Where Shame Says 'Keep Away,' God Comes Close
Feel rejected for something that was never sin? That isn’t God talking. Toni Kim’s test distinguishes conviction from condemnation. Given to Rapt readers.
Darling One: You Were Loved Before You Were Good
Afraid to be known? What does God say when you look up? 'Come here,' for a start. Jennifer Camp wrote it down for Rapt.
A Pot Without Handles
Suffering has a way of exposing the places we most want to hide — our weakness, dependence, fear, shame. We begin to believe we are burdens instead of beloved. But God does not look at us with disgust or disappointment. He sees us clearly and stays near anyway. Even the parts of ourselves we struggle to accept are not beyond his tenderness, his patience, or his ability to shape into something beautiful.
The Dangers of Lingering Unkindness
My first instinct is to defend, reject and explain. I can feel the wrestling match begin within me, shame feeling like a too-heavy blanket pressing on my chest. Was I unkind? Yeah, and no one deserves unkindness. I am disappointed in myself and sad. I have had a close relationship with shame, and I can feel her slinking close.