Many people are dying slowly in a secret tomb of shame. Some are ashamed about sexual sin from their past. Many carry extreme guilt with them into their future relationships. Others are ashamed of their poor financial condition, plagued with guilt about their irresponsible spending and debt. Countless people are crippled by the shame of secret addictions. Some people even live with false quilt after suffering as victims of sexual abuse.

Shame ususally follows as a pattern - a cycle of self-recrimination and lies that claims life after life.

1. First, we experience an intensely painful event. 
2. Second, we believe the lie that our pain and failure is who we are - not just something we've done, or had done to us - and we experience shame. 
3. And finally, our feelings of shame trap us into thinking that we can never recover - that, in fact we don't even deserve to.

Please understand that there is a way out of the cycle. It is different for each person, but it is possible for each person.

No matter who you are or what you've done, God wants to remove your guilt and fear, restore you, and transform your life. This is a place to come clean, to get real, and to take a first step toward the freedom that can be found in genuine confession.

The Bible tells us in 1 John 1:9 that "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteouness." Here at Work In Progress, we know this is true. Time and time again we've seen people face their faults and find a hope like never before. Because it's in getting real with God that we can let go of the secrets and start over again. And it's also comforting to know that we're not alone in our struggles.

So if you're ready for a fresh start, it's time. Get real, come clean, and begin the journey toward healing.

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. - James 5:16

You can take the first step toward healing right now by confessing your secret.