Two Questions that Lead Us Into Our Futures

Let’s revisit one of humanity’s oldest stories- the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis 2 and 3. This narrative accounts for both how men and women were created and the subsequent “fall” or the fracturing of human relationships with both the Divine Creator and each other. After Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, God asked them two questions that have been echoing through the corridors of time: “Where are you?” and “What have you done?” These two questions form the backbone of what therapists, psychologists, religious leaders, and coaches like me ask in one form or another every day.

“Where are you?” cuts to the heart of the present. Adam and Eve are hiding, but the real question is, why are they hiding? What are they trying to cover up? What are they so ashamed of? Who are they afraid will see the real them? And what does it cost them to live like that, hiding from others and, more importantly, from themselves?

“What have you done?” exposes the past. What choices did they make to end up here? What were they hoping to experience when they made their decision? What were they afraid of? And let’s not forget the external influence—the serpent. What role did it play in shaping their decisions and actions? These aren’t easy questions, but they’re necessary to understand the entire story.

Now, a lot of people see God’s response as punishment. It’s forever been called “the curse” or “the fall.” But is it? God is not out for revenge here. He had just finished crowning His creation; He had no intention of punishing or destroying it. Is He possibly just making them face the reality of their actions? Choices have consequences; often, when we make certain decisions, there is no going back to the way things were. We are forever changed. “The garden” we once knew intimately is now permanently closed, and we are the ones who often close the doors.

Initially, this might feel like a curse, but there is good news, perhaps great news. Instead of leaving them to deal with their shame alone, God makes them clothes—protective garments of skin. He’s giving them a way forward. They can’t return to how things were, but they don’t have to remain in shame, either. The new garments symbolize something deeper. They’re not about hiding anymore. They’re about stepping into a new understanding of themselves and finding the strength to move forward.

Regardless of where you are or what you have done, new clothes are waiting for you, and new ways of becoming your best and highest self are available. Let’s move forward together.

Dig deep…keep going.