Two weeks ago we gathered together and discussed the topic of shame as it relates to our wounds. I shared with you all my wounds, the ramifications of them and how I relate out of them. Often I struggle with believing that I am wanted; that i am worth leaving because of my weakness or sin or shame and that has come out of wounds that have been created through my experience/story.
We will spend the next few months on the topic of shame. This past gathering was focused on what it looks like to receive compassion and care for our wounds and how that compassion and welcome to the cross is what frees us from the shame that comes with those stories. In the next two gatherings we will focus on another piece of scripture and look at the stories of shame that are in relation to our sin.
There are three main things that I want you to learn and see and believe as truths for your hearts- that you are not only welcome at the foot of the cross but wanted there, that you belong within the arms of God, and that through those truths you can run towards the hope of tomorrow joyfully knowing what was meant for you is still to come.
Here are the notes for you to use for journaling, for recounting story and for discussion within your DNA groups. And as always you can reach out to me through the contact me page on the website.
Hebrews 4: 14-16
So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
I want to practice the recounting of our stories. I believe that many of our stories of wounding are invitations of communion with Him. He longs to gather them up, He desires to receive them through His mercy and cover them with His grace for the purpose of stronger community with you; for redemption, for healing, for love.
I want to encourage you to spend an hour of time each week digging into your story. Look for chains, hunt for the places that you do not see Him as merciful and lament over the places where you so long to receive grace; we are weak and in such need of Him. Boldly approach the throne in full expectation of experiencing and receiving both. You and your story are worth pursuit and both are worth redeeming.
Here are some questions to help get you started in that process. Go through them, journal and then talk about them with your DNA group.
What part of your story holds the mark of shame?
How did the story come to be and what chain has it created?
What about your story makes it hard to see Him as merciful?
What part of the grace do you long to receive?