The Shame We Bury: Why Silence Can Be Deadly
Some conversations change everything.
This was supposed to be an episode about driving safety. That’s what Jen Eikenhorst and I had planned to discuss. But God had something else in mind.
Just before we hit record, Jen had an unexpected and heartbreaking encounter—a moment so raw and urgent that it completely shifted the direction of our conversation. And I truly believe it wasn’t by accident. You can see part of that exchange here:
This episode of CHRISTIAN PARENT/CRAZY WORLD turned into something much deeper than we had planned. It’s about shame—the kind that festers in silence, the kind that convinces people they’re too broken to be redeemed. It’s about the unbearable weight of hidden pain. And it’s about the life-or-death choice we all face: to keep that shame buried or to surrender it to God and let Him transform it into something powerful.
Parents, This Message is for You
If you’ve ever battled feelings of failure, guilt, or the temptation to hide your struggles, you are not alone. As parents, we carry so much—our past mistakes, our parenting missteps, the overwhelming fear that we’re not enough for our kids. And sometimes, if we’re not careful, shame can settle into our hearts like a heavy fog, suffocating the joy and purpose God intends for us.
But here’s the truth: Shame is a lie. And the enemy wants you to believe it’s your identity.
In this episode, Jen and I discuss:
✅ The hidden dangers of unspoken shame—and why silence can be so destructive.
✅ How to break free from the weight of guilt—especially when it comes to parenting.
✅ The power of surrender—and why giving our pain to God can change everything.
I truly believe someone needs to hear this conversation. Maybe that someone is you. Maybe it’s someone you love.
This Is Too Important to Miss
So I invite you—no, I urge you—to listen. This isn’t just another episode. This is a divine interruption. A reminder that no matter how broken you feel, God is bigger. He is a redeemer. And He wants to set you free.
🎧 Listen now: Click on the image below to listen on Life Audio:
Or you can listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts, or wherever you get your podcasts. And please consider giving CP/CW a 5-star rating on Apple Podcast or Spotify. That would make my day!
🔹 Memorable Quote from this episode:
Choosing Light Over Darkness: “We all have a choice of what to do with our pain and with our shame. We can bury it and let it slowly steal our joy and our purpose, maybe even our very life. Or we can surrender it to God, bringing it into His light and letting Him redeem what feels unredeemable. That choice is the difference between life and death.” ~ Catherine Segars
Take the Next Step:
- Listen to the episode now. It will change the way you see what’s happening in your relationships.
- We all know someone who is struggling in their marriage and parenting. Share it with someone who needs to hear it.
- Hit reply and let me know your thoughts. How is this conversation impacting you? What questions do you have? I’d love to hear from you.
About the Guest: Jennifer Eikenhorst is a mother of four, teacher, and faith-driven speaker whose life was forever changed by a tragic accident. In the aftermath, she found purpose in sharing hope and healing with others facing accidental loss. As the author of Left Turn: Life Unimagined and host of the Accidental Hope podcast, Jen offers a compassionate space for those navigating grief and guilt. She also serves on the advisory council for the Hyacinth Fellowship, supporting those who have unintentionally caused harm. Her journey is a powerful testament to God’s grace, redemption, and the resilience of faith.
EPISODE RESOURCES:
Other Episodes in this Series: #142 “When Life Shatters: Finding God in Our Darkest Moments“
Jen’s Book: Left Turn: Life Unimagined
