In life, we all have to make many decisions every day, and we make so many decisions that it would be impossible to count just how many we make. Some small. Where do I go out to eat tonight? What do I make for dinner tonight? What do I wear today? But we also face larger decisisons. Who do I go out to eat with?

While those are just simple examples, we make decisions every day that could change our lives, at any moment. Some decisions we make, we don't remember. If you asked me what I ate last Tuesday for lunch, I couldn't recall. But if you asked me what my biggest regret was? If there was a moment I could go back in time to and change something, what would that be? I could probably tell you.

And here's why. Because sometimes we make big decisions that we regret. Sometimes we make small decisions that we regret. A small decision or a big decision can lead to a life-changing event that is either good or bad, in a single moment. A decision we make could make an impact on us that lasts for years, even though it took seconds to make a decision.

It's because I have made decisions that I regret, and now I carry a burden so heavy that I can't shake off. I have made decisions that now I feel that I am constantly looked down for. I have made decisions that I think about every day and that I have to face every day.

It's called shame. And shame is an awful, powerful thing. It forces unwanted thoughts. It forces regret. It ignites worry. Pain. And it usually lasts for a long time and is something that is a horrible mess to work through.

Shame can come from a lot of different things. We make mistakes, and sometimes those mistakes don't line up with our beliefs. This is a huge one for me. This can cause a lot of shame. Another person can make you feel shameful about decisions you've made.

But let me tell you, if you are carrying shame with you, you need to understand something. Shame can keep you from so many good things in life.

Shame is something that we can all experience, in fact, that I believe we do all experience. But no mistake, no decision that is made can ever take away from the person that someone truly is. It matters what is in that person's heart. Shame is a big thing that can be guarding your heart, to where guarding your heart in the right way is incredibly difficult.

You could be missing out on getting closer to people because you are too ashamed to share and be vulnerable with that person. You could not get closer to someone because you carry so much shame with you, that you don't think you are worthy to know people or to have people know you.

Whatever you have done, you are not your mistakes. You are not your past, and you will not be defined by your present or future mistakes. Don't let shame define you, and take over you.

Don't be ashamed that you carry shame with you, either. That sounds crazy, but let yourself be free. You may carry shame, but so do I. And so do so many other people.

But I know the things that I carry shame for, are not bigger than the grace that I receive.