I was in a cult once.

No, it was never showcased on an episode of 20/20 or publicized in the national news because of its flamboyant and bizarre obedience tactics. 

But it was a cult nonetheless and my years spent within it were permeated with harsh mind games, spiritual smoke and mirrors, and an enormous amount of fear.

One of the most common practices of any cult is to ostracize the followers from their family.  This group was no different.

Not only were we encouraged to shun and avoid our extended families altogether (if they didn’t “believe”), but there were frequent opportunities for our own nuclear family to be the target of severe ridicule, public humiliation, and church discipline during weekly meetings.

The result?  Wives were pitted against husbands; parents against children as the elders played God with our family dynamics, trust, and loyalty.

Anthony and his proposal of marriage are what set my children and I on a course for deliverance from this destructive group.

However, moving to a new area of the country and starting life over didn’t remove the internal shame I carried with me for quite some time.

Shame over things I had said or done towards my very confused and concerned parents over the years.

Shame of allowing abusive people access to the lives of my children.

Shame of not leaving this toxic group much earlier than I did.

Shame…shame…shame.

Jesus found me laboring under the weight of it.  It took a while for Him to help me unpack all of it and eventually surrender it to Him.

Shame wants us to hide; remain invisible; stay isolated; continue to be tormented.  No one has ever been changed by the power of shame. 

But God, who has deeply loved us from the beginning of time, sent Jesus to die for us.  All of our shame, and every bit of our sin, was nailed to the Cross with the Son of God.

“{God} made Christ who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf so that in Him we would become the righteousness of God [that is, we would be made acceptable to Him and placed in a right relationship with Him by His gracious lovingkindness]. (2 Corinthians 5:21 AMP)

Freedom from shame only happens because of that eternal work done on Calvary by Jesus so many years ago.

That’s the beauty of Easter, isn’t it?  That’s the glory of the Gospel.

“…He endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2 HCSB)

If you’re carrying shame today, my friend, may I invite you to look at the Cross, give it to God, and fix your eyes on a risen Savior who loves you intensely? 

Exchange that shame for the forgiveness, grace, mercy, love, hope, and peace that only Jesus can give.

My chains are gone, I’ve been set free! 

My God, my Savior ransomed me! 

And like a flood His mercy reigns! 

Unending love, amazing grace!

(Chris Tomin, Amazing Grace – My Chains Are Gone)

Until next time, Grace and Glory!