In the Council of World Mission's Pacific Women's Gathering of 2025, held at Malua College in Samoa, women shared stories of shame and trauma. Being divorced or abused or raped or barren or widowed can carry stigma. Shame eats away at the soul, becoming an obstacle to enjoying the fulness of God's grace.
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Hanuj (Rotuman: story!)
Ma (Rotuman: ... AND!....)
Come, let us tell stories!
We will tell truth, and in the truth-telling, we will invite peace to meet with our pain.
We will share journeys and hold one another in the dance of life.
We will move towards a promised freedom, so we can share a better ending, a new life.
Dancing with one another, we will find new purpose.
Dancing, we will find new partners.
Dancing, we will find a new respect, to replace the shame.