Shame

6 Nov

“We’re often afraid of looking at our shadow because we want to avoid the shame or embarrassment that comes along with admitting mistakes.”  ~ Marianne Williamson

We can be our own best friend and we can be our own worst enemy.  When we fail to allow ourselves to look at our lives honestly, we are not being a friend to ourselves.

Many times, we do not want to look at ourselves because what we see is not what we like.  We might feel shame or embarrassment at what we view.  We might feel anger at ourselves for not standing up for what was right or not doing the right thing.  We might feel resentment or remorse because what we have done was a “repeat offense”.  However, if we do not look at ourselves honestly and openly, we cannot possibly change.

Sometimes, we are afraid to admit our failures and our iniquities because, as we say to ourselves, no one else does what we do.  That, my friends, would be the wrong answer.  Everyone has problems.  Everyone has issues.  Everyone has failures.  Some are better at admitting them and responded to them than others.  But, all have something that needs to improve.

How can I say that with such certitude?  I can say that because the others we look at are still alive.  And, if alive, are in a sinful world that often leads them to do wrong.

But, let us not focus on others.  Let us focus on ourselves.  Let us be honest with ourselves.  Let us see ourselves, as they say, “warts and all”.  Only then will we have the information necessary to plan and effect change.

FAITH ACTION:  Take a good, hard look at yourself this day and ask God to give you the strength to improve the areas of your life you may have been ignoring out of shame or discomfort.