SHAME

Shame is a word hated by many.  The moment it attaches itself to one it becomes all encompassing and never leaves.  Its entrance can be subtle and disguised or come as a flash flood, both resulting in devastating damage.  Either way there is no warning or alarm sounded to alert one of pending danger.  Shame is carried on words spoken and its shouts grow louder and more frequent over time.  It is intertwined in the wounds of selfish actions done by others.  No one can actually see shame but its power and presence are permanent residents in the body, soul, and spirit of its victims.  Shame seeps its way into every cell and fiber of one’s being.  It seems content to reside within the wounded ones.  It does not seek a lot of attention but constantly reminds victims of its presence.

Over time shame becomes a familiar companion.  Its victims forget what life was like before shame moved in.  Shame, though easily and frequently awakened causing great disturbances, at times carries with it a somewhat comforting presence.  It is as if one prefers the companionship of shame to the pain of being alone.  Shame is a parasitic friend who initially attacks with a vengeance then subsides into a role of gradual takeover and control.

How does one get rid of shame?  There seems to be an answer for guilt as guilt is attached to a specific act, thought, or word which can be identified and forgiven over time.  Shame is illusive, appearing so clearly and then escaping to a place where it cannot be seen but its presence is felt.  Shame’s victims often hear Truths such as “the blood of Jesus cleanses all sin” and “we are washed clean by the blood.”  Yet, it seems it is easier to picture sin and its filth being washed away from the outside of one’s body.  But what about sins which are forced onto another’s body; selfish acts done to innocent ones who carried with them both pain and pleasure?  The wounds brought about by those acts are hidden deep within.  There are no external bruises, cuts or bleeding exposed for others to see.  No, these wounds are buried but pulsating with pain under thick, ugly, dark scabs.  Shame is like the green pus of an infected wound, throbbing incessantly, yet trapped with no outlet.  Just as gangrene takes over an unhealed wound resulting in blackness and death to the infected area, so shame does its destructive work in unseen places of the inner wounds.

Maybe, just maybe, the blood of Jesus can reach those inner wounds.  But how can that happen?  Imagine shame’s presence as a blackness flowing through veins, tissues, and organs with the intent of death and destruction.  Yet, somehow His blood is able to reach into those places.  The blood is only able to go there with companions—Truth and Love revealed through those called to be healers.  It seems the blood is invisibly attached to them.  Truth brings light and exposes the shame but shame’s lies attempt to dim or blot out that light.  Truth has become so entangled with lies and many times has become unrecognizable.  Sometimes Truth is twisted enough by shame that it brings only condemnation and more shame.  When the healer’s Love joins Truth, shame shudders for it knows its demise is near.  Love whispers Truth to the wounds in a way that penetrates through shames loud throbbing.  Love brings gentle warmth flowing toward the scab with a shimmer of light.  The light carries with it glimmers of Truth.  These glimpses lead the wounded ones to lift their eyes and allow their hearts to feel a hint of hope.  As Love and Truth waft near the wound, the healing blood begins to flow to the area once thought dead.  The cleansing blood touches the wounded area as the pus is oh so tenderly removed with the presence of those carrying Truth and Love.  Suddenly the blood begins to bring life and healing to the wounded areas within.  Shame flees at the sight of Jesus’ life giving blood.  Its lies, darkness, and trappings cannot bear the presence of the life flowing through the intertwined movement of blood, truth, and love.  The wounded one’s companions now become freedom, choice, and joy.  Oh yes, this a painful process of healing but it is gently guided by the One who is the Healer and carried out through those He chooses to use as part of His healing.

--Written by Christina Grace