Letting go...

Shame...Websters Dictionary gives the following definition:


 : a painful emotion caused by consciousness of guilt, shortcoming, or impropriety : the susceptibility to such emotion 

 : a condition of humiliating disgrace or disrepute

 : something that brings censure or reproach; also 

:something to be regretted 

 A few weeks ago, I watched the video of a dear friend, Lauren, give her testimony.  I was struck with her honesty and openness about things in her past...drinking, drugs, and overall depraved and dangerous lifestyle...one I'm very familiar with.  I was extremely thankful she was willing to describe these things, talk about them & admit them because in doing so, we're also able to see the amazing transformation God has allowed in her life, only possible because of Jesus.

Psalm 145:8  
"The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love."

Shame is a powerful tool in Satan's toolbox.


James 1:17
 "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."


We know that feelings of guilt, shortcoming, and disgrace are not from our Father.  I think Satan uses shame to  keep us from fully sharing how God has transformed us.  Not all of us have the same experiences as Lauren (or myself) did before we became a Christian.  We know that God's plans are different for everyone.  But, if we're all honest, we all find so much peace and comfort from the testimonies of those who have been so wretched, so seemingly unforgivable, unlovable; where they've hit a massive rock bottom, only to become fully broken laying at the feet of Jesus... desperately begging Him for a new life, purpose, relief.

2 Corintians 5:17
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" 

Satan wants us to feel shame, because in our shame we are quiet.  How can we possibly reach others for Jesus if we are quiet?  How can we make someone want the hope we have if we are quiet?  How on earth could we make someone see that even in their sin (our sin), Jesus loves them (loves me)?  Shame is a hindrance.  Shame is a roadblock.



I'm trading my sorrow
I'm trading my shame
I'm laying it down for the joy of the Lord




Yes Lord, I will share what you've done for me.

I'm giving up the shame of purposeful disrespect growing up  (sorry Mom and Dad)....trading it for the freedom ONLY Christ gives.


I'm giving up the shame of not being spotless before my groom....trading it in because I am a new creation.

I'm giving up the shame of failing everyday as a mother....trading it in because of the freedom I have in Christ.

I'm giving up the shame of all the times I spent drunk or high...because as a believer, I am white as snow in the eyes of my Savior.



I'm giving up the shame of being angry with God for allowing Nolan to be born with Williams Syndrome...trading it because He knows my every thought & His ways are better than mine.


 I share these shamefulthings because I don't want to be a tool for Satan, but rather, a weapon for Jesus.



I'm trading my sorrow
I'm trading my shame
I'm laying it down for the joy of the Lord




What are you ashamed of?  Tell Him... because He already knows, and He so desperately wants to relieve you from the burden.

You can have freedom from shame with a life lived for Christ.  Today, join me in letting go.

Galatians 5:1
"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."