From Hiding to Belonging – Women’s Devotion
Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. He says, “I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; in the assembly I will sing your praises.”
Hebrews 2:11-12
Shame is one of the most elusive human experiences. It lingers in the background without us knowing. Shame thrives in darkness and secrecy. It doesn’t seek to understand; it seeks to destroy us in highly personal ways. It traps us in cycles of unwanted thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It isolates us, convinces us to hide, wear masks, stay quiet, and pretend we’re fine. It keeps us alone—even in our closest relationships.
Have you ever felt the exhaustion and loneliness that comes from all that hiding? I know I have.
Sometimes shame reveals itself through thoughts like:
“I don’t belong here.”
“If they really knew me, they wouldn’t love me.”
“There’s something wrong with me.”
“I’m a mess… damaged goods… a bad mom, wife, sister, friend, or employee.”
“I’m too ___ (loud, anxious, awkward…).”
Hebrews 2 offers us a breathtaking truth. Jesus, who shared in all our human suffering, is not ashamed to call us his sisters. He knows every part of us! Even the messiest, most unwanted, unlovable, and wounded parts. He knows our secret doubts, our struggles, our addictions, and our pain.
Still, he brings us into his family with joy. He says, “She’s mine!” Jesus doesn’t just tolerate us, either. He embraces us. He exposes shame’s lie that says we’re unlovable or unworthy.
If Jesus isn’t ashamed of us, is there any reason to keep hiding?
You don’t need to clean yourself up first—he has made us holy. We are free to take our masks off! We can share our stories with our sisters, shine a light on our messes, and let go of the shame that keeps us isolated. Our stories don’t disqualify us from love. In fact, our stories could be the doorway to deeper connections with others.
Here are a few questions to guide further reflection:
- What parts of your story or identity have you felt ashamed of?
- How has shame affected your relationship with God, others, and maybe even yourself?
- What changes when you imagine Jesus standing beside you, proudly calling you his sister?
- Is there someone safe you can share part of your story with this week to practice stepping out of shame and into connection?
Prayer: Dearest Jesus, thank you for calling me your sister. You see every part of me and you’re not ashamed. Help me to believe that. Give me courage to tell my story and how you pulled me out of the darkness. Please grant me daily opportunities to lovingly listen to the stories of my brothers and sisters, and help me point them to you. Lead us out of hiding and into the freedom of your embrace. Amen.
Written by Ana Cherney
