Breaking the Cycle of Shame

I’ve spent far too much time asking myself two questions: What is wrong with me? and Why can’t I get it together?

These aren’t kind questions. They are condemning. They’re laced with a nasty idea: shame. Up until a few years ago, I wouldn’t have known to call it that. But then a friend gently helped me see the narrative that shame speaks: I’m not enough. I’m not worthy of love. Something is wrong—beyond even Jesus’ repair—at the core of my being. And worse yet, it tells me that nobody else is quite as bad as I am, leaving me feeling hidden and alone.

I had tried so many times to “fix” myself. I would vow to make changes, as I struggled with sexual sin, anxiety, and an intense drive to earn others’ approval. Inevitably, I cycled back to sin, which left me feeling like a failure, only intensifying the shame.

But over time, God began to remind me of His narrative, a story that is louder than the story of shame. He is not repulsed by me or frustrated with me. He would never, ever speak shame over me. I began to see how Jesus treated people who struggled with shame (John 8:1-11; Luke 7:36-50). His love, combined with His truth, caused them to come out of hiding.

I am learning that I no longer have to remain hidden but can actually invite Jesus into my shame. His voice tells me that I am accepted, chosen, and redeemed, made righteous and blameless by his blood—regardless of how I feel. I don’t have to “fix” myself.

Freed by the love of Christ to tell the truth about myself, I am seeing a new cycle emerge. I am finding the courage to practice vulnerability with my friends. Authentic relationships are emerging, and more truth and freedom is taking hold. This is good news!

Are there any areas of your life where you wrestle with shame? Would you be willing to sit with the Father and allow Him to speak into those very places, listening for what truth He wants to speak? 

Once you’ve done that, think of a friend you could practice vulnerability with. Take a step of courage and invite them into this part of your life. Who knows, you may even hear them say, “Me too!”

Resources

The Soul of Shame: Retelling the Stories We Believe About Ourselves by Curt Thompson

The Shame Exchange: Trading Shame for God’s Mercy and Freedom by Steve & Sally Breedlove and Ralph & Jennifer Ennis

Boldly I Approach, a song by Rend Collective

Megan Colabrese

Megan has worked for The Navigators in Colorado, in her home state of Pennsylvania, in Washington, DC, and in Atlanta. She recently moved to Colorado Springs to work with The Navigators Pastoral Care Team. If it’s sunny outside, you won’t be able to keep her indoors (and yet, she dreams of snow days where she can be curled up by a fire). Three years ago, she would have called you crazy if you had told her that one of her current loves would be running.

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