The simple truth is that there are times I do not have the strength to even see myself honestly. I choose to listen to the voices of my culture and my sin nature when deciding how to live and interact with others. This of course leads me to a very difficult place often filled with Shame and Fear. Shame for the things I have done, said, and thought. Then Fear that I will be found out for who I really am. That I will be exposed as a fraud.

In order to do what I can, I choose to hide. To run into the trees as Adam and Eve did so that I can’t be seen and my sin exposed. I agree with Shame to live by its rules. To not be known, but to meerly exist under its power. In essence I cooperate, I choose bondage. There is still Fear, but he hang back as Shame runs the show.

I was told in the last year that I would need to fight hard in order to deal with adversity in my own life. I recently came to my senses and discovered that Shame and Fear can be defeated through confession. When I go to my friends and expose myself for who I am ,what I have done and said, Shame and Fear lose their power. They no longer control me. I am now known. My friends accept me, love me, and encourage me. My inner man is strengthened, and I am healed.

My encouragement is to confess, and be healed. Find someone in your life you trust to keep your confidence, and accept you. Not everyone is trustworthy, but the benefits are worth the risk. Defeat
Shame and Fear.