All of us at some point in our lives have engaged in conduct or made decisions for which we feel a sense of shame. While shame is a common experience, not everyone is able to escape its effects. Shame can be a powerful emotion. It can have significant consequences for how we view ourselves, how we interact with others, and how we relate to God. For those of us who live in a small town, shame can be a prominent feature of small town life. Unfortunately, it can also be prevalent within the church. As we continue our Lenten series “Letting Go” this week, we will be examining the ability and the need to let go of shame if we are to live our fullest lives in Christ. In Isaiah 54 we read, “Do not fear, for you will not be ashamed; do not be discouraged, for you will not suffer disgrace; for you will forget the shame of your youth.” In Christ we need not carry the burden of shame for in Him we find new life, a life of forgiveness and acceptance.