03/11/2026
Shame carries heavy expectations that often alienate men from their true self, leading to emotional and relational disconnection - the false self begins to develop, take root and take over. So many men appear stoic or successful on the outside while grappling with deep, hidden pain. This suffering, if left unaddressed, will manifest as some type of self-destructive behavior as an illegitimate coping mechanism as we literally hate ourselves, but it is our false self we hate. The false self protects the little boy that learned to bury the pain because we had no one to turn to. And our true self is now buried deep inside. Unless shame is actively acknowledged and worked through, it will continue to control a man’s emotional life and hinder his ability to heal unresolved wounds. Jesus invites us to healing as James 5:16 tells us, as we begin to die to our (deny) false self, crucify it, and begin to live out our true self in Him. His way, His truth, His Life! This is REAL FREEDOM!