I felt encouraged this morning to say something to anyone who has ever felt shame from religion— I’m sorry for the people in your life who got it wrong. From the very beginning of the bible, the God I’ve come to know searches out Adam and Eve in their hiding. In the moment they feel shame, he seeks them out and it sets the tone for the rest of the Story. I used to think I should avoid God when I broke the rules, but now I know he cares more about righting our relationship.

I’m so sorry if you’ve felt like it would be easier to hide from God than approach him with your weaknesses. I hope someday it will feel a little easier for you to believe that he knows everything about you and he loves you anyway.