I’m reading two books simultaneously; one for an upcoming course and one just because. Both are written in memoir style, masterfully weaving others’ stories with the author’s personal story. Both written by strong, successful women. Both authors have faced hard circumstances in each of their lives; none of which anyone could say, “oh that’s no big deal; why do you think that’s hard?” I’m personally awed and challenged by their ways of responding to their respective circumstances. They both have deepened in their faith and trust of God as He has worked in and through their lives.
I love seeing how God has been at work in another’s life, redeeming the brokenness that comes from this fallen world. I’m incredibly encouraged to continue stepping forward in my own journey of restoration. God at work making all things new.
I have allowed shame to be a prevalent thread in my life for far too long. It was woven into my life while in utero, handed to me by different family members in my early years and strengthened by my own resulting poor choices over the years.
It’s time to clip the threads.
God’s been trying to get my attention about this subject for years. Many passages of His Word point out my freedom from shame like Galatians 2:20
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
This reminds me that I’m not the same. God is at work in me for His good purposes.
I have played tug of war with God, hanging onto shame, seeing myself as less than for decades.
It’s time to clip the threads.
Christine Caine’s latest book Unashamed has been the latest tool God is using to get my attention. Her story is so worth reading but more importantly she points us to the Truth. We have a choice in how we see ourselves. I have a choice, an action I can take that demonstrates that I am free.
It’s been such a struggle to change my mindset about who I am. Sometimes I think rightly, along the lines of the Truth of God’s Word to me, over me. But sometimes I revert to the familiar worn paths in my head where I speak in ways I would be mad to hear anyone saying to a friend of mine.
It’s not only time to clip the threads. It’s time to put up a sign like Corrie ten Boom spoke of
So the follow up is no tug of war. No fishing line. Instead I’m making it fun.
I’m picturing my present day self, gray hair and reading glasses on my nose, wagging my finger at my little girl self and saying “that’s not a loving way to talk to yourself!”
This little girl is free of shame!
What about you? Want to learn to live in the freedom Christ offers?
Beautiful Lisa. Finally you can love YOU!
Thanks so much Pam! You know just how long this journey has been for me…appreciate you and miss you!
I love how God redeems the brokenness that comes from this fallen world and that we can unashamedly declare that we are HIS daughters! We DO have a choice at how we see ourselves. I could get so caught up in shame, but His relentless pursuit of me makes me see that I am a covenant daughter of the Most High Star-breathing God! This is who I am! I am not defined by my sin and I am so very thankful! So glad you’re finding freedom as well!
I agree Pamela; knowing that we DO have a choice of how we see ourselves and making the choice that is grace & love filled is the challenging part. One step at a time!