Day 4 — When You’re Embarrassed

“Do not be afraid, for you will not be put to shame; do not be intimidated, for you will not be humiliated.”

— Isaiah 54:4 (BSB)

You tripped in front of the whole class. You said the wrong answer, and everyone laughed. You had something stuck in your teeth all day, and nobody told you. You waved at someone who was actually waving at the person behind you.

Embarrassment is one of those feelings that can make your whole face turn red and make you want to disappear. And as girls get older, they often feel embarrassed more easily. It can seem like everybody is watching and judging.

God spoke today’s words to His people at a time when they felt ashamed. And His promise was beautiful: “Do not be afraid, for you will not be put to shame; do not be intimidated, for you will not be humiliated.”

Here’s some good news for embarrassing moments:

Everyone gets embarrassed. The girls you think have it all together get embarrassed too. You’re not the only one.

People notice less than you think. Most people are so busy thinking about themselves that they forget your embarrassing moment much faster than you do.

Embarrassing moments pass. What feels huge today will probably seem small next week, and funny next year.

Your worth doesn’t change. Tripping, saying the wrong thing or being laughed at doesn’t make you less valuable. You’re still a daughter of the King.

You can learn to laugh. Sometimes the best thing to do is laugh at yourself. It takes the power out of embarrassment.

There’s a difference between embarrassment and shame. Embarrassment is feeling awkward about a silly moment. Shame is feeling like there’s something wrong with you. God doesn’t want His daughters to live in shame. Jesus took our shame on the cross, so that we could stand before God forgiven and free.

And one more thing: be kind when others are embarrassed. Don’t be the one laughing. Help them up, change the subject or smile at them kindly. You know how it feels.

Think about it: What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s happened to you? How do you feel about it now?

Try this: The next time someone else has an embarrassing moment, be the kind one. Help them feel better instead of laughing.

Dear God, thank You that I don’t have to live in shame. When I’m embarrassed, help me remember that my worth doesn’t change, and help me laugh and move on. Help me be kind when others are embarrassed. In Jesus’ name, Amen.