As a Minnesotan springtime involves profound change.  If you’re a Minnesotan you know what I mean.  It’s not just the weather, it’s an entire mindset!

Springtime is my favorite time of the year. I want to believe it’s truly Spring.

There is evidence beyond my feelings and my hope for change.

The calendar says the “First Day of Spring” arrived; according to infoplease on March 20, 2011, at precisely 7:21 P.M. EDT, the Sun crossed directly over the Earth’s equator; the temperature soared above sixty; and the snow is finally gone, BUT for how long I wonder?

The shame of a wounded conscience is a trap.  It’s a lie that tries to convince us that hopelessly defective: “I am what I am. I cannot change. I am hopeless.”

Shame is the deep feeling of guilt, sadness, and hopelessness that we experience when we become convinced that our shadows, scars and scandals doom us.  That past failures, bad habits or poor appearance has made a permanent scar on our self-worth.

Moses’ self-worth was wounded.  God chose Moses to be a hero, but Moses protested, “What if they won’t believe me or listen to me?”

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them.

I am timid and I am oversensitive

I am a lioness

I am tired and defensive

You take me in your arms

And I fall into you

I have insecurities

You show me I am beautiful

While she was embarrassed to stumble through the National Anthem on Super Bowl Sunday Christina Aguilera is an amazing vocalist. In her song “I Am” she explains her vulnerable weaknesses. Continuing:

Love me or leave me