The other day we walked into Identity class and our instructor gave us a sheet of paper and a marker. “I want you to write down something that brings you shame or your biggest fear.” We gave furtive glances to each other.
“You want us to do what?”
“I want you to write down something about yourself that gives you shame or something you fear.” Hesitantly we took our markers and began to write. After a few minutes we clutched our secrets to our chests and wondered what we were going to have to do with them.
“Now go find 5 people and show them what you wrote down.”
Silence, then fear and pleading, and eventually acceptance. We wandered around the room baring our souls and hoping we wouldn’t be judged or rejected.
It was terrifying.
I have always been a big supporter of being vulnerable and honest with people about what I was thinking and feeling. But when I have to be vulnerable with fears and shame that I can barely admit to myself, its a lot harder.
If you’re only being vulnerable with things you are comfortable sharing are you really being vulnerable at all?
Something happens when you confess something hard to others half expecting rejection and judgement and instead being met with affirmation and solidarity. In the “me too”s you find healing and maybe a little bit of freedom.
What is that thing in your life that gives you shame? What lies has the enemy spoken over you so many times that you’ve started to believe it?
Acknowledge it. Confess it. And it will have a little less power over your life.
