I was recently asked to join the Arise Beloved team, specifically to blog for this wonderful ministry. I was stoked…but then also immediately insecure. Of course, Shame would rear its ugly head when a wonderful opportunity is presented! You’re not good enough, you’re not holy enough, you’re not a writer. These were all the anxious thoughts that flooded my mind that day. I’ve pursued blogging in the past and promptly gave up because I perpetually felt inadequate and had an overwhelming sense of shame. 

I’m not even going to sugar coat it. Most of my life I have struggled to like myself, to love myself if I’m really being honest. This overwhelming shame has hindered me in so many ways in life. It’s kept me from pursuing relationships, volunteer opportunities, and even kept me from my faith at times in the past. 

I remember a day when I decided I’d had enough of the world and wanted to come back home. I walked up the steps to the front of the Church and audibly heard these words in my head: “Are you serious? Do you know how unworthy you are to be here?”. I was so overwhelmed with shame… and honestly felt embarrassed that I thought I was “good enough” to go to mass. I promptly did a 180 and didn’t look back…for almost two years. 

Ladies! If there is one message that I wish I could convey to you today, never…and I mean NEVER buy into these lies. Shame is a powerful weapon that the enemy loves to wield, especially against women. But know this, YOU are the beloved daughter of a God who will NEVER STOP loving you. He died for you, there is no sin that cannot be forgiven! He aches to be with you. Please don’t ever let shame come between you and The One who longs to love and never let you go. 

In order to combat these lies, we have to put up our defenses. Daily prayer is essential! Only God can tell us who we truly are and just how beautiful, worthy, and supremely loveable his daughters are. So, arise beloved, and run to The One who will never stop telling you how worthy you are!

Pax,

Gabriella