Category: Religion, Christianity, Self-Help
Author: Denise Pass
Format: Paperback, 240 pages
Publisher: Abidington Press, USA
ISBN: 9781501869686
Pub Date: August 21, 2018
I am in awe of the author’s ability to be vulnerable and share her story in order to help and encourage others when dealing with their own version of shame. Her emotions are real and raw. Denise Pass openly shares her experience of shame when her ex-husband sexually abused their thirteen year old daughter. What made matters worse, was that she did not receive the support that she needed from her church during a time of turmoil and trauma.
Her story is guided deeply in Scripture. She writes about shame that is relatable as we all experience shame in our own individualized ways. Each chapter ends with a review and reflection, reflection questions, an opportunity to “name your shame—and let it go”, a devotional and a prayer. Her book is thoughtfully structured and organized. I think the most important part in her book is where she discerns condemnation from conviction. When we can distinguish and identify the differences between the two, only then are we “able to hear the voice of God when shame calls our name” (Pass, 2018, p. 24). What is unique about this book is that the author includes a reference guide at the end of her book which lists various topics of shame, its roots (where our feeling of shame stems from) and its cure (what we can do to overcome shame).
I rate this book 5 starts out of 5. If you are looking for healing and validation, this book would be a great start to read. I believe that the Bible is our main guide and it was helpful for me to have it with me as I read the book.
*Note: I was given a free copy and all views are my own.
About the book:
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” — Romans 8:1
Shame is an assault on the core of who we are. It assassinates our character, minimizes our worth, and dashes our hope. Like Adam and Eve, we often hide shame, but hiding never heals it. Left unattended, shame can develop into a crippling reality that paralyzes us. Like an infectious disease, shame impacts everyone . . . but not all shame is bad.
Shame can either be an oppressive and powerful tool of worldly condemnation or a source of conviction that God uses to bring his people back to himself. Having the discernment to know the difference and recognize shame in its many forms can change the course of one’s life.
In a transparently honest style, Pass shares of her experience dealing with shame after learning that her former husband was a sexual offender. Having lived through the aftermath, she leads you into God’s Word where you will see for yourself that God is bigger than your pain, shame, mistakes, and limitations.
Shame Off You shares how
freedom can be found in choosing to break the cycle of shame by learning from
the past, developing healthy thinking patterns, silencing lies, and overcoming
the traps of vanity and other people’s opinions.
Learn
more at https://shameoffyou.life/the-book.
About the author:
Denise Pass, author of Shame Off You, is an award-winning CCM recording artist and singer-songwriter, accomplished writer/blogger, speaker and worship leader at women’s conferences as well as a worship leader on staff at her home church. After a crushing discovery of her former husband’s hidden life as a repetitive sex offender, and surviving a painful divorce, she now shares an inspirational message through her ministry, Seeing Deep Ministries, about seeing the deeper truth in God’s word when life hurts. Denise also founded and directed a home educational co-op for 12 years and engaged in many educational pursuits, including forming and directing a classical children’s choir. A graduate from the University of Maryland, Denise now resides in Virginia, with her “Kinsman Redeemer” husband and five children.
Find her online at DenisePass.com.