Let's Talk about Shame...

Shame is an ugly word.  It's one that no one wants to think about let alone talk about it.

But we all have it.  It's deep in our souls, chipping away at all the good we think we do...standing in the way of all the good the Holy Spirit is doing in our hearts.

The shocking part about shame is- most of us don't realize we have it!!!

Shame is a silent killer.  It kills love.  It kills confidence.  It kills so much of what we need in order to live in the fullness of God's grace.

I hate that.  The thought of anything standing in the way of God's grace is just wrong to me.

BUT...I fear facing my shame even more.  What if I look at how I've messed up in my life?  What if I actually admit I'm still angry about something that hurt me years ago?  What if I admit I worry about how people see and judge me?

These are terrifying for someone like me.  Everything I keep hidden deep inside is shameful.  It makes me feel horrible.  I don't think about it often, but I know it impacts my life right now.

HERE'S THE FUNNY PART... (It might not be funny to some, but I see the ridiculousness of what I do as a human being!)

God knows everything.  He's known I would mess up long before I ever did it.  He knew each bad decision I made.  He's aware of all the pain I carry around in my heart.

This is where JESUS CAN HELP.

Obviously, we're not alone.  God already knows (and he's already forgotten about our blunders- "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."  Hebrews 8:12 NIV)

The best part?  When we're ready to look at our shame, we don't have to do it alone.  Jesus wants to take us on that journey and heal that shame.  

Set some time aside and admit just one thing you are ashamed of, admit it as truthfully as possible to God and ask Jesus to walk you through the healing process.  You don't have to do it all at once- start small, chip away at a pace you can work with and allow Jesus to do his wondrous work.

That's what Jesus is all about- saving...healing...FREEING.  

Is it hard?  Yes.  Is it painful?  It can be.  

But we're enslaved to our shame, preventing the full, rich life Jesus died to give to us if we keep on living wit our shame.  It's up to you.

I'm not particularly fond of uncomfortable feelings.  Heck, I hate feelings!  But I really hate living under the control of shame.  It's time to make a change.

Are you with me?