UNashamed: A Journey from Shame into Truth

Shame is a thief. It creeps into the hidden places of our hearts, whispering lies that sound like truth. It doesn’t live in the realm of logic, because shame is not about reason. It lives in the shadows of the amygdala, where fear and survival reside. Guilt says, “I made a mistake.” Shame says, “I am a mistake.”

When I first encountered the Loved, Chosen & Free seminar in May 2020, I discovered that my whole life had been shame-based. That realisation was confronting, but it was also a moment of unveiling. Since then, I’ve completed the same worksheet four times. Some issues have shifted to the “not so much” column, but overall, shame still tried to define my story. For a while, I felt disheartened.

In October, I shared this concern during prayer ministry with Sandra. With gentle wisdom, she reminded me that shame is a deep-rooted stronghold. Healing takes time. The important thing is not how quickly the roots are pulled out, but that I see evidence of progress — even if it feels small. That reassurance gave me permission to breathe, to stop striving, and to trust that healing is a steady process led by the Holy Spirit.

Sandra herself created a seven-lesson series called UNashamed. Shame was such a major stronghold in many lives that she dedicated her teaching to it. Strangely enough, it wasn’t until I began offering this series in my own encounter groups that I finally found the courage to watch the lessons and work through them myself. The very thing I was helping others face became the doorway to my own deeper healing.

📖 “Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.” — Psalm 34:5 (NKJV)

The truth is, shame does not define me. Christ does. My Core Values remind me of who I am in Him: faith and spirituality, love and compassion, family and relationships, service and kindness, integrity and generosity, courage, creativity, growth and learning, health and wellness, balance and rest, freedom, beauty, and even ambition redefined as kingdom impact. These values are not just ideals — they are the prophetic counter-story to shame’s lies.

Every time I choose to look into the face of Jesus rather than the weight of shame, I see light breaking through. Healing is happening. One step at a time, the shadows are losing their grip.

✨ Encouragement for youIf shame has been a heavy cloak over your life, take heart. Healing may feel slow, but even small steps are evidence of God’s transforming work. Invite Him into those hidden places, let His Word speak truth, and dare to believe you are loved, chosen, and free.

🌸 A Gentle Call to Action

If this reflection spoke to your heart, I invite you to take it deeper:

• Journal your thoughts and prayers as you process these truths.

• Explore my Devotional Collection for more writings that weave Scripture and creativity together.

• Visit my This is My Story page, where I share the deeper journey behind my art, writing, and ministry — a testimony of God’s restorative love in the broken places.

• Consider joining one of my Healing 💔heARTs💖 gatherings or paint parties, where we create, share, and heal together in God’s presence.

Your story matters. Your freedom matters. And most of all, you are deeply loved by the God who sets captives free.