Secrets and Shame

The two greatest commandments are loaded with possibilities for healthy attachments - attachment with God, others, and self.
“'Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?' Jesus replied, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind...A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself.’" Matthew 22:36-40
 
When we hold secrets - those meant to hide our failures, shortcomings, or brokenness - we begin to undermine all three of these incredibly important relationships/attachments.
 
Dr. Kevin Skinner - a mental health professional regarding sexually compulsive behavior, infidelity, and trauma from sexual betrayal - said,
"Secrets keep us in our shame and shame keeps us from attaching."
Secrets affect our attachment to God, others, and self!
 
Don't let this be you. Whether the secret is current or from the far past, there is tremendous value in sharing this openly with the Lord and with someone you can trust and will pray with you. Begin your journey to healing!
 
Being honest before the Lord and others has brought tremendous freedom into my life - including the freedom to get the help and support I needed for my recovery. It has been a catalyst in developing deeper, more intimate relationships. It doesn't make hurt or grief disappear, but it does remove Satan's stronghold and heavy, heavy, weight of shame.
When mulling things over only in our own minds, Satan works to convince us we are alone in the battle, it can never be overcome, it will be too painful to bring to the surface, and our imaginations run wild regarding how people will respond to knowing the truth. We often justify holding secrets to protect our relationships, but it is actually the greatest way to sabotage them.
 
🖤 What not-so-helpful thoughts (or lies) have surfaced for you whenever you kept a failure, shortcoming, or brokenness to yourself rather than sharing?
 
🖤 How does Dr. Skinner's quote resonate with you?
 
🖤 Do you have a secret you've been holding on to? What step can you take today toward freedom?
 
Don't run this race alone!
 
(If you would like more support, please email me at [email protected] - I read and respond to every email. You can also set up a free complimentary session today.)
Print Friendly, PDF & Email