When I went to school shaming was an everyday practice. Shame and fear, this dynamic duo was used by teachers and pupils alike.
Although I did not get to experience much shaming as I was a good student, I experienced a few which left their scar deeply.
The first one was when I was about 7 years old and I was made to stand for one hour on one foot without rest facing the class.
The second one was when I was 16 years old and the boys in the table behind had stuck chewing gum to my trousers (bottom) which I carried as a big stamp while writing on the black table.
In both occasions, there was giggling and finger-pointing and mocking that still screech to my ears. What makes it even more painful is that these came from all, yes, even those who were my best friends.
What I love about our God is that through Jesus, he has removed our shame. ( Isaiah 61:7)
People can point fingers or ridicule us, and especially about our faith, but God admires and approves of us. No more ‘shame on you’ in the kingdom, but only -shame off you.