This Is Why I Share My Story

(Read my post at (in)courage)

Trigger warning: This is a personal story that contains eating disorder content.

I can’t remember my life before my eating disorder — before the starving, obsessive weigh-ins, shameful self-talk, and over-exercising. But that’s because what happened in those fourteen years prior shaped my self-image entirely. My eating disorder didn’t appear overnight; it was a slow descent into darkness. Before it all started, there were years of hiding shameful secrets and self-harm — and, before that, years of abuse.

Sometimes we create our stories, but sometimes they create us. They shape us and the enemy taunts us with lies to believe about ourselves. I didn’t understand this when I detested my reflection, when all I could see were flaws. Deep inside, I believed that if I could disappear, life would improve. The more I embraced this lie, the less I ate and the thinner I became. But nothing changed. The emptiness inside only grew while my self-esteem lessened.

To finish reading the rest of my story, click here and join me at (in)courage.

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Thanks for being here!

Friend, I’m writing with a full heart—because today, I get to share something special with you. I’ve been published at (in)courage, and it feels like one of those quiet God-whispers turned into a shout of grace. For every time you’ve opened an email, whispered a prayer, or let my words into your sacred places—I want you to know, I don’t take it lightly. This space we share? It’s holy ground. And I’m so grateful to walk this road of healing and hope with you—especially when we hurt but Jesus still holds us. Thank you for being here, for being you, for believing that redemption is still possible.

*If you’d be so gracious to share Monthly Manna with one friend who could use it today and encourage them to join us here in this sacred space—I’d be forever grateful! Thanks friend!

Love and Blessings,
Ruthann xo