God’s Answer to the Voice of Shame

Posted on Jul 25, 2019 Topic : Inspirational/Devotional, Men's Christian Living, Women's Christian Living
Posted by : Audrey Frank

Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours (Isaiah 61:7).

I met Hamida on a gray afternoon among throngs of people crowding around a chain-link fence. They had journeyed from near and far by car, bus, train, or on foot, hoping to receive life-changing surgeries at our temporary hospital project. Hamida stood regal and unmoving, the bright orange melhfa she wore enveloping her in the color of sunset, partially concealing her face from view. When she sat across from me two hours later, I understood why.

The left side of Hamida’s face was completely disfigured by an ugly scar that dripped cruelly down her neck. When I asked her about it, she whispered, “My mother-in-law did it with boiling oil.”

I pressed her for the reason. Looking down at henna-dipped fingernails, she answered, “She said I deserved it. To burn away the shame I brought to her family. I cannot get pregnant.”

Hamida had grown up believing a woman’s value was dependent upon having a child. In her culture, having children brought honor to the family, particularly if those children were boys. Because Hamida could not get pregnant, she believed she had no value. When her mother-in-law punished her with boiling oil, seeking to remove the shame Hamida had brought to the family, Hamida believed she deserved it.

We grow up looking around us to learn what is true about us. We listen to what is spoken to us to form an intricate belief system of who we are. Hamida believed her value came from her ability to bear a child. Her mother-in-law’s behavior supported that belief. Hamida had no reason to believe otherwise. She lived in shame.

Shame lurks in every culture. It is not exclusive to women behind veils, girls trafficked across borders, men addicted to pornography. Sneaky shame is everywhere, forcing its bearers into hiding, silencing their voices.

Shame was never God’s intention for us. Created in His image, you and I were given honor from the moment of creation. We were created for honor, not shame. There is hope for Hamida and there is hope for us.

The promised Messiah of Isaiah 61 has abolished shame. His name is Jesus, and no matter how dirty the shame we secretly carry, He has dealt with it on the cross. When we make the bold move to bring our shame to Him, He doesn’t just give us honor, He gives a double portion.

Come to the table and take your portion today, beloved.

Lord, show me where I have believed lies about who I am and who You are. Give me the courage to come to Your table and receive a double portion of honor instead of shame. Amen.