Humanizing The Struggle

Excerpt: Humanizing the Struggle

Course: Freedom From Pornography

Speakers: Ryan Miller

Facing My Wounds and Seeing the Truth

I’ll never forget the moment I truly started to find freedom from pornography. Two things were pivotal in my journey. First, I courageously began to confront my own wounds. I faced the reality of being bullied as a child and the lies I had believed about myself, which had led me into the trap of pornography. Understanding these deep-seated issues was crucial in breaking free from the cycle.

The second turning point was watching a documentary about porn stars. It may sound unbelievable, but as I watched, I began to see these women not as objects of desire, but as human beings—hurting, wounded souls trying to escape their pain. Seeing behind the scenes revealed that the pornography industry was not the glamorous, sexy world I had imagined; it was a place of enslavement and horror. This new perspective changed everything for me. I could no longer view pornography the same way.

Understanding the Industry and Our Own Woundedness

I urge you to understand both the harsh realities of the pornography industry and your own wounds. This combination of awareness can foster not only compassion for the women trapped in this industry but also for yourself. As believers in Jesus, our battle is fought with love. The weapons of our warfare are love and compassion. We don’t overcome by sheer willpower; we overcome by recognizing the humanity of those enslaved by pornography and, importantly, by seeing our own humanity and bondage.

This journey of empathy and compassion is God’s design for us. It doesn’t end with pornography—it’s a call to see God’s work in our lives, moving us into deeper faith, healthier families, and supportive friend groups. Genesis 50:20 reminds us, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” God can use what was meant for evil to bring about good, transforming our pain into purpose.

Embracing Love and Compassion

As I continued my journey, I realized that true healing comes from understanding and embracing love and compassion. By recognizing the shared humanity of both myself and those ensnared in the pornography industry, I found a deeper connection to God’s heart. This compassion empowered me to fight not with condemnation, but with understanding and support.

This integration maintains the essence and depth of your message, encouraging readers to reflect on both the realities of the industry and their personal struggles with compassion and faith.

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

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

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.

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.

Part 1: Stories of Struggle

Session 1: What is the Struggle?

Video: Introduction: Freedom from Pornography

Video: Stories of Struggle with Matthias and Ryan

Video: Healing Prayer to Break Chains

Topics: Early Exposure and Unseen Wounds

Session 2: The People

Video: Brittni’s Story

Video: Humanizing the Struggle

Video: Safeguard your Life from Porn; Warfare Prayer to Break the Chains

Topics: The Broken People Who Make Porn; Taking Action Against Using Porn

Part 2: The Roots of Dependency versus Design

Session 3: How Does This Dependency Begin?

Video: Ripping the Veil off a Dark Industry

Video: What’s in the Search Bar

Video: Exploring Wounds through Attachment Style

Video: Exposing the Lies of the Sexual Revolution

Topics: The Truth about the Industry; What’s Driving Your Porn Use

Session 4: Biblical Roots

Video: Knowing Your Enemies

Video: Rejecting Synthetic for Authentic; Looking for Patterns and Capturing Thoughts

Video: Inner Healing Prayer for Pornography

Topics: Three Enemies; Gypsy Moth Mating Disruption; Inner Healing Prayer

Part 3: Reconnecting and Reattaching

Session 5: Reconnecting With An Authentic God

Video: The Healing Power of the Gospel

Video: Habits for Healing with God

Video: The Three-Part Bible Formula for Freedom

Topics: How God Sees You; Wild Mustangs; Learn the Formula for Success

Session 6: Working On Self

Video: Breaking the Addiction-Shame Cycle

Video: Creating Infrastructure for Healing

Video: The Neuroscience of Addiction; What Porn Does to Your Brain

Topics: Judgement and Shame; Visceral Reactions; Your Brain’s Reaction

Session 7: Working With Others

Video: Practices for Building Community; Relationships of Trust

Video: How to Find Good Accountability

Topics: Communities; Who to Trust; Action Before Failure

Session 8: Healing With A Spouse

Video: Providing Helpful Accountability; Confess the Temptation, Not the Mistake

Topics: Being a Safe Listener; Sharing Safely; Listening Triad

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.

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.

Share The Struggle is an initiative of Taming Mustangs, a 501(c)3) Non-Profit