Don’t Play the Shame Game

Dog shaming. Have you seen this online craze?

It’s basically a database of pet pictures taken by their owners. The animals are posed alongside posters announcing their worst canine crimes to the whole wide world. For instance, one such sign might say, “I love rolling in dead things that wash up on the lake bank so Mama has to give me a bath.”

Why, yes, I am throwing that at someone.

Dixie, the All Things Southern Squirrel Patrol Czar is a repeat offender in this area. Just a couple days ago I was writing on the back porch when I happened to look up in time to catch her in the moment of temptation. She had found herself a decaying fish and was in the process of dropping a shoulder to roll in her prize when I yelled at her. I know people say dogs can’t understand our words, but I guarantee you Dixie knew what my tone meant, “Back away from the carcass and no one gets hurt.”

I dare say outing Dixie Belle here, or even taking a picture of her for the dog-shaming site wouldn’t bother my spoiled rotten lab one iota, but I’ve noticed other versions of this shame game cropping up in our society and they do worry me. I think they hold the potential to do more harm than good if we’re not careful.  I’m talking about parents’ making their kids hold confessional posters on Facebook and judges making people wear signs on street corners. Personally, I think there are better ways to discipline. Shame is Satan’s game and I don’t want any part of it.

Shame is knowing you’ve fallen short, again. Shame would have us focus on our guilt until we’re paralyzed by our failure. And worst of all, shame will keep us from the intimate friendship of Jesus.

Don’t play with shame and for heaven’s sakes, don’t pose with it. The only place to take shame is to the Cross where shame loses and we win, every single time.

Hugs,  Shellie