Sharon gazed at the rain through the windows of the office. She was a beautiful brunette holding down a secretarial job for a lawyer. She led a different lifestyle some odd years ago but then she met Jesus Christ and chose to follow Him. Sharon was a stripper. Although her life had changed since her conversion, the feeling of shame remained. She dubbed herself Sharon-Shame.
It was the end of day and she waited in the office for the storm to pass before she could go home. When the sun re-appeared, she left. While she was walking through the park, she noticed the beauty of the clouds in the afternoon sun displaying a mystical brightness. Circles of glory and misty rays of sunbeams performed a silent dance of beauty and brilliance in the face of the sun.
She watched in awe but her smile turned upside down again as she reminded herself of her own history. She knew Jesus had forgiven her and washed her sins away, but shadows of shame still managed to darken the joy inside her soul. At that moment, Jesus spoke into her heart.
“Sharon, behold how beautiful you are! Now, stop turning your face away. When people pass you by, your glory immediately catches their attention. “
“Oh, Lord, I have no glory!” Sharon replied. “I know I am cleansed but only You have glory, Lord.”
“When you get home, Sharon, take your Bible, My Word, and read John 17:22. You will notice that I have given you the glory that God gave Me. These words were not meant for the disciples only, but for everyone who believes in Me.” (John 17:20)
“Come, My daughter, let your glory shine. You may not know it but your glory is very noticeable to people around you. Many can’t stand it and flee; others are attracted to this glory of righteousness radiating from your face.”
Sharon’s face gradually came alive, similar to the picture of glory in the sky. She looked up and with tears of joy running down her cheeks whispered, “Thank You, Jesus!”
In her mind, she crossed out the name, Sharon-Shame.