​Shame into Glory

“Yes, at that time I will deal with all who oppress you. I will save the lame and gather the outcasts; I will make those who were disgraced throughout the earth receive praise and fame.” (Zephaniah 3:19)
 
It is crazy that today you can be signaled out by the type of socks you wear. Apparently, ankle socks are no longer the hip thing to wear. I remember having crew socks and pulling them down to make it appear as if I was wearing ankle socks. It was a pretty genius tactic to fit in with the cool kids. We all may feel like outcasts at some point in our lives that we just do not simply belong. For some reason we feel like we stand out and not part of the group. It can be especially easy to feel as an outcast when we have impairments. We can start to doubt our own abilities and what we know we can do.

Often, we can feel shame because we feel like an outcast or do not fit in anywhere no matter how hard we try. Shame happens not because someone necessarily does something to us but, how we internalize a situation it can involve negative self-evaluation and not living up to certain standards making yourself believe that you are not worthy. It can be difficult to feel worthy when feeling like an outcast or dealing with shame.

Thankfully, God can change us. Although we may feel like an outcast or shameful, he brings us into families and healthy communities. You end up receiving praise and fame it might not include being a famous actor comparable to Harrison Ford, but you may become famous within your community. People will know you for what you have overcome and how you have grown. You may not receive praise from millions but, you will receive praise from those who are in your corner and especially God.
 
Heavenly Father, you replace shame with glory though I am struggling with sin help me to repent and rely on your Holy Spirit to change for the better.
 
Praying,
Stacy Watkins