Faith Over Fear: How I Overcame the Shame of My Past

Shame weighs heavy in our lives. It whispers we aren’t worthy. Our past determines us. No matter how much we try to outrun those mistakes, it will haunt us forever. Or so shame leads us to believe. That’s what happened when I stepped inside a federal prison. I would never be who I used to be again. I was no longer the successful professional, the respected leader, but rather an inmate. And with this badge came shame, guilt, and fear about what my future might be. For months, I wrestled with the questions: *Will people ever see me beyond this mistake? Can I rebuild my life? Will God still use me?* But then I understood something: **Shame is a tool of the enemy, and fear is a liar.**

How I Overcame Shame Through Faith:

1. I Stopped Defining Myself By My Past

God doesn’t see us through the lens of our worst moments. He sees us through the redemption lens. I had to stop replaying my mistakes and start seeing myself the way God sees me—restored, forgiven, and still worthy of purpose.

2. I Chose Faith Over Fear

Fear said I’d never get well, but faith said my story was far from over. The Bible is full of people who fell, failed, and still fulfilled God’s purpose. I had to believe that God could do the same for me.

3. I Walked in My Testimony

I stopped hiding. Instead of letting my past define me, I started using it to inspire others. My struggles became my testimony, and my shame turned into purpose.

Your past cannot define your future unless you let it. Choose faith instead of fear and trust in God that He can turn your pain into purpose.