The One Who Designed You Still Defines You
Let God Rewrite the Story Shame Tried to Tell
“You are not defined by what was done to you—you're defined by the One who gave His life for you.”
Every day, we step into the world with a choice: Will we let our past pain define who we are, or will we lean into the truth of who God says we are?
Our culture is loud right now. It romanticizes trauma, celebrates victimhood, and hands out labels like candy. And while it might feel comforting to finally have a “name” for what you’re going through—I’m a victim of XY and Z, I’m anxious, I’m avoidant, I’m antisocial—those labels can quickly turn into life sentences if we’re not careful.
Healing Requires More Than Awareness
Here’s the truth: You are more than your diagnosis, your trauma, or your past. Identifying the problem is only the first step. But healing? That takes intentionality. That takes godly counsel. Really hard work. That takes being brave enough to say, “I want freedom more than I want to feel understood in my pain.”
Shame thrives in isolation and secrecy. The longer we wear those shame-based labels like identity tags, the longer we delay the healing God freely offers. But when we drop the labels and run toward truth—real, biblical truth—we start to see ourselves clearly: not as damaged or disqualified, but as deeply loved, fully known, and entirely redeemable.
God is not confused about who we are. He formed us in our mother’s womb. He numbers the hairs on our head. He catches every tear. And He has the final say on our worth.
That’s why we need godly counsel—wise, Spirit-led voices that call us higher, speak truth in love, and help us recognize where shame still has a grip. Without that, we stay stuck in cycles of self-diagnosis and surface-level comfort. But with biblical community, faith-based healing programs, and counsel, we begin to break unhealthy patterns and walk in the freedom Christ died to give us.
You Are Not Defined by Your Pain
The world will try to define you by your worst moments, but Jesus defines you by His finished work. If you are in Christ, you are a new creation. The old has gone, the new has come. You are invited to walk in the newness of life. He has given you a whole new identity.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
—2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)
Let’s stop letting pain narrate our story. Let’s stop giving shame the mic. The One who designed you still defines you, and His voice speaks life, freedom, and purpose.
Ready to Take the Next Step Toward Healing?
At Trees of Hope, we’ve walked with countless survivors through these same questions—and we want to walk with you, too.
Here’s how we can support your healing journey:
Shelter Healing Groups (in-person and online): Our 12-week, biblically based studies are designed to help survivors reclaim their identity and process abuse through God’s lens.
Not Just a Hashtag Podcast: Hear real stories of hope and restoration from survivors who’ve experienced transformation.
YouTube Channel: Access video teachings, honest conversations, and biblical encouragement—anytime, anywhere.
Global Access: Join us at one of our locations in South Florida, Melbourne, Orlando, North Carolina, and New Zealand—or take part from anywhere through Shelter Online.
Resource Library: Explore our devotionals, healing studies, and prevention education tools designed to equip and empower.
You don’t have to carry this alone.
Visit www.treesofhope.org/healing to take your next step.
Prayer: I long to be healed, and I know that is only possible through You. I’ve been stuck in a shame cycle for so long that it almost feels uncomfortable to claim an identity as an overcomer (1 John 5:4). But You died for me, You lived for me, and You resurrected for me, and what You say about me matters more than what I feel. I trust and believe You see value in me. Thank you, for loving me so well. I am so much more than my life experiences, my pain, and even my accomplishments. I am a child of the Most High God– fully known and fully loved. Please help me see myself through Your loving eyes. With Your guidance, I can live as a new creation in Christ Jesus. In Jesus' name, Amen.