Despising The Shame

Have you ever feared what people will think if they only knew? Are you afraid to voice your opinion? I have yet to meet a woman who has not had to deal with some degree of shame. In fact, I would venture that most people reading this have some secret that they are hoping no one will ever find out; because what if people REALLY knew? Then what would they think?

Let's take a few moments and talk about this ugly word called shame.

"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every circumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Loosely translated for me in this very moment; this says to me - "throw off the shame that is holding you down .. and then you can rest at His side".

Yesterday I shared some of what I have been reading; today I continue with the chapter on Shame (He Loves Me, written by Wayne Jacobsen). I trust you do not view this simply as a book report, as it is such good stuff. Let's take a closer look at shame ...

* it will help you boast at your achievements and contrive excuses for your mistakes
* it can turn a simple gift of God into feelings of superiority and then at the firs sign of trouble plunge you to the depth of inferiority
* it can take you captive through the compliments of others and make you feel rejected by the most genuine criticism
* it will let you take credit for good things you don't deserve and blame others for their hard times
* one minute it can make you smug in self righteousness and the next overwhelm you with guilt and self loathing

* Shame keeps us from being authentic enough to realize that others are struggling with the same things. page 162

* "Shame tells us that people could never love us if they really knew what we had been part of .. or knew the temptations, doubts, and motives that still lurk beneath the surface" page 162

"what a horrible burden it is to measure our worth by everything we do and every word spoken about us." page 160

"When you find your security in the awesome love of God, shame's voice is unmasked. No longer do you have to play its games by worrying about what others think." page 160

* "Shame makes it impossible for us to say no. It threatens us with humiation or with being left out if we don't conform to what others want, and it promises approval and affirmation when we obey." page 162

* "The fear of what "others might think" can both restrain us from doing what we know is right and entice us to do what ultimately harms us"

In his book The Divine Conspiracy, Dallas Willard writes: "would you like to have no need for others to praise you, and would you like not to be paralyzed and humilated by their dislike and condemnation? Wouldn't you also like to have a strength and understanding that enables you genuinely and naturally to bless those who are cursing you - or cheating you, beating you, spitting on you ... laughing at you .. even killing you ...? "

If we can be free of this shame, there is freedom to be real and authentic. To live as Jesus lived "of no reputation." That is to finally LIVE.

In response to an email I received, Father gave me this thought .. "To rest is hard to learn, when we are used to trying to earn"

Friends, let's continue our journey from glory to glory; to being ever more aware of what was accomplished on the cross; so we can be further free.

I cannot stress enough the impact this book has had on me. If you are interested in ordering this book and reading it in its entirety, you can find it on Amazon or you can purchase it through us at Crossways To Life, Kitchener ON.

Til Next Time,

Jacqueline