Brett’s low this week leads to an extended conversation about the internal critic, a diminishing voice that tends to show up when we least want it to: during a work meeting, right before an important exam or in an important conversation with a loved one. Where does the diminisher come from and how can we tell the voice of the enemy from the voice of God? Brett and Jake share their reflections and offer suggestions about how we can react maturely in ways that draw us back to reality and our sonship in the Father. 

Guiding Quote:

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. - 1 John 4:18

Key Points

• Brett’s low leads into a discussion about the diminisher voice
• How self-awareness helps us identify the diminisher voice 
• Unhelpful behaviors that we might have in reaction to the voice of the diminisher
• Brett’s shares about fog in Saskatchewan and why this is a great analogy for the inner critic
• Jake and Brett share their definitions of the inner critic or diminisher
• The diminisher viciously attacks our sonship and identity in Father
• The diminisher voice feels so real in the moment, how can we tell what’s from God and what’s not?
• Helpful practices for working against the diminisher in the moment
• How vulnerability with trusted brothers can help you through the fog 

Discussion Questions

1. What stood out to you in this episode?
2. What’s an experience you can recall when you felt the impact of the diminisher voice? What allowed you to recognize it for what it was, either in the moment or later?
3. How long does it take for the effects of the fog to pass? 
4. The next time you feel yourself in ‘the fog,’ what’s a method you can use to prevent you from spiraling? Ideas from the episode are: talk to a trusted brother or friend, affirm someone else, journal the feelings and bring it to the Lord. 

References

• none

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