We just can't seem to forget what occurred when we were children, or when the marriage dissolved and when our parents left home.  In fact, 34% of women surveyed out of 500 remember a shameful experience from their past according to the Portman Group related to sexual assault and drunkenness.  AFTER THE FALL (Destiny Image) written by author and pastor, Dr. Donald Hilliard addresses such issues of shame.  Dr. Hilliard goes on to say, "We never seem to forget the marks of abuse that remain unseen, when we mere molested, when we went bankrupt or when our sin was uncovered."

No matter what your social sphere, whether it is cultural, familial, political or economical, everyone has experienced personal shame in one shape, form or fashion.  It is true.  Both in public vocations and private relationships, we have experienced disrepute, despair, depression, disease or dysfunction.  Quite frankly, most folks hide their shame.  We hide our personal failures that afflict our conscience.  However, while these life experiences often blindside us they should not determine our lot in life.

Webster's dictionary defines shame as "a painful feeling of guilt for improper behavior, etc. dishonor or disgrace."  As we look at ourselves in the mirror today, we notice that there are far too many of us who possess unlimited potential, possibilities, and promise, but regrettably will never come to know the fullness of our future because of shame.  "The power of shame is such that is locks us into a closet", states Dr. Hilliard.  "Even a closet of our own mind."

Every page of AFTER THE FALL seems to continue to go one step deeper cutting away at all that callus that has become the hiding place of shame until you are free from its damning affects on your soul.  AFTER THE FALL promises to offer the rejected individual, whether sacred or secular explicit examples of how God restores a person to complete wholeness and recovery from shame.  Dr. Hilliard talks about learning to live in the grace of God after receiving it.  Learning to walk in it daily as the Bible talks about.  Hilliard says, "We fear our sins or shortcomings have seemingly forfeited the position that God had for us."

Many seek escape from shame desperately seeking to hide their identity or preserve some measure of their dignity.  They are caught, accused and paraded in front of the public eye with no place to run.  The saddest part of this picture is that so many lose their way over something God has already forgiven. 

To really understand shame the way it is described by so many, you really have to experience it for yourself.  But the real question that is, who hasn't?