National Eating Disorder Week

At least 30 million people of all ages and genders suffer from an eating disorder in the U.S.

Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness.

(http://www.anad.org/get-information/about-eating-disorders/eating-disorders-statistics/)

Whether running to food for comfort or running from food due to overwhelming fear of weight gain. . .FOOD becomes the common tool used by our enemy to entice and destroy our purpose in life.  The enemy runs rampant in society, unbeknownst to its prey.  The mighty tool surrounds, consumes the hours in our day and engages all our senses making it quite difficult to resist. 

Food becomes more than a substance to nourish our beautiful bodies.  Food becomes a way to seek control in a chaotic world.  Food becomes the escape after a difficult day.  Food avoidance becomes a way to feel accomplished.  All the while, we use these behaviors to feel a sense of emotional survival; but, we are killing ourselves day by day.        

30 million people – an average count due to the individuals yet to seek help in the day to day suffering.  This mental illness is real and the only cure is finding Hope, Love, Grace and Truth.  Placing hope in this world leaves a person empty; thus, eating disorder behaviors fill the void.  Seeking love from people in this world creates disappointment; thus, eating disorder behaviors build satisfaction.  Longing for grace in this world keeps an individual sitting in shame; thus, eating disorder behaviors supply needed esteem.  Truth. . .we need more Truth to stand firmly on my dear friends. . .

³¹ To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. ³² Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”  John 8:31-32

Truth reveals God’s mighty love for each of His children.  God is Hope, Love and provides abounding Grace.  God laid out Truth to imprint on our hearts while here on Earth.  The Truth will guide, guard and protect from the enemy that prowls around in this world.  Turn your eyes toward God.  Place your trust in our Savior, Jesus Christ.  It is through Him we find freedom. 

Is it easy?. . .NO.  This world is hard.  That being the reason we run to eating disorders or other mechanisms for daily survival.  This world overwhelms the spirit.  BUT – GOD HAS OVERCOME THIS WORLD.  He defeated the worldly evil.  He comes out the Conqueror in the end.  Stick on His team. 

Reach out and help others that struggle in this world.  Be His shining light.  Eating disorders, among other mental illnesses, do not just go away once someone chooses to fight for recovery.  The thought patterns and behaviors remain an option for that person daily.  To resist travelling the old, comfortable escape path is very difficult.  Be a shining light, allow our Savior to use you as a vessel to guide another down the healthy path.  Speak His Truth into another.