Discovering the true Fountain at the end of self-effort. by La Shawn M. Barber Five beers in under an hour — a new record. I’d lost count of the number of beer cans hidden under my bed. When I reached down for one that was full and still cold, all the cans fell over….
Read moreMonth: October 2015
Learning From Scars
His blood — not ours — bringsfreedom from harmful habits. by Shelbie Mae For weeks I had tried to ignore the scars and open cuts on my sister’s arms and legs, but they stuck out like molehills burrowed into smooth grass. When a knock sounded on my bedroom door, I knew it was she….
Read moreI Just Couldn’t Say No
What would one drag on a joint hurt? by Jason Gomez as told to Christy Heitger-Casbon I glanced at my watch: 6:55 p.m. I couldn’t believe there were only five minutes left in youth group. For as far back as I could remember, I’d been connected to these people. Flashbacks of retreats, church lock-ins,…
Read moreHidden Shame: The Growing Problem of Sexual Addiction
Understanding the past and patterns of a secret sin. by Carol McGalliard The final strains of the wedding processional ring through the sanctuary. A radiant bride gazes into the eyes of the beaming groom and vows that she will “love, honor, and cherish this man . . . in sickness and health, for better,…
Read moreFreed From Bulimia
Seeking help from the perfect God for our imperfections. by Kaylie Biggs as told to Karen Whiting One of my mother’s friends prayed over me while I grew inside the womb. Her prayers worked: I arrived a healthy baby girl after a C-section. Unfortunately, due to poor choices later in life, I didn’t stay…
Read moreFinding Father
Reconnecting with vital relationships. by Alicea Jones Tall, thin, and decided, he anchored our home and gave us a sense of completion. We held Daddy in awe; he taught us the Twenty-third Psalm, about God being our shepherd and walking with us even through death. He was a dreamer, and we dreamed right along…
Read moreEscape From a Nightmare
The darkest shame finds the brightestlight of God’s healing power. by Pete Riley as told to Carol McGalliard I lived in a nightmare. I was studying to become a minister but knew I was being hypocritical: I was a sex addict. It was depressing and horrible knowing what was right and being powerless to…
Read moreEating Disorders: Help for Eating Disorders
Resources from Focus on the Family #CS078 broadcast tape”Eating Disorders: Anorexia & Bulimia” Anyone wishing to request these resources may contact Focus at 1/800/AFAMILY. #CS304 broadcast tape”When Food Is an Enemy”#LF197 booklet”Escaping Anorexia & Bulimia”#LF836 booklet”Eating Disorders” AUTHOR RESOURCES Books Counseling Those with Eating Disorders, Raymond E. Vath, M. D. Dallas, Texas: Word, Incorporated, 1986….
Read moreEating Disorders: A Mother’s Perspective
by Katherine Lange The doors to Mercy Hospital swung open to me – again. For ten years, my husband and I have battled the horror and heartache of our daughters’ eating disorders. We have consulted with psychologists, physicians, and therapists for our girls while their health and lives have disintegrated. Today, they are finally…
Read moreConfessions of a Binge Eater
One bite called for another, but she craved the wrong thing. by Jeannie Moore One night while I watched TV with my twelve-year-old daughter, Joanna, an actress appeared on the screen. She was about my age, with a slender body and beautiful long, brown hair. As she applied suntan oil, the young woman showed off…
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