Dear Lysa,
I thank God for your gift of writing! I also thank God for your heart for God and your willingness to share your struggles in books. I want to share with you my journey which you have had a beautiful part in.
You see I am a Jesus girl! I was saved at age 5 and I was always little miss goody two shoes Christian girl. I was very vocal on my beliefs and I always strived to do what was right in the eyes of God. I loved my Jesus very much! During our high school talent shows I would sing my Contemporary Christian songs while everyone else used Secular music. I won't ramble on much more but I just wanted to give you an idea of that part of me.
A few years ago I hit a season in life that just doesn't make sense for someone who has Jesus.....or does it? My husband and I pulled our membership out of the church we grew up in, the church we met at, the church we were baptized in, the church we got married in. I can't even pinpoint as to why? It all just happened so fast. Before I knew it I was spiraling down a dark path that led to food addiction which led to major weight gain, I turned to alcohol on bad days instead of Jesus, I hit a season of depression , and I also had thoughts of suicide. Looking back on it all my choices were a result of me taking God out of the center of my life. The most amazing truth is He still has plans for me and loves me no matter what. He died to give me life a life I had thoughts of ending. What a selfish selfish thought. He chose to show me His love in such a way I wish I could better describe. He reached in and rescued me from my depression pit and brought healing and a second chance.
As I was in my "recovery" season I came across your book 'Made To Crave' thanks to Melissa Taylor doing an online bible study. That book was a HUGE part of my transformation back to Jesus. I can't even thank you enough or express how blessed I feel....GLORY TO GOD!! I have such a new outlook on life even bigger then I did when I was that goody two shoes Jesus girl. I want everyone to know my God and I mean fully know Him! We were given such a beautiful gift that makes me just pause in awe thinking, WOW! He chose me to live out His plan. ME!! I want to live it right! I want to do all I can, grow all I can, behave all i can which leads me to Unglued. Oh my behaving like a Jesus girl is hard work but with God ALL things are possible!! I can't thank you enough for another great book! I can't thank Melissa Taylor enough for organizing the bible studies! Thank you ladies for allowing God to use you to help His people live this life strong!
I'm not where I need to be but I'm sure not where I was and for that I praise God!
I was absolutely made for more than a food addiction and being unglued!
Life brings choices and I choose imperfect progress!
♥
Bethany,
ReplyDeleteThat is a powerful testimony, thank you so much for sharing.
My heart sings that the studies have helped you so much.
Blessings,
Catherine
OBS Group Leader
WONDERFUL BLOG! Thank you for making yourself vulnerable and being so honest and open with your readers!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your honest testimony! It will touch many who need to hear these words; There is no condemnation in those who live in Christ!! his love is an everylasting LOVE! God BLESS you !!!!
ReplyDeleteThank You for sharing. I also have been in the depths of depression, and it is great when we can remember to turn to God instead of anything else.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post! It's so nice to read such honesty. I think that's my favorite thing about Lysa. We can connect with her because of her honesty.
ReplyDeleteAwwww, you are the sweetest! I'm so glad you have done and enjoyed the OBS! I am copying this and sharing it with Lysa!
ReplyDeleteThis is an awesome testimony! Thank you for sharing!
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