DAY 3...The ICON and Anti-Icon
"So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him;
male and female He created them." - Genesis 1:27
We're gonna get a little deeper today. Thanks again for joining us.
In the Orthodox Church we have many icons. Icons of Prophets, Saints, of events, and the life of Christ. What is an Icon? An icon is a window into heaven. It is an image that invites us into a place and time of an event, even educating us on what is happening and brings us understanding of its importance in our lives and salvation. An icon invites us into the life of someone present with us who we can't see.
Below is the icon of Christ's Baptism, Holy Theophany. Initially it may just seem like a picture, but check out it's depth by clicking it.
male and female He created them." - Genesis 1:27
We're gonna get a little deeper today. Thanks again for joining us.
In the Orthodox Church we have many icons. Icons of Prophets, Saints, of events, and the life of Christ. What is an Icon? An icon is a window into heaven. It is an image that invites us into a place and time of an event, even educating us on what is happening and brings us understanding of its importance in our lives and salvation. An icon invites us into the life of someone present with us who we can't see.
Below is the icon of Christ's Baptism, Holy Theophany. Initially it may just seem like a picture, but check out it's depth by clicking it.
What do icons have to do with breaking my addiction? Other than another way to feed the good wolf, Andrew Williams, author of Finding the Freedom to Live website gives us more insight,
"Pornography is the opposite of iconography. Porn is an anti-icon. Whereas icons invite us into love and communion with those whose real presence is with us even though we can’t see it physically, porn breaks love and communion by abusing the image of those pictured, by making their physical bodies out to be the only thing that matters, by ignoring the real person and their own hurts, and loves, and all the things about a person we can’t see just in a picture; by using their bodies, which are made to be temples of the Holy Spirit, as playthings for other people’s amusement."
(Bold and underline added)
You can find his incredible podcast in its entirety on AncientFaith.com or the full manuscript on here. This article is entitled "Talking to your Children about Pornography." However, it is certainly applicable to all ages.
One image brings you into connection with others, that is the icon. The other does the opposite and disconnects you with the people you're watching, that is porn. In an effort to connect with people, see the image of Christ in others.
Today's Instructions:
A. Pray for the day, for friends, for family, for enemies. Thanksgiving, Requests, Praise.
B. Now that you've set up your fortify program,
1. Click the battle tracker and record how yesterday went. 2. Watch Video 3 in Week 1 and fill out the "Reminding You of You" activity. 3. FIND YOURSELF AN ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER yet? Do it! Recovering alone does not happen.
C. Go to the daily readings and read today's Scripture.
D. If you haven't already, check out the icon (above) and all its meaning at OrthodoxCircle.com, a ministry of Fr. Ninos Oshaana
D. Journal the following: 1. Who are you really? 2. What people have influenced who you are?
Todays Tips: When the urges come, get up, go outside and take a walk around the block. It doesn't matter if it's freezing or snowing, or raining. Put on the appropriate clothes and get fresh air for 15 minutes.
God give you strength. See you tomorrow.
Don't ever come back to this page to start over. This is the launching pad. You've already begun, even if you fall.
If you want to review this page, please do, but do not come back here to start over.
"Pornography is the opposite of iconography. Porn is an anti-icon. Whereas icons invite us into love and communion with those whose real presence is with us even though we can’t see it physically, porn breaks love and communion by abusing the image of those pictured, by making their physical bodies out to be the only thing that matters, by ignoring the real person and their own hurts, and loves, and all the things about a person we can’t see just in a picture; by using their bodies, which are made to be temples of the Holy Spirit, as playthings for other people’s amusement."
(Bold and underline added)
You can find his incredible podcast in its entirety on AncientFaith.com or the full manuscript on here. This article is entitled "Talking to your Children about Pornography." However, it is certainly applicable to all ages.
One image brings you into connection with others, that is the icon. The other does the opposite and disconnects you with the people you're watching, that is porn. In an effort to connect with people, see the image of Christ in others.
Today's Instructions:
A. Pray for the day, for friends, for family, for enemies. Thanksgiving, Requests, Praise.
B. Now that you've set up your fortify program,
1. Click the battle tracker and record how yesterday went. 2. Watch Video 3 in Week 1 and fill out the "Reminding You of You" activity. 3. FIND YOURSELF AN ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER yet? Do it! Recovering alone does not happen.
C. Go to the daily readings and read today's Scripture.
D. If you haven't already, check out the icon (above) and all its meaning at OrthodoxCircle.com, a ministry of Fr. Ninos Oshaana
D. Journal the following: 1. Who are you really? 2. What people have influenced who you are?
Todays Tips: When the urges come, get up, go outside and take a walk around the block. It doesn't matter if it's freezing or snowing, or raining. Put on the appropriate clothes and get fresh air for 15 minutes.
God give you strength. See you tomorrow.
Don't ever come back to this page to start over. This is the launching pad. You've already begun, even if you fall.
If you want to review this page, please do, but do not come back here to start over.
