HOPE TRIUMPHS
A COVERING FOR SHAME AND GUILT
She doesn’t want to lose face. She doesn’t know what else to do. What she will do to cover herself and to spare her parents from shame? Representational image. Image credit: KETUT SUBIYANTO on Pexels.
By REVEREND TONY ZEKVELD
Many struggle with their shame and guilt. An international student commits suicide rather than shame her parents in India with her tragic situation. She sells herself to pay her rent. This is the only way she can continue her education. And then she gets pregnant.
She doesn’t want to lose face. She doesn’t know what else to do. What she will do to cover herself and to spare her parents from shame? They are made to believe that everything is going well.
She has no outlet. She does not feel free to talk to anyone. She hides the guilt, covers her shame in the best way she can so that her parents do not lose honour. Yet she weeps day and night. Yet all the coverings cannot hide the guilt and brokenness. Is there no way out of her predicament? Is there any way to remove this shame and guilt?
There are multiple examples like this, though the specific situations may vary.
But what if I tell you that there is One so loving and so gracious that He is willing to cover all your shame and guilt! He took the full punishment for sin and is ready and willing to forgive you all your sin. But you must come to Him, give it, all of it, over to Him.
This One is the Lord Jesus Christ. God, in His love, gave Him to us, to suffer the shame, and the death we deserve on the cross. He covers the shame and the guilt of all those who trust in Him for salvation. He secures the way out for all who believe in Him. He forgives. He gives joy and peace.
Our parents may be ashamed to say, “This is my son” or “This is my daughter”. But you can weep and cry to Christ. Be fully open and transparent, not because He doesn’t know already. He knows but He wants you to confess and tell Him. Don’t hide from Him. He hears and He is not ashamed to call you brother or sister. His saving work covers you so that God adopts you as His precious child.
But we need to come to Him openly. God says in the Bible, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you”.
If you want to talk more, you may reach out to us, a place of hope. God supplies the covering.
If you want to talk more, feel free to phone or text Reverend Tony Zekveld (“call me Pastor Tony”) at Hope Centre at 416-740-0543. His email is hopecentre@primus.ca and website: www.hopecentrebrampton.com.