Ladies, let’s be honest with ourselves…
On most days do you feel like you are just “not good enough?”
If so, think about what you might choose to wear today?
Have you chosen to wear that beautiful dress of yours that shows off your true beauty,
Or have you chosen to wear “an apron of shame?”
Don’t know what to wear?
Don’t panic; there is a solution!
“Many women go through life in a full out “panic mode.” They started out, like many of us, feeling unloved and worthless. They report that they feel like they are constantly running from predators of all kinds, as if they were born with a “bull’s eye” on their backs. They never remember feeling safe in this cruel world.
Let’s ask ourselves some honest questions that may have haunted us for a long time…If I am promised peace and an abundant life, why is happiness so elusive? Why do I try so hard to get my emotional cup filled, when in the end, I still feel empty? If I am stuck riding this roller coaster of life, how can I overcome my fears and feel safe enough to enjoy the ride? Why can’t I relinquish the expectations that I have placed on myself to be perfect or even to perform well enough to gain some significance? Why do I often feel so bad about myself that I allow my feelings to dictate my every move, and yet I am never truly satisfied? Why can’t I see things clearly? Why do things seem so hopeless? Why do I look for love in all the wrong places and even doubt God’s love for me, even when he has always been faithful? I know that I need to make some kind of change, but what steps do I take to break this pattern in my life?” (Her Treasures: A Life Brand New, page 51)
Isn’t it time to stand up and say, “Enough is enough?”
“Adam and Eve had to make a choice daily to avoid the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. They had everything they needed to live a satisfying life. They were safe in the Garden, and they felt significant. Their most valuable treasure was the loving relationship that they had with the Father, and this became the devil’s number one target. Therefore, he tempted Eve in an attempt to separate them from this perfect relationship. He deceived her into believing that the forbidden fruit was the solution to all of her dreams. These are the same tactics that he uses today to trap us into his evil web.” (Her Treasures: A Life Brand New, page 54)
For the next three posts, I would like to share with you the stories of a few women who allowed shame to rule their lives. But just so we don’t end on a sad or hopeless note, take a moment and enjoy this poem, “Apron of Shame,” from “Her Treasures: A Life Brand New,” page 56.
Apron of Shame
I’m casting off my apron of shame,
That has covered my bitterness, sadness, and self-blame.
It’s been my companion for way too long;
I’m tired of singing that same old song.
God wants me to lift my head and sing,
A new song of praise, one of thanksgiving.
He’s given me a new dress that is not so bare,
It’s the perfect thing to wear anyplace, anywhere.
It’s forgiving of course; girl do I look skinny!
Watch out Cameron and Raquel, Demi and Minney!
I’ve got poise, confidence, and lots of “cute,”
Glamour and strength and pizazz, to boot!
I will no longer be afraid to show my face;
Jesus has lifted me up to a better place,
Where forgiveness and grace truly abound,
And nary a trace of a frown can be found.
Because of Him, I am now whole and completely restored,
And can dream those dreams that I dreamed before.
I’m determined to run full speed ahead;
Might even decide to dye my hair red.
Hey, a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do.
Gonna get off my pity-potty and stop my boo-hoo.
Time’s a wastin’ for the new me to answer the call.
Gotta put on my dancing shoes and get to the ball,
Because he’s out there waiting holding a glorious crown,
And has replaced my “peek-a-boo” apron with a beautiful gown.
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