No More Shame

Isaiah 54:4...
"Do not be afraid; you will not suffer shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood." (NIV)

"Don't be afraid—you're not going to be embarrassed. Don't hold back—you're not going to come up short.You'll forget all about the humiliations of your youth, and the indignities of being a widow will fade from memory." (The Message)

“Fear not; you will no longer live in shame. Don’t be afraid; there is no more disgrace for you. You will no longer remember the shame of your youth and the sorrows of widowhood." (New Living Translation)

I have realized over the years that shame is an overarching theme in my story. From childhood years, I began to fear what people thought of me and desired their approval. My poser/false self was developed out of a need to please. So, this sort-of dual life was developed. Go to church and do the religious thing while feeling lost on the inside. Because my dad was a pastor, i learned the religious lingo pretty fast. I knew what 'church' people were looking for and not looking for. So, the culture i grew up in fed this life. It was much more about "not doing" certain things. There was always this unspoken shame on people who messed up. Even to this day, I grieve as I watch churches push people to the curb who don't have it together. They hear the words..."shame on you."

Today, i am reminded of the truth in Isaiah that I no longer have to live in shame. I am free to be me in Christ. Jesus Christ came to bring salvation, deliverance, freedom, and life. The disasters and sins of my youth that continue to this day are redeemed through the life of Jesus. No more embarassment. No more denial. No more lying. Let the truth be known today...i am a ragamuffin, redeemed by the daily grace of our God. I am a new creation of infinite worth. I am fully pleasing to my God because of the work of Jesus on my behalf.

I have a choice today...revisit shame or receive the life that already is mine. Thank you Jesus for delivering me to LIFE.