Let the Scars Fade

Shame came with the fall. Three consecutive verses in the third chapter of Genesis (6, 7, and 8) spell it out. Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit; they covered themselves; they hid from God. Stained by sin, the first two human beings gave birth to shame and fear in the blink of their downcast eyes.

Shame was my default emotion. I carried it at the ready.  When something went wrong in my life or even in my vicinity, I felt shame automatically, as if I were the originator of all things gone awry.  Shame is appropriate as a warning, an awareness to change one’s course, but not as a way of life.   God called me out of my shame and alienation.

Where are you? God called to Adam in the very next verse.

My Father wants a relationship with me. He has not left me in a sorry state of sin, separated and shameful. He provided Jesus, the Way, my cleansing, my healer, my righteousness. There is nothing to cover, no reason to hide.  Jesus’ flesh was marked for my transgressions.  The wounds of my soul fade with His touch.  He anoints me with His grace.

Here I am, Lord. Thank you.

You are altogether beautiful, my love, there is no flaw in you.  Song of Songs 4:7