Breaking the Big Shame: Helping Kids See Themselves Through God’s Eyes

Hey there, Brave Ones!
I can hardly wait to share the news—my newest book, The BIG SHAME, is almost here! 

This story is for every child who has ever felt like hiding, struggled with feeling “not enough,” or carried that heavy, unnamed weight of shame.
Shame loves to whisper lies, but Jesus? He speaks truth, love, and freedom! 

My heart's desire is for kids to realize that shame is NOT who they are, their mistakes do NOT define them, and Papa God is always inviting them to draw near rather than hide away.

As I step into my 60s, I’ve noticed my faith has shifted from striving for achievements to truly letting go and holding everything more loosely in my hands. I’ve learned a valuable lesson along the way: knowing what’s within my control and what isn’t makes life a whole lot clearer. And God is the fixer, not me.

Shame is more common than you might think. It’s that nagging feeling we all get, washing over us when we believe we’re not quite good enough—whether it’s not fitting in, not meeting expectations, or carrying regret about our past choices. The truth is, everyone grapples with shame at some point, but it’s essential to remember that it does NOT define us!

So, where does shame come from? 
From the moment we’re born, we’re tossed into a world packed with expectations. Society sends us messages about how we should look, act, and succeed. And when we fall short and can’t keep up? We end up feeling small and unworthy. Ouch!

Take a moment to reflect on your childhood. The messages we pick up from our families—both spoken and unspoken—shape how we see ourselves. If you grew up in an environment where love felt conditional or criticism was the norm, it’s only natural to carry feelings of shame into adulthood. On the flipside, a supportive family can help us embrace our authentic selves without shame. 
Shame often flourishes where being vulnerable is seen as a weakness. Many of us learn to hide our true selves just to avoid judgment, which only perpetuates a cycle of shame and defensiveness. But guess what? Being vulnerable is actually a sign of strength! WOOT! WOOT! Like a super power!!! Being honest allows us to make real connections, and together, we can encourage and lift each other up on our journeys.

Romans 8:1: "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Isn’t that comforting? This powerful truth shows us that we’re not defined by our mistakes or past failures! Instead, God sees us through His beautiful lens of grace and mercy.

Understanding where shame comes from is only the first step. Overcoming it is a journey—one that requires prayer, patience, self-compassion, and sometimes even a supportive friend or mentor. 

Stay tuned for more insights and reflections as we countdown to the book launch!

Woot! Woot! 
❤️ Julie