Our small group just started a new study together—a book about a man who lost 65 pounds and began to live what he calls Fully Alive for God. And then I pick up
a book about a young girl who tried to starve herself to death and my heart
breaks.
It’s a stark contrast, these two stories, and I try to wrap
my mind around the mystery that is anorexia nervosa and all I can do is pray
for those individuals and families who are ravaged by this illness. It seems a
natural reaction, praying, and I am struck by this book I read—written by my
friend and survivor of anorexia Emily Wierenga—I am struck by how heavy this
book is soaked in prayer.
In her interview with Glynn Young at The High Calling, Emily
says this:
I honestly believe God is the only one who can truly bring healing to a disordered eater’s mind and heart. Knowing first-hand the spiritual battle that one engages in, the darkness of anorexia nervosa and the way it leads one into the shadows of death (making a young child want to die), I cannot explain it other than a spiritual attack…
The book, Chasing Silhouettes: How to Help a Loved One Battling an Eating Disorder, is unlike
any self-help book I have ever read. Emily has included not only her own story,
but those of her family and friends, professionals who work with Eating Disorders,
and also specific prayers.
There is so much good to say about Emily’s brave and
beautiful book—it’s a haunting story. The truth is, helping someone with an
eating disorder is a long and arduous process. In Chasing Silhouettes, her voice rings with love and compassion and understanding.
It’s an important story to tell.
If you know Emily from her blog, Imperfect Prose, you know what a compelling storyteller she is. You
have seen the beauty of her heart in her art and in the way she loves her
family. In Chasing Silhouettes you will see another side of her—the activist
who longs to bring healing.
Chasing Silhouettes
carries hope.
I’d like to help deliver that package. Leave a comment by
Thursday 10/11 at 10 pm you will have a chance to win a copy of Emily’s book, Chasing Silhouettes: How to Help a Loved One Battling an Eating Disorder. Spread the news on twitter of Facebook for
additional opportunities to win.
How do you embrace the God-joy? Every Monday I’ll
be sharing one of my Playdates with God. I would
love to hear about yours. It can be anything:
outside, quiet time. Maybe it’s solitary. Maybe
it’s loud and crowded. Just find Him. Be with Him. Grab my button at the bottom of the page and join us:
This is my day 4 of joining the 31 day-ers. They’ve ignited a fire and the flame of their passion is contagious. I know myself too well to say I’ll post every day…but I promise to try. If it sounds inviting to you and you don’t mind coming late to the party (like me), you can read more about the wave at The Nester’s place. She’s the hostess with the mostest.
The Playdates button:
Sharing with Laura Barkat today also:
26 comments:
My maid of honor in my wedding struggled with this and then went on to be a therapist, helping others find healing. Thanks for your review, you do those so well that I've bought several of the books.
Emily never fails to move me with her stories, her life. I'm sure the book is as amazing as she is. Thanks for the opportunity to win it, Laura.
I'm concurrently reading "Do the Work" and "A Woman's Right to Rest". :-) So I decided I best throw in reading "Grace" at the same time. I love God's sense of play.
I love her writing and love for God. Hope I win:)
thank you for this beautiful review, laura. i'm so honored. love you.
Waiting for my own copy to come to me if I won another I would give it away to a very special person. Emily deserves all the 'good words' we can give her. Powerful testimony of God's healing touch.
i have the book - going to start reading today....
May God bless you today, lovely Laura. You are a treasure!
31 days of wide-eyed wonder - sounds good!
Emily is so brave to share her story and her family's with the world. Thank you for sharing this bit of her with us.
Thanks for the great post & for hosting the linkup, & God bless!
Laurie
http://savedbygracebiblestudy.blogspot.com/
It's been wonderful to see how her book is flying off of Amazon's digital shelves. For so long, there has been nothing out there that was actually helpful. Years ago, I wanted to write a book like that, but I don't have her style. I think the world has been waiting for this.
I love Emily's courage and her heart. Her book is going to spread hope to so many. As a woman who once did 20 sit ups for every french fry I ate, I understand how food can get twisted into a stronghold and steal our joy. So glad for a God who heals and a woman like Emily who is willing to take the hand of those who long for hope and just walk that road with them. Blessings to you, too, dear friend
You capture Emily well here. And she is certain to touch lives with this book!
I love your last line and feel the same way -- "delivering the package."
Emily ins such a special lady. Watching the bloggy community rally round this book has been amazing. Says so much about our girl :)
When my husband was working on his Ph.D., he worked for six months on an ED unit. I talked to him some about his experience and the trout process you mention here is so prevalent. This world needs this book.
Your "style" is altogether different, Megan, but no less impactful. I don't think there can be enough resources out there to help families deal with this issue. It's such a hard illness to manage and treat. I wonder if you'll ever tell your story? I'd love to hear...
You are so welcome, Laurie! Thank you for your faithful joining in this community?
Yes, brave is the word that keeps coming to mind for me too, C. I can't imagine how emotionally exhausting it must have been to tell this story. This book is covered in prayer.
Thank you, my friend, you know I feel the same for you. :)
Blessings in the reading, Kendal. I know it could be difficult for you. Praying Emily's story is a comfort to you.
Yes, Sharon. Powerful testimony indeed.
She is such a gifted writer and artist. It's my privilege to help get the word out about this amazing book.
Thank you, Shelly :) I imagine you are a lot like me--I rarely meet a book I don't need :)
Thank you for this giveaway. I would like to be entered to win.
Isn't Emily a gift, Theresa? Yes, I just know this book will bless many.
Sent from my iPad
You are most welcome, Janet :). Your name is in the hat.
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