Shame does not define you.

As I was writing “Be Brave in the Scared” I had to rummage through some pretty dark closets in my heart memory, recalling times when I truly allowed shame to define me as a woman, wife and mother. 

Not an easy exercise by any means but necessary for creating something of worth. I spent decades carrying shame around like a boulder, allowing it to keep my head down, stumbling and out of breath, feeling too much and yet not enough ALL at the same time. 

Shame is based in fear. Fear of rejection, isolation and being set aside. Fear of not meeting expectations or the result of outright sin. 

Freedom for me came slowly as I let that boulder slip over time. I had a choice to make, let it roll over me and crush me or step aside and allow it to roll away like thunder. 

If you find yourself weighed down by shame, uncertain of how to let it go, I want you to know, I get it. I understand why you hold on, because you are afraid of what will be left if you let it go. I understand because I was petrified of letting go. Shame and I were such good friends, that the thought of a break up was more painful than to just keep carrying it with me. 

I believed that lie, until it almost destroyed my life. One night, I chose the truth of God’s love for me over my own self-hatred. 

Then I chose it again…and again…

Each time I chose that small sliver of freedom, I was looking at the Cross. That is where my shame, and yours, is redeemed and our hearts restored forever and always. Jesus loved us that much my friend, that He took ALL of it on Himself. You don’t have to carry it anymore, because your Lord and Savior already did. 

God’s sacrifice is greater than your greatest shame.

Choose love, not fear. Choose freedom, not the chains of shame. Choose the truth of the Cross and let go, hold your head up and receive the gift Jesus has for you. 

Love always wins.

On “Wisdom Wednesday’s” I share a little hard won wisdom learned over time, encouraging you along your way 

 art by @carolyn_svellerella