Do you feel like you’re wearing a mask? Are you hiding who you really are from everyone around you? Have you been living in a pit of shame because of choices you have made? Are you aching to experience freedom but don’t know where to begin?

It’s so easy to feel like we have to present a perfect version of ourselves to God and to our community. We hide our hurts, pain points, and addictions because of the pressure we feel to be women who have it all together. In the process, shame compounds upon shame, and we feel even more trapped by our sinful habits. But that’s not the life of freedom that God has called us to.

Ashley Abercrombie can relate to feeling captive to her sin nature and stuck in unhealthy patterns. In our chat, she shares her story of addiction, healing, and recovery. She talks about how dealing with her past helped her find Emmanuel, God who was with her, in her pain and brokenness.

The personal testimony Ashley shares emphasizes that you don’t have to hide your imperfections from God. He already knows we’re messy people. The good news is that He never expects you to clean yourself up on your own. His posture toward you is compassionate and merciful. When you’re in the middle of your mess, God still loves you and is with you as you become the person He created you to be.

You can find freedom today by recognizing that you’re in a process — one that’s ongoing and never-ending. Invite God to meet with you as you unpack your past, acknowledge where you’ve come from, and understand why you make the decisions that you do. Remember, you are never alone or too far gone to experience God’s grace and forgiveness.

Highlights from Today’s Episode:

  • Moving forward by acknowledging your past
  • Letting go of perfectionism and forgiving yourself
  • Choosing compassion and mercy over judgment

Resources from today’s show 

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Other Stuff to Check Out

Check out my new book! The 28-Day Prayer Journey

Need to encourage your soul? Try listening to the playlist I put together for my mom, Lady Lois’ Worship

Interested in supporting the content I create and enjoying bonus content? Learn about joining my Inner Circle!

Be sure to check out my books She’s Still ThereShow Up For Your LifeKingdom Woman!

Let’s Talk!

  1. What in your past is holding you back from moving forward?
  2. What areas of life do you tend to clean up before going to God first?
  3. Are you quick to show compassion and mercy? Why or why not?

Connect with me…

How to Listen to The Podcast

If you’re new to podcasts, think of them like little radio shows that you can listen to at your convenience. They are perfect to listen to and learn from as you workout, fold laundry, wash dishes or conquer the world.

1. Listen right here on the blog. Click the little play button at the beginning of this post.

2. Listen on iTunes or Stitcher or Google Play! – Be sure and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Also, if you would be so kind as to leave a rating on iTunes and/or write a 2-3 sentence review there or on Stitcher?  Your commentary or rating helps make the podcast more “findable” by others who might not know it exists!

3. Share today’s show –   Email the link to a friend or share on social media. Just click on the sharing buttons at the bottom of this post!

You have been so great to join me on the journey here on the blog, I hope you jump right in and do the same on the podcast!