Either way, it finds a perch from which to whisper:
You are worthless because...Sometimes shame exists because we let one bad decision lead us right into another, until we awaken to find ourselves in a sewer of addiction or on the wrong side of the law or far from the realm of decency and caution. The responsibility is ours.
Other times, shame tries to build a fence around our lives by whispering that we come from bad blood, bad homes or abuse, all of which were imposed upon us without our choosing.
Exiting shame usually cannot happen until we look it full in the face, hold it up to the light for what it is, and declare that we want out. As long as we hide behind it in any way, it retains the upper hand. Its roots will grow right back.
How do we shed shame if we are the ones under its weight?
In a brave moment, we plead with Jesus:
I'm showing you all of my shame receptacles. Please help me come out from under.Then we wait. He will build a team of energy--usually people--who will come alongside in a variety of ways to help us shed that under which we have been buried for oh so long.
God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit will create our out in unexpected ways. Pulling out deep roots of shame is painful and messy. Seeing their hand in it will require willpower and determination. It will seem much easier to stay buried.
But that is their specialty. They are the very authors of creation and energy and escape routes.
Are you needing to exit shame? I wish you that brave moment. If you hear anything, hear this:
You are worth it because you are created in the very image of God. He loves you more than you could ever imagine and he wants you to be free.Comments are welcome at feedyourstrength@gmail.com.
