Rayden Overbay is a 12-year-old with special needs from Yukon, Oklahoma. He became somewhat famous not long ago because of the terrible way he was treated. A video of him being bullied went viral. He was bullied to such a degree—he felt such shame—that he had written, “I want to kill myself” on his arm.
What can be done in such a situation? How can we help someone recover? What is the remedy for the shame that they feel?
Being from Oklahoma, the Sooners football team took it upon themselves to try and make things right. They made him a special guest at one of their home games. Rayden was given a game ball. He was put in front of the entire team and he was made to feel that he was important and special. Even Jalen Hurts told Rayden that they were brothers and that he always had his back.
The young man who had been teased, taunted, and torn down was now praised and elevated.
This is what we are told that we need to properly process and deal with our shame: (1) to be given kind words of praise and (2) to be restored or elevated to a new standing.
Now, consider what the Lord Jesus does for repentant sinners who continue to deal with their shame:
“Well done, good and faithful servant…enter into the joy of your master.” (Matt. 25:21)
“The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before His angels.” (Rev. 3:5; cf. Heb. 2:11; 11:16; Zeph. 3:19)
We are lifted up out of our shameful state. We are praised as part of God’s family. We are placed in a position of glory!
Our submission and obedience to Jesus the Christ is the remedy. The blood of Jesus cleanses, washes, makes new and thus is the remedy for sin and shame!
