"Fear not, you shall not be put to shame; you need not blush, for you shall not be disgraced.  The shame of your youth you shall forget; the reproach of your widowhood no longer remember.  For he who has become your husband is your Maker; his name is the Lord of hosts; Your redeemer is the Holy One of Israel, called God of all the earth."  Isaiah 54:4-5

I was filled with shame for many things, especially ending an unplanned pregnancy with abortion and childhood incest.  Isaiah 54:4-5 came alive for me in January, 1983, when I asked Angie to lay hands on me for the gift of tongues.

As she prayed, I suddenly felt the presence of God as I never had before.  I felt intense shame.  I blushed, turning a deep red.  I put my hand up across my face.  I started crying deeply, for I was ashamed to be in the presence of God in my sinfulness.  It wasn't past sins as much as who I am.

As Angie kept praying for me, I suddenly saw between God and me a Veil of Blood--the Blood of Jesus.  The words "Be not Ashamed" were written on my heart, and I came to know that God does not see me as I am.  He sees me through the Blood of Jesus.  I am redeemed by the Blood of Christ.  Through His cross and resurrection, I can come into the presence of God.  I can experience His Love.