The Name of Jesus
“THE NAME OF THE LORD IS A STRONG TOWER; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.” Proverbs 18:10 (NLT)
I’ve never felt more powerless than when I faced my eating disorder in 2019. Most people suggest that engaging in eating disordered behaviors is a way of having control. That was not true for me. For me, it was about having power.
A couple of years ago, I was in our local hardware store when I heard someone yelling from the back of the store. Obscenities were being cast about like sticks and stones, intent on damaging everything around them.
I knew right away who it was. I recognized her voice. On two previous occasions, I’d come in contact with a homeless woman in our area. On those two occasions, she yelled obscenities at me. The first time, I was afraid, and she brought me to tears.
The second time, she came up behind me when I was downtown and started an angry rant. At first, I was afraid and, to be honest, embarrassed by the attention she was drawing to us. Vulgar comments flooded out of her mouth like a fire hydrant. The closer she got, the louder her words. I didn’t know what to do. I couldn’t predict what she would do. She was calling me the most horrible things. She was accusing me of horrible acts. Her words kept pouring out, one after the other, making no sense at all when, suddenly, among the many words that she yelled at me, I heard her say, “Jesus.”
That is how I recognized her voice.
I was surprised to find myself walking with great faith (and intent) to the back of the store. She was standing face to face with a hardware store employee who was trying to calm her down. This only agitated her to rage. When I came upon them, I paused for a moment. Then after a quick look to the employee, I stepped between him and the woman. I faced her, and I said, “Jesus is here.” She immediately quieted and whispered, “Yes.”
For the next several minutes, I held her hands and I prayed, right there at the back of the store. We prayed the power of Jesus over her. She feared “Lucy” (Lucifer), so we declared that Lucy had no power over her. She grasped my hands tighter, as I prayed and she pleaded.
She joined me by frequently saying, “Yes, Jesus.”
By the time the police arrived, she was a different person, and so was I. The officers patiently waited a few feet away. I can’t say that we “finished” praying, because it felt like whatever had happened, was still happening even when our words stopped. I told her, “You are safe,” as she walked calmly to the police officer who greeted her by name.
On my way out of the store, one of the employees thanked me. I don’t recall if I acknowledged her comment because I was focused on getting out of the store. When I got to my car, I got in, covered my eyes, and wept.
Looking back, I realize how much that encounter changed me. I have hesitated in telling this story because it feels too remarkable, too important, and too powerful for someone like me to be part of.
That day in the hardware store, the Holy Spirit took hold of me, marched me to the back of the store, and placed me face-to-face with the reckless and troubled soul who I’d once feared.
Then He did something Profoundly Beautiful for both of us.
He set us free.
Friend, I am just like you; I am broken. I am a sinner. There isn’t anything special about me that “qualifies” me to do good. I have struggled with my eating disorder. I’ve hidden it and lied about it. Like Eve in the Garden, I have believed the enemy, and, on occasion, I have sided with him.
But none of this matters. Whether I am on the right path or stumbling through my life, the Lord gives me His name.
I was humbled when the Lord put this story on my heart to write. I was convinced I wouldn’t do it justice. But just like that day in the hardware store, the Holy Spirit marched me into this story.
And I believe He marched me into this story for YOU dear sister.
It does not matter what you have believed, said, or done. When you speak the name “Jesus,” it has the power to extinguish darkness and conquer anything that stands against you.
Do you see what I’m writing to you? Jesus gives us His name and invites us to be part of profound and beautiful things.
What would happen if, for just one day, you spoke the name “Jesus” (or “Yeshua,” as I do) over everything you do?
When a critical thought enters your mind, speak His name “Jesus.”
When you don’t know what to do, speak His name “Jesus.”
When you have nothing left, speak His name “Jesus.”
Give just one day to His name. See what happens.
As I am writing this, I am speaking “Jesus” over you, my sweet sister. Jesus showed me just how powerful His Name is. He showed me and everyone at the back of the hardware store that day.
We have His love. We have His power. We have His name.
The name “Jesus” belongs to us.
- Vanessa Vasquez
Grateful Caregiver. Student of Jesus. Proof of His Grace and Mercy. Overcomer.
Is Jesus speaking to you through this story in ways you did not expect? Your struggles matter to Jesus and they matter to us. This is why the Hello, Freedom! Community is coming to life. It's a Christ-centered space created to help you step out of isolation and into real connection, support, and hope in Jesus. Head here to learn more and stay updated on the official launch coming in early 2026.
FINDINGbalance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing non-clinical support and encouragement to those battling food issues. The contents of this blog article, including any attachments, are for educational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or prescribe a particular course of action. If you or someone you care about is battling an eating disorder, please seek care from a licensed professional. If you are in crisis and need immediate support, please call, text, or chat 988 to speak with someone at the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 24/7.