Life Change Inbox
We continue in our Friday series, Life Change Inbox, where I am sharing some of the wonderful emails my husband gets, where people share the work God is doing in their lives. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 3:2-4 that our lives are living letters written so that God might be glorified.
I hope Bethany's story will bless you today...
Elevation,
After hearing last weekend's sermon on anxiety, God has inspired me to share my story in hopes of both helping myself as well as others that may be dealing with a similar situation. Since I was a young girl, I have had severe anxiety. I have dealt with various episodes throughout my life where it was worse, but in 2009 I hit rock bottom. I became very insecure with my body, and I constantly worried about how others perceived me. I let it get out of control, and in December 2009 I was diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa. My world kept falling apart from that point, and by March 2010 I weighed 75 lbs and almost lost my life. My worry about my body turned into worry that I would not wake up one morning. That fall I began attending Elevation Church, and I had a new hope in Christ. I realized that my value to God was greater than anyone's opinion of me. I prayed constantly, and God pulled me out of my anxious situation. I am back up to a healthy weight, and I am proud to be living today to share my story. I am an example of someone who let worry and anxiety get the best of them -- almost. Attending Elevation was my turning point, and God even opened my eyes to new perspectives after hearing Pastor's sermon last weekend. I realize now that I went through this situation in order to learn from it and hopefully help someone in the future.
Thank you Elevation for all your support. I love you, Church.
Bethany
Hi Holly!
What an amazing series Treatment has been. Each week has touched my heart for a different reason. This past sunday really resonated with me when Pastor spoke about young women being sexually abused. (A complete sidebar comment to his overall message but nonetheless, so powerful). My too small body was molested at too young of an age, and as a result, I did exactly what your husband spoke of....spent the rest of my life feeling unworthy and allowing abuse to continue and manifest itself in many ways just to get attention and feel loved. I was 34 years old before I came to Christ, an sadly, gave so much away prior. I am grateful to know that whatever was taken from me, whatever I gave away, God and Jesus Christ has restored in me and returned to me. I love our Church. I love how Pastor speaks into your heart, and brings healing. I love that my two teenage sons just returned from the most amazing week of their lives and that my oldest feels called to ministry as a result. I love that I have an e-group that can't stand to be apart, so that when we cant meet formally, we meet anyway with our kids (tomorrow at the pool) and next week for a girl's night dinner. I am so grateful for Elevation, for you and your family, and pray for you all daily. Charlotte and the world are blessed!
Posted by: Christa Corsi | July 26, 2011 at 12:58 AM
Holly, I just stumbled upon your blog. I'm so excited about Sun Stand Still and I'm also looking forward to following your blog as well. Thank you for your love, support and respect for what God has called your husband to do.
Posted by: Suzanne Goodman | July 23, 2011 at 11:45 AM