Shameless.
Did you read that word with the expectation of reading something shocking, something accusatory, something contemptuous, something condemnatory?
Did you hear the word in your head as a whisper with a gossipy tone, coming from an imaginary person taking pleasure from sharing a delicious tidbit of judgment?
Did you expect a salacious story that would simultaneous excite you, and comfort you, with its proof that you … are … better than another?
But that is not how I meant to use the word.
I want to use it this way:
Shameless: free of shame, unburdened of a sense of unworthiness caused by awareness of errors or weaknesses that may have happened and may still be quite real.
Because you can be aware … and also unburdened.
You can have a conscience,
be honest,
live with remorse,
and yet be free of shame.
Shameless does not have to be a word slipped smugly into conversation with malice.
Shameless can be an aspiration.
Shameless can be an achievement.
Shameless can be a victory!
Shameless can be the result of knowing
you are Loved,
beloved,
created with purpose,
forgiven and redeemed,
released from darkness and fear.
Free.
You are.
You can be joyful.
You can be shameless.