I pray this year is filled with more curiosity than criticism, more peace than perfectionism, more flow than frustration, and more joy and love than...well, anything else! For both of us. (I'm hosting a free gathering to start the year with this intention together... scroll to the bottom for more info).

the closer I get to pursuing this goal, the more elusive it feels...

God really got my attention the other day about my desire for this year. I have a specific goal in mind - something I've been wanting to do for several years. But the closer I get to actually doing it, the more I hear why I can't/shouldn't/won't do it.

So here I am, innocently reading Galations when I come across a verse we've all heard a thousand times. It stopped me in my tracks:

I immediately knew. This was about my big goal. The procrastination, self-doubt, negativity...It's all about people-pleasing. What if I fail? What will people think of me? What will people think.

But ...I know God is the one who's called me to this. I know He already says I'm more than enough just as I am. And that He's where I'll ultimately find that peace, flow, joy, love... Darn it, I KNOW these things. Don't I??

It's no accident I recently started re-reading The Soul of Shame. WHY are so many of us so worried about the approval of others? Especially when we KNOW these things??

Shame.

That subtle, shaping belief that somehow, something may be fundamentally lacking in us.

Shame is insidious.

• It's not always obvious. By its very nature shame is adept at hiding, disguised as perfectionism, fear of failure, overfunctioning, hyperindependence, and so on.
• It's self-replicating, causing us to hide too. We feel shame because we feel shame.

AND even worse,

• Shame is the original and primary emotional weapon that evil uses to disconnect us from God, each other, and even our True selves. "Who told you that you were naked?" Gen 3:11
• And shame is a "PRIMARY MEANS TO PREVENT US FROM USING THE GIFTS WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN" (Thompson)

Ugh.

If we continue to allow shame in the driver's seat, we'll never fully live out the purpose and desire HE'S placed in us. So.

Pay attention. Awareness is the first step to change. Practice self-compassion when you notice it in any form. And call it out.

Because shame thrives in secrecy and isolation, exposure is the one response that can change the game.

So, thank you God for exposing it in me. Again.

Now let's call shame out together.

Wanna hang out?

I'm hosting a free online community gathering soon. With no agenda other than to share and support. I'll share my big goal for the year and if you want you can share yours, and we'll encourage each other. Even if you're not aware of any places shame is targeting you, your presence will be a blessing.

Let's Get Together. Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026. 10:00 a.m.

And start a year filled with more Shine than Shame!

If you're interested, let me know by clicking here - or just reply to this email. I'll ask you a couple of questions and then send the link. And yes, I'll send the recording after if you end up not being able to join.

Either way, praying for a banner year of growth for all of us!

Maggie. 💜