Guilt & shame: The gospel is big enough to address both

Note: this article contains references to abuse.

When Leanne first shared her story in our women's group, the room fell silent. Years of abuse had left scars far deeper than the physical ones. Though she'd found freedom from her abuser, she hadn't escaped the shame that followed her like a shadow.

What gave Leanne the courage to speak was not just the group's compassion but their own previous vulnerability. For months before Leanne's disclosure, these women had been practising honest sharing. It wasn’t unusual to hear about struggles with depression, a child's addiction, or the reality of financial bankruptcy. None were met with platitudes or quick fixes. No one flinched or looked away. They simply received it.