No Amount of Shame can Separate

Blog Two: Belonging

Opening Question: Is there a part of your life that feels dark or shameful? I invite you to remember that God holds you even there. Open your heart as you read today's blog.

Bible Verse: Romans 8:38-39

"And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries for tomorrow- not even the powers of Hell can separate us from God's love."

Now on to the blog!

I believe shame is one of the worst things we as humans can experience. If you haven't felt it, congratulations. But I assume many of you have. Shame tells us that WE are wrong. It points out a character flaw- a soul flaw.

Shame isolates us and seperates us from God. Shame is darkness, and it does everything it can to stay out of the light.

This month, We are focused on belonging, and shame is a huge component of whether or not we feel like we belong. When we are shame-free, we can be fully seen. We can truly belong and step into the light. When we live in shame, we may present a false version of ourselves, while our true selves dwindle alone in the darkness.

As it is a pattern of mine to point out something bigger than any issue we may face, I point out Jesus to our shame struggle, knowing that He has the power to defeat it.

In Jesus we have the power to overcome shame. Jesus can overcome any darkness with His glorious light.

When you think of shame, there is probably something that pops into your mind. So directly speaking to you and your shame, reader, I want to say that no amount of shame can separate you from God. Nothing you can do will make you too far from belonging to a God who calls you His. No amount of darkness can stifle God's piercing light.

Prayer:

Dear Lord,

I am not meant to live in shame.

Nor am I meant to live in the dark.

I am meant to bask in your glorious light and grace.

Not even the largest amounts of shame or the darkest of darks,

can make you leave me or remove me from your love.

Help me step into your light,

fully knowing that no shame can separate me from you.

Amen.