Inside Out 2

The other day my husband and I went to see the Disney/Pixar movie Inside Out 2. I had already seen it with my daughters, and I convinced him to go and see it too. My oldest daughter said to me, “mommy you will see something you did not see the second time you watch it.” BOY was she right. I was reminded of the nature of how strongholds, emotions, trauma and even poor conditioning can have such a negative and powerful effect on our lives and the ability to have any semblance of joy. The movies main character portrayal of Riley Andersen displays several emotions that we are all are faced with continuously. Emotions have too often shaped and influenced the stages of people’s lives to their detriment.

In my book on Shame, I emphasized how that shame can be the result of suffering and painful experiences you absorb in life. Shame is the culprit for so many of the inhibitions we have that hinder us from doing what we need to do. Too often, shame has been the source of the inability to foster and maintain quality relationships and developing a positive self-image. God says in Isaiah 61:7, “For your shame ye shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore, in their land they shall possess the double, everlasting joy shall be unto them. As I watched the movie, I noticed how embarrassment has so many of the characteristics as shame. The attempts to not be seen by hiding, covering up, shrinking. Both are huge concerns for people who suffer from them on an ongoing basis. They are both ugly emotions and have a huge, negative impact on the joy and success of anyone who is controlled by them. Shame and embarrassment are very toxic. Shame is the negative way you see yourself. (Inside/out). Embarrassment is the negative way you feel you are seen by others. (Outside/in).

Transparent Moment: When I watched Inside Out 1, I watched Riley’s’ emotions as a spectator. However, Inside Out 2, I became a participant! We must realize from the movie that all emotions are necessary, but we are never to feel negatively CONTROLLED by any of them.
My prayer is you will find a church that ministers inner healing or please seek professional help. There is absolutely nothing wrong with getting help. Don’t suffer alone. No matter what trauma you have experienced, it’s not too late to choose JOY!