Changes and comments

Life is just a series of changes. Isn't it? You find yourself getting comfortable or settled with one thing, one way and then it suddenly changes and that thing is gone.

I was home for four months this summer and I was so surprised by how much of my hometown was different. I found myself constantly being surprised by the businesses or restaurants that were no longer open. It seemed that at least once a week I received news that something I had known or patronized for many years had suddenly shut its doors. And it was sad. It was sad to see so many things and places that I knew go by the wayside. It was disconcerting.

I am by nature an adaptive person. And while I am able to go with the flow, I find myself floundering when so much changes so quickly and so permanently. This summer I gained a niece and a brother-in-law. Don't misunderstand, these are additions that I welcome and am excited about, but they still present something of a shift in what I know and what I am rooted in. These changes were easy to accept. There have been other changes in my personal life that have been developing over the last couple of years that have been challenging. I know that there is purpose in what has been happening, but I don't know what it is. Additionally, what hasn't necessarily been easy have been the changes in my professional life as I said goodbye to a wonderful colleague and dear friend as she remained in the US rather than returning to Rome.

I knew that this change would be significant and would bring an adjustment period, but I don't think I was fully prepared for all of the ways my life would change or be affected. There are so many subtle differences this year that I find myself pulling back because the life that I knew isn't there any more....it has a foreign feel to it and leaves me feeling a shadow of what I felt like when I first arrived in Rome. And I confess that I don't quite know how to deal with it. I confess that my selfishness and stubbornness have been present in my own head and heart. I don't want to feel like this, I don't want to resist the new way things are....but I am at a loss as to how to forge ahead and how to embrace the new life that is here for me. It's a challenge for me to feel like an outsider in a place that I've considered home for the last 2 years.

In addition to all of that, there was a personnel change within the community that I live in that took me aback when I arrived back in Rome in the middle of August. A woman who I considered a friend and something of an ally would no longer be working with me directly. That was a hard blow to absorb. I looked forward to returning and seeing her smiling face everyday, conversing with her, and enjoying a sense of community with her. I know that I am now presented with an opportunity to get to know someone else, but it just seems to be a bit much when lumped with everything else.

I suppose that I felt the full weight of the difference in my life here when I had a rather unpleasant encounter with a woman who works in the same physical space that I do. I don't consider this woman a friend or even a close acquaintance of mine. Rather, she is someone who works here and someone that I have to have contact with. While I've known her for two years, she's never been a particularly nice person to myself, my students, and our guests. She's prickly. Things hit a new low this past weekend when I delivered some chocolate chip cookies to the nuns as a thank you for their help when students arrived. Rather than just accepting them and letting me leave this woman felt like it was her right, her duty to comment on my weight. There I stood in utter shock as she proceeded to tell me bluntly that I weigh too much and that I need to lose weight so that I can be pretty. She literally pointed to places on my body where she thought I needed to lose weight. The humiliation and shame that I felt washed over me so violently that I was left unable to process a clear and conscious thought in defense of myself. So, instead of saying anything to the effect that it's none of her business...I just said goodbye and returned to our side of the property as hot tears fell from my eyes. All I wanted was to retreat to my room for a good cry and then to go to my dear friend for support and comfort, but she wasn't here to offer that. And that's when the feeling of utter aloneness struck and knocked the wind out of me. I am no longer known here. I am no longer part of a dynamic duo. And I don't quite know how to reconcile that.

I don't know what God is doing in my life right now. I don't know why He's allowed SO much change all at once. I am trying to trust that what's happening is for my own good, but I fear and confess that it's easier to throw a pity party for myself in my head and heart. I can't live like this for the next three months. I need and want to get to a place of acceptance and life rather than a place of resistance and existing. I suppose this is where dying to self comes in. I suppose this is where I submit my will, my desires, and the way I think my life SHOULD be to Jesus to do with what He will with a life that's not really my own to begin with.

Heart to heart

Sharing ones heart with another usually produces one of two reactions: a sense of freedom or absolute terror. Quite frankly, I more often than not fall into the terror category. Perhaps that's why I blog. It's easier for me to share what's going on with me in the blog-osphere than it is to actually have a conversation with someone about how I'm doing, feeling.

Tonight, however, I had an amazing conversation with my sister about how I am doing with where I am at in life--relationally, professionally, and spiritually. Rather than hiding behind "I'm fine" or other vague answers, I really shared with her how I am feeling and what I am thinking. It was scary and vulnerable, but in the end I felt so much lighter--a sense of peace.  And I am left asking myself: why I don't do this more often? What am I afraid of? What do I think will happen if I share too much or share what I am really thinking with others? What would it look like if I was honest with friends when they disappoint me? What if I said to the friend who made a big deal about getting together with me before I left for Rome, but then never doing anything to make that happen--though I've been home for 4 months and that's quite a lot of time for someone to make the 1.5 hour trip to Tucson--that I was really hurt and felt rejected? What would it look like if I was honest and said that I am excited to get back to Rome though I know my family doesn't want me to leave?

I don't know. I don't know what would happen in those relationships where I've been settling for crumbs and accepting what I can get from people because I am afraid to want or ask for more out of a fear of rejection. Are those real friendships then if they fall apart because I'm being real? I would say no, they're not.

I believe that we are all called into relationship with one another and with God through Christ. And being in relationship is about being real with who you are---transparent, vulnerable, and open. I like knowing that my sister now understands me better and understands where I need prayer and support. There's a sense of being known and wanted regardless of what I shared. Granted, I shared with my sister and I can pretty much guarantee that she loves me no matter what, but I think I want to pursue this kind of relationship with my friends as well.

I recently wrote a card to my best friend thanking her for being the kind of friend that I could trust, being the kind of friend who made an effort to spend time with me, being the kind of friend that allowed me to really be me---warts and all. It was so freeing and such a gift to remember our 16 year friendship and all that we've been through together. I am so thankful for her and the gift that is our friendship.

Where are you at? Are you able to really share who you are, what you're feeling, or what's going on in your life with those around you? Or are you scared that if you do that that you'll be rejected, ignored, or found lacking? I challenge you to open yourself up and share with those around you. Word vomit is not necessary, but honesty and vulnerability is. Go for it. Next time someone asks you how you're doing, why don't you really tell them how you're doing rather than the perfunctory "I'm fine." You may be surprised by what the Lord has for you...

Putting myself out there...

I am back. It's been two and a half months since my last entry, but if you had any inkling as to what has happened in these last 2.5 months you would understand why I haven't been able to blog. Still, I am ready to write. And my first post back: online dating.

Yep, I've taken the plunge into the world of online dating. I still don't know why I did it exactly. It's certainly something that I've thought about doing, but thought it was something that I would wait to get into once I was back in the States permanently. I don't think it's fair to me or to another person to begin something and then leave for three months, come back for one, and leave for another 5. Somehow I don't think that's the healthiest way to start a relationship. And yet, I created an online profile on Friday and joined a dating site. It was almost like an out of body experience because I don't know what I was thinking or why I decided to do it, but I suspect that watching "Say Yes to the Dress" in the afternoons, helping my sister plan her June wedding, and hanging out with my new niece may have contributed to my temporary insanity.

Online dating. Sigh. From what I understand the stigma that used to be attached to Internet dating isn't there  anymore, but I still find the whole thing a little disconcerting. I mean in a way it's meant to be a lot less vulnerable than say going to a bar or something, but I find it incredibly vulnerable. I mean people are looking at information and pictures of you and then deciding whether or not they want to send you some questions. If your picture isn't flattering or your profile isn't great, then you get rejected by multiple people at one time. Ouch!

So...here's where I'm at with this. I am terrified. I feel so exposed and I hate it. You would think after my last post I wouldn't venture into something like this just yet, but I'm rather impulsive and just don't think things through first. This being one of those times. A whole lot of stuff is coming up with this "experiment" of mine. Let's hope it doesn't blow up in my face....

Skin deep

I have written many times throughout the years that this blog has been in existence how passionate I am about issues related to body image, eating disorders, beauty, and freedom in Christ. I am a firm believer that we are not living the full life that Christ promises in His Word because we allow the lies that the world feeds us about how we look, how we are inadequate, how little we matter, and so much more. I am passionate about this because this is a continual battle for me in my life and in my head. I have been out of treatment for 4 years now and while it has been a long time since I've struggled daily against my eating disorder, I am finding myself fighting familiar battles, against familiar lies.

Until this past December it had been maybe about a year since my last ED behavior--meaning a binge, overeating on purpose, sneaking food, restricting, or over-exercising. While I was home over Christmas, though, I slipped twice. While my slips weren't on the same level as a full-out binge, they were still disappointing and discouraging.  And since then, it's been a daily struggle in my mind regarding body image and how I see myself.

I know and knew that this would be something I would work through for a very long time, if not the rest of my life. And yet, my head has been pretty quiet for the last five months or so and I was finally at a place of peace with my body---accepting it for where it is right now, not hating it, not telling it that I hated it, etc, etc, etc. Now, though, I find thoughts reverberating through my head that are finding purchase in my head and heart about how huge I am, how ugly I am, how shameful I should be, how fill-in-the-blank. How is this playing out, you ask? Well, here's a recent example.

There has been a couple of repairmen on our floor for the last couple of weeks working on some things that have broken or need to be replaced. They were also around for about 2 weeks in Nov. repairing our showers. I've spoken with them as they've been around for a while now and we had a friendly rapport. If I were at home, I would have asked them their names right away and offered them water or coffee or something like that, but because I am in a foreign country I've been too self-conscious to do that seeing as my Italian isn't quite where I want it. Did I forget to mention that one of them is really attractive and rather nice? Cause he is. So, my friend encouraged me to just ask him his name and offer him something to drink. Doesn't sound that hard, does it? Ha. For me, it has been nearly impossible. And I wondered why. How is it that I can have conversations with strangers all the time, but asking someone that I actually interact with their name or if they want a drink of water seemed to be an impossible task? It's not as if I was asking him to marry me or something else completely off the wall. I thought about it and I came to this conclusion: no matter whether or not it's right to think this, whether it's a lie or truth, I was stopping myself because "the fat girl doesn't talk to good looking guys." Now, I know that's completely and utterly wrong. That's a lie. And yet, that lie has perpetrated my head and heart and is affecting my actions.

I don't want to live like this again. I don't want to be ashamed of my body. I don't want to be defined by my body and how I look or don't look. I am more than this physical body. I am more than my looks or lack of looks. I am a daughter of the King. I am beloved. I am wanted. I am redeemed. I am a member of God's eternal kingdom. I am a co-heir with Christ. I am so much more than my fallen mind and body is trying to tell me. And yet, I fear that as of right now this is not what I am listening to. And it just sucks...

Praise be to God!

"For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." Psalm 100:5


I cling to this verse tonight and recite it in my heart and my head with great joy and in victory. I just hung up the phone with my mom and Praise Jesus!!!!! She has been battling depression and sever anxiety since May and while this may not seem like a long time to many, it has been like an eternity for her and for those of us who love her and have missed her. She reached a turning point today when something within her broke and she was able to experience life again, to connect with herself, and with the Lord. I don't know what happened exactly, but what I do know is that she has tasted the freedom that the Lord offers and she sounded like herself---I haven't really heard from my mom in 9 months and it was a miracle. 


I am heading home next Friday for a month and while I was looking forward to going home, I was also somewhat reluctant because I didn't think I could handle what I dealt with while I was home last summer. Now, though, I have such hope. She sounded so excited to see me--real, genuine excitement.

Our God is good. He alone is able to deliver us from the pit and the dark places. I praise His holy name because He has delivered my mom back to us.

I am not naive enough to think that the road will be easy. I know that there are still challenges before us, before my mom, but my hope has been strengthened today. He is mighty, able, gracious, and loving. Praise be to the one true God for His love and faithfulness endures forever!!!

4 years

Well, here we are again at another anniversary of the beginning of my journey towards freedom from my eating disorder. Four years ago this week I checked myself into Remuda Ranch for the most incredible and life-changing 60 days. Again, I just want to take a moment to thank Jesus for the victory that He has given me and how He has sustained me these last 4 years. They haven't always been easy and there have been times where it would have been easier to succumb, but I held onto Him and He delivered me. I give glory and honor to the Lord!

I, too, thank my parents for the financial sacrifice they made so that I could get the help I needed. I am so blessed by the parents that I have and how God has used them in my life. Thanks Mom and Dad....you're the best!! Thanks, too, to my sisters for their unending support, prayers, encouragement, and love. You're my best friends!!

My friends were also amazing. They (particularly Lees and crew) sent me cards, called, and drove down to Chandler to see me. I am blessed to have them in my life.

To my sisters from treatment: I am praying for you and hope that you continue to fight the good fight. Victory is possible and recovery can be a reality.

To those who struggle: the road to recovery is long and hard, but it is worth it and it can be navigated. Know that I pray for all who struggle with ED and that there is help out there. Remuda Ranch is an amazing facility that changed my life.

Four years...wow.  I am not the same person I was and I expect that I'll be a different person on my 5th anniversary. I am excited to see what the Lord has for me in the coming year...

Everything's different

I was chatting with a friend of mine on the phone the other night and she told me that she was looking at some pictures that I recently posted online, wondering what was different about the way I looked. I told her that nothing was different. Sure, my hair is longer than it normally is, but other than that I haven't changed anything about my appearance. "You look happy," she remarked. I look happy. That statement got me thinking.

I went through the pictures that I have taken over the last year looking for any marked difference between how I looked then versus how I look now. Of course there are subtle differences between my appearance...my hair is longer, I've lost weight, I'm another year older, etc. But, did I look happier? Hmmmm...yes, I think I do. I look lighter, more at peace. And this causes me to ask myself why? What's the difference? Everything. Everything is different this year.

I started this year knowing what I was getting into. I knew what to expect, what needed to happen and when it needed to happen. I knew how to set better boundaries, how to make my expectations clear, and generally how to live here. I don't feel this constant sense of crushing stress, anxiety, and feelings of impotence. I am excited about what I'm doing. I love my job again.

I know, though, that in oder to get to where I am today I had to go through all that I did last year. I had to go through the growing pains to be able to enjoy where I am at now. We don't go through anything in life for naught. There is a purpose behind each and every experience. The Lord uses those times to refine us, to cause us to become more like Jesus, and to strip more of this world from who we are. More often than not it is times of greatest struggle, challenge, and pain that the Lord uses for our benefit and His ultimate glory. I think this is because we step away from ourselves because we often realize that we are in essence powerless, we are not in control, we are not the focus of the universe...He is. We essentially get out of God's way and let Him be who He is and let ourselves be dependent on Him. Or at least this is what I've experienced in times of challenge and change.

I am happier. I am more joyful. I am filled with a sense of excitement and energy again. I thank the Lord for all that I worked through to get me to this point. Through everything I have seen His grace, mercy, love, and strength in ways I may not have been open to before. Everything is different this year and I can't help but wonder how different or what the differences will be one year from now...