It's no secret that navigating life can be tough, particularly when one has to battle feelings of shame and guilt. Tess Scott, a Christian speaker, author, and self-proclaimed 'black sheep turned Jesus girl,' shares her inspiring journey of overcoming shame through faith.
Shame is a complex emotion that can negatively impact our mental and spiritual well-being. For many, the path to overcoming shame is clouded by the societal pressures of perfection. Yet, Tess Scott reveals that the journey to shedding shame and guilt can be simple and transformative. All it requires is faith and understanding our unique value in God's eyes.
Tess underscores the significance of knowing our identity in Christ. In the New Testament, 2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Our past does not define us, and neither do our sins. Tess illustrates this point through her life experiences, proving that shame has no power over those who are in Christ. She emphasizes the need to replace shame with the understanding that God has put our sins behind Him. This realization liberates us from the chains of guilt and shame.
Another crucial aspect of Tess’s conversation revolves around relationships. Whether it's challenges with children or marital pitfalls, Tess provides insights drawn from her personal experiences. Her story reiterates the biblical teaching in 1 Peter 5:7, "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." Tess encourages us to boldly ask for help when we need it, acknowledging that even our relationships are not immune to struggles.
So, how does one overcome shame and navigate life's challenges? Tess suggests three practical strategies, coined as the 'three R's.' These include remembering who you are, reading the Word, and ruminating on it.
Remember who you are: God continually reassures us of our value in the Bible. In Psalm 139:14, David writes, "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Remembering this truth helps us to counteract feelings of shame.
Read the Word: The Bible is the ultimate source of truth. It is a guidebook that helps us differentiate the lies of the enemy from the truth of God. Tess encourages us to stay rooted in the Word, equipping ourselves with the truth that can free us from shame.
Ruminate on the Word: The more we meditate on God's Word, the more it becomes a part of us. Joshua 1:8 advises, "Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."
By incorporating these strategies into our daily lives, we can overcome feelings of shame, guilt, and inadequacy. It's a transformative journey that takes us closer to the freedom that comes from embracing God's power in our lives.
In the end, Tess reminds us that shedding shame is not about attaining perfection but about acknowledging our imperfections and understanding that our worth lies not in societal standards but in God’s love for us. This is the freedom that comes from shedding guilt and shame. This is the joy of knowing that, in God's eyes, we are wonderfully and uniquely made.