no more shame

Yesterday's sermon was entitled "The Emotional Context of Temptation." He spoke a lot on shame. What is shame?

It's something I've been contemplating. And slowly realizing how much it has carved a deep groove into my life. 

Shame says: "you're different", "you're less than"

Shame says: "if people really knew you...if they found out...they wouldn't like you."

So, we hang our heads and hide. We plaster a thick mask and cover ourselves. We bury ourselves deep into dark holes of doubt. 

I feel myself wanting to cover my heart as I type this. Did you know this is a universal sign of feeling vulnerable? If you talk with something and their hand covers their heart, they're feeling...exposed. The heart. Its depths run to the core of our being.

Please don't see this. Shame.

How do we counteract such a pervasive and insidious enemy? Is there something strong enough?

Yes. Absolutely yes. 

You know the answer. It's Jesus. We give him our shame and self-loathing. The contempt we hold bind ourselves to. We feel those feelings. I feel (blank) when (blank) happens. Jesus, can you please take this? I just can't. 

You died on the cross. And on that cross was my shame. It's been put to death and your grace has been filled in its place. 

Grace for shame. Please.