Releasing Shame

Lord, I ask that you would help us to fully release the disappointments of our past so that we can walk into the fullness of life that you have for each of us.

I’ve been questioned a few times about why I choose to share certain things about my life, and typically when this question is posed, it’s almost as if they’re asking me why am I open to sharing the ugly or “shameful” parts of my life, but here’s the thing, I’m actually not.

I’m a private person, who enjoys sharing here and there, and popping out whenever I’m in the mood. I love being home with my husband and our boys, and away from all the noise of the world, but I also love being creative. I love writing. I love connecting.

Sharing the dark moments of life isn’t easy for anyone I can almost bet, so sharing moments of my life that actually brought feelings of shame and sadness can be even harder, but I share because I know what God has asked of me. I share certain things because I have been called to do so.

I share as a way to help other women and families who may be stuck in similar situations, and I share because it also helps me to release the pain of it all.

Writing is therapeutic for me, and sharing the things that God has placed on my heart is apart of my obedience to Him and the calling that He has placed on my life.

Some will understand, others will not, and I am absolutely okay with that. I’ve truly grown past the part of my life of needing the approval or acceptance of others.

Nevertheless, there are still so many things that I do not share. Many beautiful parts of my story and life that are kept offline or out of conversation, but then there are the parts, that God brings me through, and to the other side of, that I must share.

Godly wisdom is everything. Lessons learned are powerful, and so is that of someone’s testimony.

So many of us would rather walk in the shadows of our past, instead of releasing it fully. So many, who have experienced heartache and pain at insurmountable rates, still walk around as if nothing is wrong.

But, what if I told you that the facade or image that you are trying to hide behind, can actually be seen through. Whether you want to believe it or not, people can feel your genuineness, they can feel authenticity, they can sense the lie. In fact, many of your actions in your season of brokenness speak all that we need to know. There are just certain decisions and life choices that are not made by people who have truly begun the internal work of healing.

The societal pressure to make everything seem “perfect” and look as if it’s “all good” is truly just what I stated earlier — a facade. One that is eating so many people alive today.

People are drowning in their own bitterness and despair at the expense of what? Looking perfect on the internet? Seemingly having it all together in front of family and friends or your social media following? All of that seems to work out well in the beginning, but drowning in a life that is in disarray and ignoring your pain isn’t something that can be sustained without an eventual crash and burn effect to follow. This is me, speaking from my very own personal experience.

We must be bold enough to get help, to speak God’s truth back into ourselves, to speak THE TRUTH about our story. We must be willing to release the pain, shame, bitterness, resentment, heartache and unforgiveness that we hold onto for far too long. We must be willing to say, yes that happened to me, or yes, I was once _______, but God set me free.

There is TRUE power in our ability to step out from behind the mask.

There is true power in our testimonies, and there are lessons to be shared and learned from the stories of others.

I’m not asking you or anyone for that matter to shout their entire life story from the mountain top, or to share publicly on the internet, but what I am saying today, is to stop running from YOU.

Face the pain points in your life and deal with them so that you can begin to release the very thing that is holding your mind, will and emotions captive.

God has so much in store for your life, and sometimes, it begins with a release.

I love you all.

Until next time,

Amari E.