Heather Davis Nelson - Unashamed: Healing Our Brokenness and Finding Freedom from Shame

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Heather Davis Nelson has written a wonderful work on the topic of shame. She brilliantly weaves her own stories and those of others into the larger story of what God does with our shame. She fearlessly brings the light of Jesus to shine in the dark recesses of our souls as she helps to free us from the pain of shame.

Paul E. Miller, Executive Director, seeJesus; author, A Praying Life and A Loving Life

Most of us can quickly point to a shame story from our pastthat moment when we believed that we were shunnable, rejectable, and maybe even despicable. We, as heirs of God, so often live with a low level of misery caused by shame, even though Jesus came to set us free. In her insightful new book, Unashamed , Heather Davis Nelson explores the chains that bind us and then reminds us that were not just ex-sinners; we are saints who have been made new. Like a trusted friend, who also happens to be a therapist, Heather walks you to a place of freedom so you can be all Jesus intended you to be.

Susie Larson, national speaker; radio host, Live the Promise with Susie Larson ; author, Your Beautiful Purpose

Unashamed proclaims that Jesus Christ secures freedom, honor, and glory for us and applies that truth to the many ways we all suffer shame. Because shame makes us feel naked, filthy, and excluded, we need to know the healing that comes from Gods declaration that in Christ we are clothed, clean, and accepted into the family of God.

Justin and Lindsey Holcomb, authors, God Made All of Me , Rid of My Disgrace , and Is It My Fault?

It is difficult to understand shame apart from the gospel. This book is all about the great exchange: shame for beauty. It will flood your soul with life and give you a breath of fresh air. Heather has given all of us who counseland all of us who strugglea gift.

Rod Mays, Adjunct Professor of Counseling, Reformed Theological Seminary; Executive Pastor, Mitchell Road Presbyterian Church, Greenville, South Carolina

Heather Davis Nelson speaks from an authentic heart on a subject too painful and embarrassing for most to admit they struggle with. Unashamed is much more than informative or inspirational. This book could be life-changing. Heather does a beautiful job uncovering the amazing story of grace and redemption, showing how Christ can break the endless cycle of shame that leaves so many in bondage. I highly recommend Unashamed for anyone who desires to live a life of freedom and hope found in Christ, and for anyone who desires to point others to see beyond their shame and live victoriously.

Monica Rose Brennan, Associate Professor and Director of Womens Ministries, Liberty University

Heather Davis Nelson has made a significant contribution to addressing the critical topic of shame, which is often ignored or misunderstood among the people of God. I declare myself her debtor for the help her work has been to my own sanctification.

Joseph V. Novenson, Pastor, Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church, Lookout Mountain, Tennessee

Unashamed helped me see my misplaced shame and accept the freedom and love Jesus Christ offers me every day. Im thankful for Heathers heartfelt approach. Here is a thoughtful, knowledgeable, and biblical work.

Trisha R. Wilkerson, author, Everyday Worship ; biblical counselor

Shame is a paralyzing, life-hindering reality we all experience. Unashamed , written by my dear friend Heather Davis Nelson, is not a book written primarily from her writing desk or her counselors office. This book was written from her personal faith journey through shame as she has sought to abide in Jesus and his Word through tears, pain, and faith crises. This is what makes the book so powerful. This is why I recommend the book for anyone. It is a signpost to Jesus and his healing, transforming gospel.

Ellen Mary Dykas, Womens Ministry Coordinator, Harvest USA; editor, Sexual Sanity for Women

Heather Nelson has refreshingly and freely brought to light a topic that isnt discussed much in Christian circles. I found myself breathing many sighs of relief as I realized I wasnt alone in my experiences of shame. Heather continually pointed me to the only One who can fully cover and release me.

Julie Courtney, Director of Womens Ministries, seeJesus

Christian community is not an ideal we have to realize, but rather a reality created by God in Christ in which we may participate. The more clearly we learn to recognize that the ground and strength and promise of all our community is in Jesus Christ alone, the more calmly we will learn to think about our community and pray and hope for it.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Every time she visits, I feel it. I am not quite good enough. My house is not clean enough. I am acutely aware of the toy minefield this friend has to walk through to make it from the front door into the living room. One time after she left, my husband, Seth, arrived home to find me furiously vacuuming our rugs. I told him with a cynical laugh, I am vacuuming up my shame! I could blame her for my shame. I could say that she is a shaming person, one whose presence emits that feeling of judgment. Yet Seth never feels like this when she visits. Ever. And if asked, I imagine that she would not agree with my assessment. So what is the problem?

Its Not You, Its Me

I can think of a few problems. One is that I battle between ideal me and real me. Ideal me is a good Southern housewife/successful professional/creative-yet- organized mom who engages my children while keeping the household running smoothly and working as a counselor/writer/event speaker. Real me maybe can do one of those things well in any given day or week. Inevitably the house settles into a less -than- clean state, and the evidence of our work and play remains in full display. This is all normal , my fellow moms -in-the- trenches assure me. Yet I cant seem to shake the feeling of worthlessness when I see our home in disarray, a far cry from the homes pictured on the glossy magazines peeking out from under the piles of dirty socks and discarded toys on our coffee table.

The real problem with the well - meaning friends visit is that she serves to expose my own self - doubts and an identity too closely tied to others perceived opinions of me. I am hardwired to pick up on external shame because I feel like I deserve it. And yet I cannot talk myself into truth. I treasure amazing promises like Galatians 5:1:It is for freedom that Christ has set you free. Therefore, stand firm, and do not be yoked again to a yoke of slavery. Colossians 3 reminds me that my true life is hidden with Christ in God, that my destiny is glory, that I am part of Gods chosen ones, holy and beloved. Ephesians proclaims that through faith in Jesus Christ I am showered with the immeasurable riches of his grace and that I am the object of the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge in order to be filled with all the fullness of God. So why should a crumb - littered rug matter in light of such radiant promises?

Community as Essential to Christs Shame - Redemption Plan