I recently went to a Christian conference and everywhere I went people asked what my ministry was. Over and over people would get uncomfortable when I mentioned my book, “Hope After Betrayal” and the ministry I am starting. Little by little, bits of their shame splashed on me and began to feel heavy. After two days, I went into my room and told my roommate I was going to start going into a situation and announce, “Unclean” to give people a heads up that they might not want to get to close to me.
Of course we got a good, and much needed, laugh. I also realized how I was letting what others think impact all the healing the Lord has done. I have chewed long and hard on the issue of shame. I am confident in His eyes there is nothing but love and pride for the work my husband and I have done and continue to do. I am not ashamed to declare that we are new creatures because of the blood of Christ which covers our brokenness. I am also aware shortcomings remain and the need to stay in the sanctification process until the day I go home to be with the Lord.
It was a good reminder that we are all broken and even in a “Christian” environment we encounter other hurting people. It’s so important to keep our eyes on the Lord and let Him reveal His pleasure or conviction when we are off base because the bottom line is we are all unclean and in need of His cleansing grace every day. Thank God His grace is sufficient!!!!
