The truth is, as humans, everyone struggles with shame on some level- that feeling that we’re not quite enough or in some way defective and bad and undeserving of love. Often rooted in our life experiences**, it can show up in a whole host of ways (some so subtle we don’t even notice).

It’s the voice that hands out constant criticism, belittles, blames and denies; the voice that creates harsh rules; the voice that seeks control and power to feel better about itself; the voice that whispers you don’t belong here, nobody likes you and you’re not worth the bother; the voice that needs approval from everyone to feel ok; the voice that says you shouldn’t feel that way; the voice that tells you you’re a failure; the voice that echoes through from previous generations; the voice that silences others; the voice that has gone silent; the voice that says should achieve more, be more, be less, be different, look different….

These shame-filled voices often obscure and drown out God’s tender, loving, voice. They create a kind of hazy film over everything, distorting how we see ourselves, God and the world around us. Worse still, we’re often so ashamed of our shame that we tuck it away into the deepest darkest corner hoping no-one will ever find it! But shame loves being alone in the dark- it thrives on it, growing wild and rampant; secretly wreaking havoc on ourselves and others.

“Shame loves being alone in the dark- it thrives on it, growing wild and rampant; secretly wreaking havoc on ourselves and others.”

I don’t know where you’re at today, I don’t know your story, but God sees you and knows your story. He loves you and welcomes you. There is room in His embrace for all of you (even the parts you hide away- especially those!).

“The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation.”

Psalm 145: 8-9 (NLT)