“The part of you that once spoke shame, when transformed in the presence of your Spirit-led self, will become an advocate of transparency.”- Alison Cook and Kimberly Miller
Alison Cook and Kimberly Miller conclude Chapter 13 of Boundaries for Your Soul as they discuss the second and third ways soul manager play the tricky game of shame.
2. A Guilty Conscience. When it comes to temptation, your guilty conscience fights like a warrior. It battles with other soul parts to do the right thing. Because it’s an important advisor, listen to this part of you. For it does the hard work of keeping you on the narrow road that leads to life.
Therefore, a guilty part at a healthy distance leads to confession, repentance, and renewal. However, guilt that gets too close weighs down an exiled part of your soul.
3. A Perfectionist Part. Perfectionistic parts work tirelessly to prove your worth on your quest for love, significance, and security. Hence, this part tries to keep you from feelings of shame. Yet, Brene Brown teaches that wholehearted people possess the courage to reveal their imperfections to others. And to themselves. In other words, they let go of who they should be so they can be who they truly are.
In conclusion, psychiatrist Curt Thompson writes about the power of shame in his powerful book The Soul of Shame. He asserts that much of shame’s power “lies in its ability to isolate, both within and between minds.”
Thus, counter shame as you retell your personal story in the light of the biblical story of God’s love. Alison and Kim summarize:
“Burdens of shame do not define you. Whereas these lies say you are unimportant, God says you are decidedly well-known and deeply loved. And you can be real because you are his. You are the light of the world – and shame has no place in the light.”
Today’s question: At present, do you see yourself as an advocate of transparency? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “The secret history of our enemies”
