Shame and Disgrace

“Do not be afraid, for you will not be put to shame; don’t be humiliated, for you will not be disgraced. For you will forget the shame of your youth, and you will no longer remember the disgrace of your widowhood.
Isaiah 54:4 HCSB

Different things happen to us as we grow up that cause us to feel shame: an abusive parent who constantly puts you down or physically abuses you; a bully at school; being poor and not having enough clothes or food.

Being divorced more so than widowed came be shameful. Why did my spouse divorce me? Was I a failure as a wife/husband? Was I a bad mother? Family breakdown and violence is on the rise. Parents are killing themselves and their children or in a rage killing their children; young people are losing the plot and killing their school mates or families.

The result of all these things is shame and disgrace. These are burdens too great to bear. Who Can save us? Fortunately our Jesus can and has. We can come to Him and ask for His help. He is not far from the broken hearted. We can trust Him to cleanse us and forgive us but more importantly give us a family that never fails.

Jesus was crucified with a thief on either side of Him. One asked Him to remember him. Jesus said to him: "Today you will be with me in Paradise." All the thief had to do was ask and he received. Ask and receive!