Most of us, at one time or another, have had to navigate the shadow of shame. Be it something we’ve done, or something that’s been done to us. Either way, it acts like a dark cloak around our soul hovering and haunting our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. 

In truth, shame is a complicated emotion. It is a toxic product of guilt and has been a part of our story since Adam and Eve painfully discovered the effects of sin in the Garden. Even so, God uses guilt to draw us to Him. This is Godly sorrow and it alerts us to our need for forgiveness. 

Shame, on the other hand, is used by our spiritual enemy to shackle and disable us. By embodying the emotion of unworthiness it takes ownership of not only doing wrong but being wrong. If untreated, shame has the power to cast a shadow that can impact the whole trajectory of someone’s life.

To distinguish the difference, guilt is based on behavior—I did wrong, while shame is based on a flawed identity—I am wrong.

Science tells us that shadows are made by blocking light. Light rays travel from a source in straight lines. If an object gets in the way, it stops light rays from traveling through it which then creates a shadow. 

By design, sin produces guilt and if our identity isn’t aligned to God’s grace, we take on the burden of shame which casts a shadow from the inside out.

The only remedy to our shame-shadowed lives is reorienting our identity to the cross of Christ. This is where shame and glory collide revealing the transformative power of forgiveness. Every time we receive this gift we allow Christ to shine through our shame and destroy its toxic effects.

Take a moment today and ask God to reveal where shame casts the darkest shadows in your life. Perhaps it’s time to step out of a particular shadow and let Him forgive any guilt you are still holding on to. He wore our skin and bore our shame to give us this gift. All we have to do is receive it.

The big picture here is forgiveness. Our first yes to God was an acceptance of His forgiveness—Salvation. Every yes after that is learning how to live forgiven as we move through this life—Sanctification. Big biblical words that come down to one simple truth—our identity is no longer in question; we are beloved children of God, forgiven and set free.

We can’t change the past, but by God’s good grace His forgiveness changes our future.

As this holiday season approaches, and you find yourself among family and friends, be conscious of the posture you are assuming. As soon as you notice any shadows of shame, take them to the cross. Don’t let shame block the goodness of God any longer. Step out of the shadows and let the light of His grace shine in, and through you.  

Remember, you are not alone. Be blessed, Beloved, as you shed the shadows of shame.