Walking toward recovery can be hard on the heart. On the outside, I appeared just like everyone else, going through my day without a second thought. On the inside, it was a completely different story; there was a war being fought- I’m dodging lies, taking thoughts captive, praying, confessing, fighting shame, clinging to truth, and fighting just to stand up and smile. It was exhausting- mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. It was challenging work, and each day was more of the same. It can be hard on a heart.

But God, in compassion, never leaves us to walk in the darkness alone.

He was there, fighting right beside me, fighting for me. Every once in a while, He would give me a glimpse of His grace, a tiny peek into what food freedom felt like. It was just enough for me to pick up my battered heart and fight one more day.

I want to share that story, in case you, like me, need the courage to take one more step and fight one more lie.

It was a day just like any other day. I had pl...

I sit in the rolling chair at Sadie’s nail station and get myself comfortable. I always look forward to this bi-monthly treat! Sadie comes out from the break room and sits down, throws out a “hi” and we exchange pleasantries- about how it’s been seven weeks since I last saw her, and since that was just before Valentine's Day, I ask if she did anything special. She doesn’t answer me, and then I realize she’s got one side of her earphones in and she might be listening to something; unfortunately, this is the usual routine, so I just let her do her work. Why do I hope this will change?

Several minutes pass. I ask, “Do you think of yourself as an artist?“ No response. I do think Sadie is an artist because she makes my hands look pretty and my nails neat, fresh, and colorful. My hands have always been a part of my body that I don’t like. Maybe this is why I used to walk with my hands balled in a fist- hiding my fingers & nails, trying to make them invisible. I’ve had people through the ...