Glimpses of Grace
Walking toward recovery can be hard on the heart. On the inside, there was a war being fought. I want to share my story in case you need the courage to take one more step and fight one more lie.
The Shame Cocoon
Shame is like a smothering cocoon; it seems "safe", and it is not. The only way you can emerge from it is to invite someone else into the space so they can help you break the seal and be transformed.
Special Event - Eating Disorders Day Of Prayer - Feb. 26, 2025
Your invitation to the Eating Disorders Day of Prayer on Wednesday, February 26th, now in its fourth year!
Promises in the Storm
Have you ever been in a season of life where your prayers turn into pleas? When you've prayed, “Lord, where are you? You could so quickly fix everything! What is the point of prolonging this?” Claim His promises and thank Him for His Presence in the storm.
Reflections
While that night was hard for both of us, I believe it was the first and most critical step of my wife's healing journey. This shared struggle led to deeper, more meaningful conversations throughout our 40-year marriage, and helped me to examine my own journey.
Can God Really Make Me Whole Again?
“Jesus, I want you to make me whole again. Something is missing, out of balance, broken, and I want You to bring it back together.” Our souls are healed through union with Christ. Come to peace, come to Shalom and be restored.
FREEdom Story: Walking Towards Freedom
I entered a “mostly recovered” state, which I lived in for a long time. This involved extremely strict rules about food and exercise, and an obsession with performance. It may have been healthier than previous behavior, yet still not a healthy way to live. I certainly was not walking in freedom.
FREEdom Story: No Longer Alone
At 14, I’d spent time in an ED treatment facility. Hearing that my daughter was struggling felt like she was implying that I'd been doing something wrong; maybe she had gotten a message from me that her body needed to be different. What happened brought healing for me and those I met.
Gratitude Cultivates Joy
We must make an intentional choice to be grateful. This can be challenging when life’s stressors escalate. We need an attitude of gratitude that is not dependent on our circumstances. So how can we cultivate gratitude?
Why Don't I Look Like That?
This type of book would either come through the mail in a plain brown wrapper or be purchased at an adult bookshop. I know it was easy for me to find them in my parents' closet. I wanted to be beautiful and desirable like those picture book women. Why don't I look like that?
Child-Like Innocence (A Halloween Memory)
Mary had attended my chair exercise class for many years. One day, my class moved into a room with mirrors across the front wall. I asked the class, “do you like the mirrors?” And Mary chimed that she loves the mirrors, “I like looking at myself”, and as she said those words, my mind raced...
Busyness and Being Seen
I realized it was not that I wanted or needed help, although help would have been nice. I had my day planned out to do by myself. What I really wanted was to be seen.
Freedom and Fear
There are so many implications of the freedom talked about in Galatians 5:1. The point of freedom is not just about what we are saved FROM, It is about what we are set free FOR.
The Power of Community
I felt so misunderstood, so alone, and ashamed of my struggles. Nobody in my world felt the intensity of my struggle. Why doesn't anyone "get" me?!
Going Back To School While In ED Recovery
Maybe you spent the summer working hard towards recovery. Perhaps you wanted to, but it didn’t happen. Or possibly the enemy is trying to sneak in and convince you that you're not enough. Keep these three reminders in mind as you return to school and life.
Ride the Tide
Just like seasons in nature, there are seasons in life. Sometimes seasons offer safety and predictability, and sometimes they can completely catch us off-guard. Can you ride the tide of change?
When Community Brings Peace
I discovered that groups were not the issue; it was my head and the thoughts that ran through it- “I'm too old" and “I’m not the same as everyone else”. My built-up fear and anxiety about new surroundings only added to my insecurities. However, once I let go, the Lord taught me a huge lesson.
From "Gym" to "Spiritual Warfare Training Ground"
Going back to the gym. I was lost in thoughts of what that might look like; I was excited, yet at times I imagined scenes of people staring at me and talking about me. When I laid it at Jesus' feet, He showed me how important this decision would be, both physically and spiritually.
FREEdom Story: "Freedom from Shame"
Guest blogger Marissa shares her FREEdom story, of the transformation she's found moving from shame to victory over her body image challenges, with Jesus alongside her. Are YOU ready to step out of the shame and into the freedom of full recovery?
Enjoy Your “Today Body”
What if you focused more on your thoughts than your thighs? How would that change how you spend your time?