FREEdom Story: "Freedom from Shame"
”…fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.“ -Hebrews 12:2 NASB 1995
I recall when I was in the throes of an eating disorder, and was daily living in a shame cycle. Shame that was so heavy I couldn’t bear to look my Friend, Jesus, in the eyes.
Until one day, my counselor gave me the advice to invite Jesus into the pit with me. The next night, with an ounce of courage, armed with the faith given to me by my Savior Jesus Christ, I extended an invitation to Him. I said, “Jesus, I'm tired. I can’t stop these behaviors. I don’t want to feel this way anymore, so I invite You to sit with me.”
Even after this invitation, I didn’t change my behaviors that night. However, I did envision my Friend Jesus sitting with me, and from then on, I was no longer alone. I continued to fix my eyes on Jesus throughout my recovery, “despising the shame” that the enemy was trying to place on me- the shame that Jesus paid for on the cross! My Good Shepherd tended to my spiritual, emotional, physical, and mental needs as I invited Him into the daily shame I was experiencing. Through working with my dietician, I became aware my body wasn’t receiving enough nourishment throughout the day, therefore, when I was sitting alone in the evening with all the day's events compounded, my body yearned for nourishment; my body demanded that it be fed. With the help of my dietitian and the Lord, I was able to identify my physical and emotional needs, and nourish them both individually, instead of turning to food in isolation and shame, as the solution for both, in an unhealthy way.
”Instead of your shame you will have a double portion, And instead of humiliation, they will shout for joy over their portion. Therefore they will possess a double portion in their land, Everlasting joy will be theirs.“ -Isaiah 61:7 NASB 1995
Through the power of Jesus Christ, I have received healing from the shame and now have a healthy relationship with food and my body! Recovery is a process and I had the help of friends, family, and professionals.
My friend, Jesus, invites you to receive His grace, mercy, love, and joy. Just as this verse promises- exchange the shame for your double portion, and exchange the humiliation for shouts of JOY! Are you ready to step out of the shame and into the freedom of full recovery? Offer Him your adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and requests. He is faithful and trustworthy.
”Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.“ -Romans 8:1-2 NASB 1995
- Marissa Menth
Jesus Lover. Prayer Warrior. Daughter of The Most High. Mentor. Animal Caregiver. Lover of Food. Nature Enthusiast. Victorious. Overcomer.
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.
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