“Farewell to Shadowlands” is the title of the last chapter of C.S. Lewis’ book The Last Battle, the last book in The Chronicles of Narnia series. Lewis used the word “Shadowlands” to refer to life on Earth, and in the last chapter, time in the “Shadowlands” comes to an end. He writes, “The term is over, the holidays have begun…this is the morning.” This is an excellent way to describe our time on Earth. Shadows are created when light is blocked and creates illusions or distortions of what is real. 

Jesus referred to himself as the “light of the world” and called out to those living in the Shadowlands, “Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will live in the light of life.” The Apostle Paul echos this call in Ephesians 5,

“Wake up O sleeper

  and arise from the dead (from the shadowlands)

and Christ will shine on you.”

This coming year in our Iron Leadership meetings, we will learn how men can fight to get out of the Shadowlands and live their lives in the light of Jesus. I will follow a book by Jon Tyson and Jefferson Bethke appropriately titled, Fighting Shadows – Overcoming the 7 Lies that Keep Men from Becoming Fully Alive. I believe it will be a great year together and perhaps one of the most significant in helping men get out of the shadows and into the light. 

Below are two resources to help you become familiar with this theme. I bought a case of the books; if you would like to purchase one at our first meeting, the cost is just $10. 

Podcast #993: The Shadows Over Men’s Hearts and How to Fight Them

Book Review: You Won’t Find Manhood in the Shadows

I am really looking forward to our time together this year. It all begins on September 13 at CCC. We will continue to offer the Daily Office at 6:00 am, and the large group meeting will begin at 6:30.