Sharm.

The word echoes through my mind as hauntingly as it echoed through the dorm at Ashagram.

Sharm.

Shame.

The thing that most keeps them from approaching the throne of God.

Sharm.

It’s one Hindi word I’ll remember for a lifetime because it’s the one that moves my heart to tears as I wonder why these beautiful women feel shame for a sin they did not commit. They didn’t choose the life of a prostitute. It was forced upon each one of them. Yet they feel responsible for the wrong that was done to them. As if there was something they could have done to keep it from happening.

It’s easy to feel sympathy for these women. So simple for me to tell them that they have no need to be ashamed. But I know that I’ve done it too. I’ve taken the blame for something that was not within my power to control. I’ve felt guilt over circumstances that I couldn’t change. I’ve lived with so many “what if’s”.

Sharm.

Shame.

Whether it’s truly mine to bear or not, I’ve allowed it to keep me from approaching the throne of God on more than one occasion. I’m willing to bet it’s hindered you as well.

We’re afraid to approach God. Afraid of what His response to us may be. We’re afraid of His judgment, or maybe His mercy. Yes, it’s quite possible to fear forgiveness. So we live in our sharm. We abide in our shame as if forgiveness is only a dream.

But we don’t have to live that way. We don’t have to stay confined within the walls of self-condemnation.

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” –Romans 8:1-2

 So come now, little one. Out of the sharm. Out of your shame.  Freedom awaits you here in the Light.