From a Cloak of Shame to a Garment of Praise
Article by Lauri McNair, MS
Have you ever felt shame? You know, that acrid feeling that makes you wish you could become invisible, crawl into a hole, or press the rewind button so that you could somehow change what just happened? Shame comes in many different forms, but the end result is the same--utter humiliation. Maybe you were at the receiving end of an off-color joke, perhaps you were humiliated by an insensitive teacher, maybe you were bullied or ridiculed, or perhaps you were victimized or abused. No matter what the circumstance may have been, we can all identify with the feeling of shame.
Shame is defined as a negative emotion that combines feelings of dishonor, unworthiness,
embarrassment, and humiliation. It is a heavy, weighty, and dark emotion. It is at the root of low self-esteem. People who feel shame often feel bad about who they are. They question their worth and abilities. It differs from guilt in that guilt is related to thoughts, actions, and deeds. Shame is an internal reality. It is a state of being that can lead to self-deprecation.
Because the nature of shame is so invasive and encroaching, it can easily take up residency in our psyche. We can ruminate over the shameful event ad nauseam. It has become our focus. We begin to wear it like a cloak. We believe we are marred and add insult to injury by believing that others see our cloak.
Overcoming Shame
"For your shame you will have double honor; and for confusion you will rejoice...everlasting joy shall be unto you."--Isaiah 61:7
Thankfully, shame and humiliation do not have to take up permanent residency in our mind or heart. We can move beyond shame and humiliation through the Word of God. Isaiah 61:7 promises us that shame will be replaced with double blessings. We are also assured that we will be the recipients of comfort, everlasting joy, and vindication.
So, if you have been shamed or humiliated, you are a prime candidate for a complete "make-over". The Lord has come for you! Simply begin to praise Him!
Prayer for Overcoming Shame
"Father, in the name of Jesus, I release my feelings of shame and humiliation. It is a cloak I no longer want to wear. I give it you. I thank you for the garment of praise. I rejoice in you. I celebrate you. I lift my hands and heart in praise to you. Hallelujah! In Jesus' name. Amen."
Have you ever felt shame? You know, that acrid feeling that makes you wish you could become invisible, crawl into a hole, or press the rewind button so that you could somehow change what just happened? Shame comes in many different forms, but the end result is the same--utter humiliation. Maybe you were at the receiving end of an off-color joke, perhaps you were humiliated by an insensitive teacher, maybe you were bullied or ridiculed, or perhaps you were victimized or abused. No matter what the circumstance may have been, we can all identify with the feeling of shame.
Shame is defined as a negative emotion that combines feelings of dishonor, unworthiness,
embarrassment, and humiliation. It is a heavy, weighty, and dark emotion. It is at the root of low self-esteem. People who feel shame often feel bad about who they are. They question their worth and abilities. It differs from guilt in that guilt is related to thoughts, actions, and deeds. Shame is an internal reality. It is a state of being that can lead to self-deprecation.
Because the nature of shame is so invasive and encroaching, it can easily take up residency in our psyche. We can ruminate over the shameful event ad nauseam. It has become our focus. We begin to wear it like a cloak. We believe we are marred and add insult to injury by believing that others see our cloak.
Overcoming Shame
"For your shame you will have double honor; and for confusion you will rejoice...everlasting joy shall be unto you."--Isaiah 61:7
Thankfully, shame and humiliation do not have to take up permanent residency in our mind or heart. We can move beyond shame and humiliation through the Word of God. Isaiah 61:7 promises us that shame will be replaced with double blessings. We are also assured that we will be the recipients of comfort, everlasting joy, and vindication.
So, if you have been shamed or humiliated, you are a prime candidate for a complete "make-over". The Lord has come for you! Simply begin to praise Him!
Prayer for Overcoming Shame
"Father, in the name of Jesus, I release my feelings of shame and humiliation. It is a cloak I no longer want to wear. I give it you. I thank you for the garment of praise. I rejoice in you. I celebrate you. I lift my hands and heart in praise to you. Hallelujah! In Jesus' name. Amen."
