I think shame is the worst of all enemies.

It doesn’t matter what we did.
And it doesn’t matter why we did it.

Shame enters our heart and is nearly impossible to shake. 

And the problem is, because so many of us live in the midst of inner guilt and humiliation, we spread it to the world around us.

Cancel culture, in fact, thrives upon it.

But the truth is, even when others have forgiven or forgotten our mistakes, it’s really hard to forgive ourselves – to release ourselves from the chains of past decisions.

I just finished reading Glennon Doyle’s Untamed for a second time, and I have always been drawn to her anti-shame encouragement.

“Be careful with the stories you tell about yourself,” she cautions.

And I feel these words.

Because we all make mistakes.
Because we all fall down.

But in order to get back up for good, we have to love ourselves.

Even when we do the wrong thing.

Especially when we do it out of trauma response.

Because, the thing is, our very actions – if we are brave enough to self-examine – can point us to the very things missing in our lives.

What do I need more of?
Where are healthy places I can get it?

And that’s where we can begin to live our lives not with shame, but grace. 

Grace in knowing we will get better every day.

Grace in knowing no one has it all figured out.

Grace in knowing that what we’ve done will never define us…unless we let it. 

The miracle is that you survived. 

The hope is that you still have time to thrive. 

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