“Shame can be silenced. Even as we wait in unwanted realities and sickness and broken relationships, unwhole and unwell, we can still silence shame.”- Ann Swindell
“For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”- Hebrews 12:2-3 (NIV)
Ann Swindell reminds us of the cost of shame as she concludes Chapter 6 of Still Waiting. Shame:
- makes it seem impossible for us to extricate ourselves from our struggles
- makes it appear that our brokenness determines our value
- pairs our worth with our weakness
- yokes us to lies
- tells us whatever image we put forward, whole or not, reflects our identity
- forces us to cover up who we are
- is a liar
However, Ann asserts, shame need not have the upper hand, even in the most staggering circumstances. Shame, indeed, can be silenced. Citing Hebrews 12:2-3, Ms. Swindell states that she loves the word scorning. Because it points us to the fact that Jesus chose – or better refused – to endow shame with power in His life. Therefore, Ann explains:
“Through the Holy Spirit, we now have the power to live new lives and make new choices. Although we may feel shame, we, like Jesus, can choose to scorn it. We can choose to separate our identity in Christ from the ruined image we have of ourselves. We can choose to listen to the truth of Jesus and separate our worth from our weakness, our lives from lies.”
In conclusion, the author adds, there’s one way to live in freedom from shame. Open your heart and life to those who love you. And invite them to extend the grace all of us need from each other. For love and acceptance from people and the Lord help us “grasp the truth of the gospel for the tender and waiting places of our souls.”
Today’s question: What Scriptures help you know that shame can be silenced? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “The genuine pain and sorrow in every heart”
