I have lived with my fair share of SHAME!

Psalm 34:4-5

I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.

Like the circle of SHAME in the picture with me, the little dot in the middle, shame can engulf you and keep you captive.  It can cause you to make bad decisions, push people away for fear they will learn of your shame, create guilt which will lead to more shame.  This was me.  Me for many years.  I put on a good front, plastered a smile on my face and dressed the outside up real good but the inside was overtaken.

But also like the picture there are paths to escape from the shame.  To not allow it to surround you.   It’s called courage.  But you might say, “I have no courage”, “I am not strong enough”, and my response would be, “No you’re not but your Jesus is”.

Psalms says, “I sought the Lord, he answered me, delivered me and he made me radiant and my face will not be ashamed”.  I was not courageous, I was not strong but with Him I am now unashamed.

Do not let shame engulf you, seek the Lord Jesus, surround yourself with others who will lift you up in prayers, who will support you when your weak and walk side by side with you through it.  Jesus has given us the Holy Spirit to walk that path with and He will also place just the right people in your view to help you.

I was reading a book by Brene’ Brown called “The Gifts of Imperfections” and it has some really good tips.

Shame resilience equals Courage:

• Name it
• Talk about it
• Tell your story

How to recognize your shame:

• Who do you become when you feel shame
• How do you protect yourself
• Who do you call to work through it
• What’s the most courageous thing you can do for yourself

Factors of a Resilient Person:

• Resourceful
• More likely to seek help
• Believe that they can do something to help them manage their feelings
• Know that Social support is available
• Will connect with others

Pushing through & Digging Deep

• Deliberate in thoughts & behaviors through prayer and meditation
• Inspired to make new & different choices
• Get going – take action

And this one last thought……….

Only when we know our own darkness well, can we be present in the darkness of others. We realize compassion when we share humanity.

So I say to you and to me, don’t let Satan’s lies keep you hidden away in Shame. It’s time to Break free!

Lord, I thank you for journeying with me through my life.  I thank you for stretching me beyond what I believed I could be stretched.  I ask you to continue to help me walk my path and I pray that I will continue to seek you always.  Amen!