Inconvenient Faith (Conclusion)

For the joy that was set before him he endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

Today, as I conclude this series, I want to share one of the most transformational moments of my life—a moment that wasn’t just about stopping the use of a prosthetic leg but choosing to use crutches full-time. Physically, the crutches represented mobility, but spiritually, they symbolized something far greater: I broke free from shame. This freedom was even more powerful than the ability to run with two legs.

Shame is one of the deepest, most painful emotions humans can experience. It’s Satan’s favorite tactic because it attacks our worth and identity. Unlike guilt, which says, “I did something wrong,” shame whispers, “I am wrong.” It convinces us that we’re fundamentally flawed, unworthy of love, and never good enough. Shame traps us in fear, hiding, and a relentless need to prove ourselves.

As a teenager, I hid behind my prosthetic leg. I was terrified that if people knew I had only one leg, they’d reject me. I struggled with unworthiness, constantly trying to work harder or look better to feel accepted. But no matter how much I achieved, shame came like an inner critic, replaying my failures and regrets. It left me feeling anxious, depressed, and hopeless.

Yet, in my most painful moments, God graciously set me free from the shame of my disability. Today, I can fully embrace my one-leggedness. Yes, I look different. Yes, kids sometimes scream at me on the street. But I stand firm in the truth that I am a child of God—loved, chosen, and blessed.

I’m still a work in progress, but my prayer is that my story testifies to the healing and freedom that comes through Christ. We can be set free from the pain that shame brings. We can embrace who we are and live in the identity God has given us.

Let’s pray and declare this: 

In the name of Jesus  I take authority over the spirit of shame. I renounce every lie I have believed—that I am unworthy, unloved, and need to hide.

I declare the truth of Your Word: I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). I am chosen, holy, and dearly loved (Colossians 3:12). I am no longer a slave to fear  for I am a child of God (Romans 8:15). I break every yoke of shame and deception that has bound me.

Abba Father, fill me now with Your Holy Spirit.  I am free, I am loved, and I am victorious in Christ. In Jesus' name, Amen

Photo credit: Andrew Wong, CoffeeHouse Photo