one came up with a simple, yet profound strategy.

Pornography's Deceptive Nature

They replicated the female gypsy moth's pheromones in a lab, created synthetic pellets, and scattered them across the forests. What happened? The male moths, overwhelmed by these fake pheromones, attacked the pellets, unable to distinguish the real from the synthetic. This, I realized, is a powerful analogy for pornography.

Pornography substitutes imagery for genuine intimacy. It replaces real connection with synthetic stimulation. It feeds us fool's gold, hijacking our brains with dopamine and serotonin. We crave it, yet it leaves us empty.

Moving Toward Real Connection

The key to healing lies in recognizing this deception. We must deepen our real-world relationships, leaning into authenticity and rejecting the fake. There's no substitute for genuine human connection, for sharing our brokenness, our pain, our stories, and our struggles.

A God-Given Desire for Everyone

This isn't just for married individuals. It's for everyone. We all crave real connection. The relationships we were designed for are within reach, standing right in front of us.

Choosing Authenticity and Trust

What would it look like to reject the synthetic pheromone and embrace authentic relationships? To move towards trust and deeper intimacy with the people God has placed in our lives?

It means choosing vulnerability over isolation. It means sharing our struggles, not hiding them. It means building relationships founded on truth and transparency. It means recognizing that true intimacy is found in the real world, not on a screen.

The Power of Real Connection

As we do this, we begin to see pornography for what it is: a synthetic substitute, a cheap imitation of the genuine connection we were created for. By choosing real relationships, we choose healing and freedom.

 

If you like the content, you can continue in a few different ways…

  • 1) See the outline below and check out other sections from the FFP course.

  • 2) Take the full small group course to your church community! The first course your church runs is free! Reach out to us here to learn how.

  • 3) Connect with a Share The Struggle Coach for one-on-one support. Let’s face it, some of us have tried kicking this thing, and we’ve had no luck. It’s time to start looking toward forms of support that can help us see and feel the beautiful life God has in store for us.

 

Freedom From Pornography

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Freedom From Pornography 〰️

Part 1: Stories of Struggle

Session 1: What is the Struggle?

Session 2: The People

Part 2: The Roots of Dependency versus Design

Session 3: How Does This Dependency Begin?

Session 4: Biblical Roots

Part 3: Reconnecting and Reattaching

Session 5: Reconnecting With An Authentic God

Session 6: Working On Self

Session 7: Working With Others

Session 8: Healing With A Spouse

 

Share The Struggle Courses

Share the Struggle Courses are topical expert led video courses to help you understand life’s greatest struggles and provide you with tools for navigating them. Moreover, STS courses create a space for you to connect with others struggling with similar things, experience belonging, and encounter God’s nearness in a place of wilderness in your life (pain, confusion, healing journey). Want to start a group at your church? Reach out to us here to learn how.

 

What Share The Struggle Believes

Here at Share The Struggle we believe Jesus is present with us in the middle of our pain and mess, and it is in that place that we often experience and encounter Jesus most deeply.

We understand the unique challenges faced by Christians dealing with mental health. Our mission is to bridge the gap between faith and mental health support, providing a platform where individuals can find resources, coaching support and guidance, all tailored to their spiritual life and emotional needs.

We invite you to explore our resources, share your journey, and find the support you need to overcome the struggles you face.

Austin Cavaliere
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