Bird’s Eye View

BREAKING NEWS!

You guys, I am so excited to share with you, that I’m going to be speaking at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Memphis, Tennessee on Sunday September 29th at 10:00am!

This is truly such an exciting step – and something that I have been praying about for a long time. So if you’re in the area, I would absolutely love to see you there!

One of my dear friends, fellow blogger, and OG readers of BBB — Jeff King — played an integral role in this speaking engagement coming together. He threw my name into the ring at his church, and so thank you, Jeff for believing in me, and helping this come to reality!

You know, it’s funny — because when I first started out this blog — having the opportunity to share my story was something a) I never would have dreamed would become a reality, or b) that I would have the courage to even admit to having had an eating disorder, and own up to my past in a public way.

So it’s kind of surreal that it’s all happening.

But for as excited as I am for this opportunity, I’m not going to lie — preparing for it, and writing the talks and whatnot — I’ve put off and put off and put off.

I have this approach avoidance to it. It has been incredibly challenging — but not for the reason you might be thinking. Because let’s be honest, your girl lives for a heavy work load. It’s not the effort that is causing me the hang up…

It’s the fact that…I feel incredibly unqualified. And in fact, I feel a bit like a phony.

Getting up and sharing my story — I feel like I’m flaunting around that I’ve got all the answers and that I’ve got it all figured out, when the fact is…I’m journeying through recovery just like everyone else who has ever gone through an addiction or eating disorder.

Recovery is a life long, winding road that takes lots of twists and turns. And who’s to say that they’ve ever got it all figured out.

But what’s more, is that I really have to dive into my story at a depth that I haven’t in quite a while.

Writing this blog, yes – it’s emotionally demanding, and I have to write about my past — but for the most part, I can keep some distance between myself and the truly dark parts of my history. I can keep that super painful part of my disease at arm’s length, and kind of dance around the deep stuff.

Not this time.

In preparing for these talks, I’ve really had to “go there.” Get back into the mindset of where I was, recollect the tough times, and really try to put the pieces together in a meaningful way that I can talk about coherently — not only for myself, but to a degree that I can bring someone else there.

That’s been the challenge. That’s been the root of my procrastination and approach avoidance.

But you know what? It’s been really good for me.

Because it has allowed me to really take a step back and see the bigger picture. I’ve been able to zoom out, like looking at the topography of my life from a helicopter — and I can see the twists and turns and detours my path has taken thus far. It’s been really a powerful exercise.

We all have a story. God has given us all unique paths and experiences that shape who we are. And all of our stories are worthy of being shared on a stage.

But the trials we endure — some more publicly than others — all point to one thing: His deliverance through it all.

Sometimes it takes longer to see, but there’s nothing we go through that God is walking through with us.

So I want to invite you, this month, as we are changing from summer to fall, to use this as an opportunity to revisit the topography of your life from a bird’s eye view.

Yeah, the experience is emotionally difficult, and you definitely have to work up the courage to really get in there, and not just look from arm’s length, but to get in the weeds of your past.

Because when you do, and when you truly are looking with earnest eyes that are willing to see, the Holy Spirit will reveal to you some of the reasoning behind the detours. He will give you peace and acceptance when you take that conscious effort to explore what might have been locked away in the deep recesses of our minds.

It definitely has with me.

So if that hasn’t shaken your confidence in my ability as a speaker — haha — I’d love to see you on the 29th in Memphis.

If this prep process has taught me anything, it’s that we are constantly evolving and He is always always at work, shaping us into better versions of ourselves, one day at a time.

“This is what the Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.” Ez 37:5

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204 responses to “Bird’s Eye View”

  3. I know many of your followers started the journey with you surrounding eating disorders. I’m here mainly because I admire your faith and your conviction towards it. As a non christian myself, I am inspired by spiritual people. Im happy for you, I hope this is an experience you treasure for the rest of your life.

    Your Pagan friend,

    Karac

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    • Thank you so much Karac, I really appreciate you sharing in the excitement with me!! I hope so too! And thank you for joining me on the journey, I’m grateful for you! hugs xo

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    • Thank you so much!! Oh gosh, you’re kind to say that Paula. thaks for the encouragement!! big hugs xox

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    • Thank you so much!!! yeah i am really excited and grateful for the opportunity! that’s great advice — all about the delivery!! 🙂 hugs xo

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    • Thank you so much Drew!! haha knovk em alive — i like that! thanks for sharing in the joy with me! hugs xo

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    • Thank you so much John!! I really appreciate you sharing in the joy and excitement with me!!! grateful for you! hugs xo

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  9. That’s really great news! Wish you could do this here in Cape Town, a long swim away. But we do accept A380’s and Dreamliners…….

    Jokes aside. After an extreme Job-like life, all and sundry and their shrink want a book for me. To do that, one has to get into the gory details so that others can read the entrails. Isn’t that just reliving the very trauma we want to pack away under plenty rocks and call Life Police? How does one deal with Round Two (or 32) of that trouble?

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  11. I am super excited for you. Sure wish I lived a little closer to Memphis. You already know this, but I’m gonna say it anyway, as you wait on the Holy Spirit to give you the words and take you to those dark places, the love of God will envelop with his grace. Does the church have an online presence and will your talk be posted? Praying that God will use you in amazing ways!

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    • aw thank you Andrea! I appreciate you sharing in the joy with me! You’re so right about that! the Holy Spirit will give me the words!! I will look into the online stuff and let you know! 🙂 hugs xox

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  12. That’s lovely! We’re never “ready”, all of us are a work in progress, God’s work. I’m sure people will be deeply touched by how your love for God saves you everyday.

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  13. CARALYN!!! You are the furthest thing from a phony I can think of!! How can that possibly be when you are an expert on…YOURSELF!! You have every right and authority to stand up and help people learn about ED when they know nothing. You have every right and authority to give those afflicted the hope you have experienced!

    When you come to us in Memphis, you won’t be riding on a choice, cushy spot on the boat; you’ll be voluntarily grabbing an oar and pulling with the rest of us. Maybe even helping someone else pull on their oar! Just. By. Being there.

    You don’t have it all figured out; just what you needed to. For someone who’s figured out nothing, sharing your path may well help them define theirs, whether as something to follow or as the start of a new path for themselves. I’ve always told my daughters that no education, no experience is wasted. Your time here will be an education and experience for all who attend.

    You’ve been an education and experience for me. I knew almost nothing of anorexia. Experiencing your highs and lows through B3 has educated me in my faith. Again – nothing is wasted!

    You’re coming here to share yourself, not flaunt, not brag but to educate and share with those who both want to help and those who need help.

    My family is JUICED to meet you! A couple days ago I got you on Job’s calendar – he’s our church’s specially trained Comfort Dog. He’ll be there Saturday evening with his handler. Today I took flyers to two clinics, one of which as has both inpatient and outpatient facilities. Will anyone come? That’s in God’s hands. You just get here, let us take care of you, and let God use you. That’s really all there is to it!

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    • Aw, Jeff, thank you so much — I love that imagery of the boat! Yes! grabbing an oar and rowing along!! love that so much 🙂 Thanks for always being such a source of encouragement for me! You are a great friend and I’m very thankful for you. I juiced to me you and your fam!!!!!!!!!!! Oh that’s so exciting 🙂 God’s hands indeed. Super pumped. Have a great night and thanks for always being in my corner! hugs to you and your girls! xox

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  18. This is a great honor for you. You deserve this, and your story is going to bless and encourage many. Congratulations to you. If I was in Memphis, I would go see you. Unfortunately, I am stuck in DC that day.

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  20. Giving my testimony about my sordid past has been the most liberating thing I’ve ever done. You’d think it’d be a humiliating experience. But no. Just “putting it all out there” is like taking a boulder off your back and letting it roll away. I always emphasize that my story isn’t about me. It’s about Christ and how He transformed my heart from stone to flesh. I can’t wait to read your account of what happens in Memphis. God bless.

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    • Thanks so much Rollie! I love that analogy! Letting it roll away! Amen!! All to share His glory!! Hugs and love xox

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  22. Caralyn, I REALLY needed to hear this tonight. It is exactly what I have realized– that I must look at and share my story if I am going to ever accept it. I have written about a very painful time in my life (it’s the length of a short novel), and am now looking for either self-publishing or finding a very cheap publisher (this girl is a broke college kid, haha). Who have you used to publish your books?

    Thank you for fearlessly sharing your story. It is so needed.
    Love in Christ,
    Annalee

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    • Thanks so much Annalee – I’m so glad this resonated with you tonight. You’re so right! Your story deserves to be told! I self published! 🙂 Hugs and love xox

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  25. You’re not a phony. Admitting you don’t have the answers means you’re honest. As far as being qualified, who is more qualified to tell your story than you? Just share from your heart what happened and what God did and is doing for you. And He’ll go with you even through the dark places. You’re gonna be awesome!! Will put that on the calendar and be praying for you!

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    • Thank you so much Kenneth for your kind words 🙂 that’s really awesome advice – thanks for your prayers! Xox

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  27. Congratulations Caralyn. Sounds like this is a next step for you. As has been said, it’s your unique story. God’s ongoing creation of YOU. Sharing my story over the years has been so healing for me. It brings me closer to God, more grateful for His mercy and grace in my life. It truly does become more about Him and less about me. Blessings to you.

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    • Thank you so much Cherry!! I really appreciate you sharing in the joy with me!! And gosh, what beautiful words! I am so touched! Hugs and love xox

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  28. So excited for you! This is part of your recovery process and God will see you through it and reward you for it in so many ways! Oh, so happy!!! Hugs! Love you and believe in you, beautiful friend, as always! XO😄❤

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    • Thank you so much Tonya!! I really appreciate you sharing in the joy with me and for believing in me! Grateful for your friendship! Love you!! Xox

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      • Listen to an older, I mean more mature, woman who is your friend, also speaks publicly and also is recovering. Best unsolicited advice I have… be humble and let God speak through you. He may want to say something unexpected and there is a good reason for that. Flow with Him and ask this blessing ahead of time. Speaking of things you know about is totally different than what you lived and nearly died over. It is like when I sing someone else’s song versus one I wrote and poured into. The temptation is for it to be about us, what will people think of me, will they hate me when they know the real me and how I screwed up. That kind of thing. Hear me. God and I adore you utterly. If no one else on the planet does, that is enough. But the truth is that everyone screws up ugly. They have the luxiry of painting it or throwing a mask on so no one sees it. When it is unavoidable to see, that does not make it bigger or smaller than their screw up. Sin is sin, no matter the size or shape. The beauty of Jesus is that when we accept Him as our Savior, He covers any sin in grace. We are then all the same. You got this. Let it flow and rip and prepare but humbly flex as needed. Then God grows you while blessing others so much more. Control is not always the best thing. Just wanted to encourage you and bring peace and joy to your mind. Sorry to go on like that. I felt you needed calm. Love you still, beautiful friend. XO😄❤

      • That is such great advice, Tonya – thank you. Flow with Him and make sure it’s about Him!! Amen amen amen. I will be prepared to humbly flex!! Thank you for this! It was truly such an encouragement and just what I needed to hear! Grateful for you!! Hugs and love xox

  30. Hello, first of all congratulations, you will be amazing!!

    Second of all… I feel like I was definitely supposed to read your post right now. I’m from Memphis, although I’m away at college right now. If I were home I would definitely come and listen, but I will have to read your posts instead.

    Also please let me know if any Memphians are rude to you! Hopefully they will all be on their best behavior and treat you with kindness. And get some good barbecue! 😂💜

    💜💜💜

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  31. “But the trials we endure — some more publicly than others — all point to one thing: His deliverance through it all.”
    Profound, and something we should all take to heart 🙂

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    • Thank you so much Ian 🙂 yes! He’s delivered me from the depths! And for that I am so grateful! Hugs and love xox

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  36. I spoke today and received this in two different places. Speak to God’s glory

    John 7:18 New International Version (NIV)

    18 Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.

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    • Thank you so much Deb!! Oh wow what an incredible message from the Father! He always gives us what we need to hear:) Hugs and love xox

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  38. Caralyn, this is the beginning of something new in your life! Your unique story will encourage others, when you speak. The timing of this important event in your life was highlighted to me. God instituted the Feast of Trumpets also known as Rosh Hashanah at the start of the civil new year. “On the first day of the seventh month [on New Year’s Day of the civil year], you shall have a holy [summoned] assembly; you shall do no servile work. It is a day of blowing of trumpets for you [everyone blowing who wishes, proclaiming that the glad New Year has come and that the great Day of Atonement and the Feast of Tabernacles are now approaching].” (Numbers 29:1)

    This new year starts at sundown on September 29th this year. It ends the past ten years of the eye or vision and will start ten years of the mouth, year 5780. God gets the glory from your mouth, telling what he has done in your life. Amazing! Love and hugs! XO

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    • Thank you so much!! Yes! That is the goal! To share His glory and love and mercy!! So glad you stopped by! Thanks for sharing in the excitement with me! Hugs and love xox

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    • Thank you so much Eric!! I really appreciate your encouraging words!! Means a lot 🙂 Hugs and love xox

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  42. get out to beale st… memphis is definitely interesting (rural TN is beautiful if you get to drive through the mountains), just speak your truth, the rest will follow, doubt has no refuge in the light of honesty, trust in that, of we don’t believe we are here for a reason… what’s the point… I just have to kick my own butt and remind myself of that!

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    • Thank you David! Yes! That’s what I hear! I’ve never been and I’m really excited about it! Hugs and love xox

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  43. (1) Congratulations!
    (2) I know what you mean about feeling like a phony. I feel that way every day. I’ve been a teacher for 20 years, but I still feel like I’m bad at it. Obviously my principal doesn’t think I’m bad at it, and I’ve had a lot of students say good things about me as a teacher over the years, but I’ve also failed many times, I’ve had students I couldn’t reach, and more importantly I’ve had students with whom I’ve lost my patience. I know there’s only so much I can do, but still…
    (3) Since I started the second blog, the one with the stories based on my past, I’ve had some of that birds-eye perspective on my own life. It’s been good to revisit that time period and see what I’ve learned and how I’ve grown over the years. I started that blog intending it to be more of a comedy, but my writing style and my thoughts about that period just lend themselves better to life lesson coming-of-age stories.
    (4) Will there be a video of your talk?
    (5) A few years ago, I was invited to speak at the annual alumni night of the chapter of Intervarsity where I went to school. The staff running the group at the time were friends of mine, we were all students in the group at the same time, and I told them a story that was a key part of my process of getting to know Jesus, and how much of an impact friends who reached out to me had on my life. They asked me if I would be willing to share, so I did… but, yeah, I felt the same way, like I still don’t have all the answers. I was just honest and spoke from the heart.

    Hopefully someone will make a video, because I’d love to hear what you have to say, but Memphis is a long way away.

    In case you have time, here’s an old post of mine from when I spoke at that event: https://highwaypi.wordpress.com/2016/04/26/exit-104-there-is-a-common-thread/

    And here’s a fictionalized account from my other blog of the story I told that night:
    part 1: https://dontletthedaysgoby.home.blog/2019/08/29/march-3-1995-throwing-the-box/
    part 2: https://dontletthedaysgoby.home.blog/2019/09/07/march-4-1995-friendship-is-special/

    I really need to go check out some of the other people who comment on your blog, because some of your regulars have followed links I’ve posted from my own blog, and I think I told you I received two compliments on my writing a couple weeks ago from your readers.

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  45. Caralyn this is interesting news and I will pray about it for you. I went to bed early and on my mind was the fact that two Blog Posts out of four I had written on 9/11 which I didn’t plan on writing but was just compelled to do you hadn’t noticed it seemed. I also got an email notification about this Blog of yours which I left open and thought I would respond to in the morning. I awoke from a sound sleep about 1am and decided to stay up for a few moments when immediately what caught my eye was the fact of another email notification had just arrived announcing a new Blog about the Pope, titled “The Fool in the Vatican” which I had immediate compulsion or desire to respond to along with yours. I don’t know if there are any connections to draw here or not yet other than the ones I see plainly! But as I noticed this other Blog I did see you had responded with likes to the two Blogs I went to bed thinking about your having not responded to and you had on 9/11 responded to the other ones I wrote but I figured you most likely would get around to hopefully giving them a like perhaps at least the “Smokes and Boots!” So now I decided to include my response to the other Pope Blog here too because I wonder if there might be something to think about in all of this and I’m up at this hour for some reason other than I just woke. So hopefully this might be helpful in some way that will become more apparent to either of us or someone I really hope in due time! Also on 9/11 when I was compelled to write the four blogs many connections of events and people in my life carrying profound messages came to light at the end of the day which I won’t go into here, but I will say one of these profound connections was to my father and I did write about “Both Fathers Told Me” earlier in the week! A sister I spoke with about these 9/11 connections coming up and how they converged on our father were profound to her as well. I’m sure through our continued Faith in Jesus Christ any important connections or revelation will be made clear!
    God Bless You.
    Brother in Christ,
    Lawrence

    “I’m being honest; I think it’s possible this Pope is false or a sign of much worse times to come soon. I wrote to him at the exact proper address on a gravely important matter I’ve been facing for some years in my locale of a highly evil political corruption, sending it via FedEx. I had reason to write to the Pope himself because of something a consecrated woman of the church had brought to my attention about my ordeal and personal suffering caused by this political situation and an obvious fact of what and when this political attack occurred having specific connection to Catholic Holy Days. My letter to the Pope was tracked to the Vatican and then nothing, no response from anyone. This could be interpreted in a few ways but what bothers me very much about the non-response is how I see this Pope being so friendly and almost conciliatory with Muslims which to my view are members of a fraudulent antichrist false religion and that Islam is nothing more than a political ideology! So two major points about corrupted evil politics and the Pope fails on both in my view which tells me he could be the false Pope! I hope I’m wrong and if so please dear God forgive me in the name of Jesus, but if not Dear Jesus Christ help us in this horrible time of lies and deception like no other! Amen.”

    PS after writing to the Pope in my local politically corrupted circumstance a key high ranking position to be filled by appointment was with a Muslim, which led to a catastrophic personal event.

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    • Thanks for sharing Lawrence. Interesting timing and situation. All I will say is that as a practicing Catholic, I support the Pope. 🙂

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      • Sure no problem Caralyn. As we know many do not whether outside of the Catholic Church or even inside it lately; Vatican II stirred the pot for sure! The case in point may be presently that there is some serious interference, and actual division is growing not subsiding from that point when I began to see a problem in the Vatican a few years ago when I sent the Pope that very urgent letter. Time will tell won’t it! In the least my bringing this up may serve as a footnote “to us all that we should be very careful to take care” in these times of upheaval and division. Division in the church has been there since the beginning and has only grown worse over the years, we see that clearly by the multitude of variations of Christianity out there don’t we. Men have taken God’s word and rules and bent them to fit their own devices or even purpose!
        Perhaps I was seeking to accomplish this with the political; “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Matthew 18:15-17
        “Every biblical leader stood up against evil and many even lost their lives for speaking against it. There is a reason Jesus says true believers will be hated and persecuted. If you desire to live a godly life you will be persecuted and there is no way around it. Stop being part of the world, expose it instead and save lives. The person who truly loves Christ is the one who’s going to stand up for Christ no matter if they lose friends, family, or if the world hates us. The people who hate Christ are going to read this and say, “stop judging.” biblereasons
        “You adulterers! Don’t you know that friendship with the world means hostility with God? So whoever wants to be a friend of this world is an enemy of God.” James 4:4
        “Stop loving the world and the things that are in the world. If anyone persists in loving the world, the Father’s love is not in him.” 1 John 2:15
        “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” John 4: 1
        I say now, because we who call ourselves Christians or true children of God must with our whole heart discern all these many things before us in our daily lives; we must remember at all times this Holy Scripture as we make our way along our paths!
        “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:21-23
        It’s not about all warm and fuzzy and doing what so many so called Christians that accept the ways of the world pronounce as their mantra; “don’t judge others.” Even when the Pope has said this we must be careful to not think he is giving license to whatever! And, those that stating this in such a way are obviously inviting all manner of sin and regression from God’s word! They forget perhaps just how critical things really are or they prefer to satisfy the world and its ways for recognition from other men not from God who is the JUDGE!
        Again, I ask that we emphasize with Holy Scripture to keep in the front of our minds and deep within our hearts what is most vital for our immortal souls, and forget our bodies and material life here! To God these are all gone in the twinkling of an eye! It is all about our SOULS!
        “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” John 4: 1
        “Stop loving the world and the things that are in the world. If anyone persists in loving the world, the Father’s love is not in him.” 1 John 2:15
        “No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons.” 1 Corinthians 10:20-21
        “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.” Isaiah 5:20
        My purpose right here and right now Caralyn is that my thoughts and words on this post make a difference in saving even one soul out there in the tumultuous man driven world of sin! That is my only reason for bringing this to the table in a manner of speaking, not for recognition, praise, friendship or getting hugs and kisses from anyone! My heart sees a troubled and horrifyingly sinful world and truly hopes in all earnest to see many saved by God through Jesus Christ; as many are being deceived outright, and if I am His instrument at any given moment of my life even if doing so takes my life, so be it; I’m honored. I of course hope in doing such that I only do His will because that is all that matters and is all that will save me! Through Jesus Christ my
        Lord, Savior and Redeemer, Amen!
        Brother in Christ,
        Lawrence

  47. This is very cool Caralyn. Esther 4:14 comes to mind. “. . . . for such a time as this.” You will be successful bringing ED out from the shadows. Your thoughts are clear and concise. You will bolster hope, and open several much needed communication paths for God’s children in Memphis. Congratulations on securing this speaking engagement.

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    • Thank you so much Dan! I will hve to look up that verse! Thank you for your encouraging words! big big hugs xox

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  49. You are going to do an amazing job with your speaking engagement. Telling your own unique story gives others the chance to hear your beautiful testimony of how God has brought you through your storms and your faith speaks to show that you trust God to continue to bring you through every season of your life. The best thing that everyone in that room hearing you speak will see is that you are a beautiful young lady with an awesome testimony that glorifies God in your life and shows that you still embrace your journey not to get to perfection, but to help others find their hope and strength in God as they face their own seasons and battles in their lives. Praying for a very successful speaking engagement for you.

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    • Thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement! it really means a lot! gosh, I am so touched by this wonderful comment. thank you again!! hugs xo

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  51. Thanks for your sharing. Being authentic is also being vulnerable .. I pray that you are guided by the Holy Spirit to speak well,. I’m sure it will make a difference to those who will listen!

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  53. I’m sure you’ll do just great! No matter where you are on your journey, there’s plenty of people who are behind you who could use your input and encouragement.

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    • thank you so much Alan!! I really appreciate your kind words! thanks for sharing in the excitement with me! hugs xo

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    • Aw thank you so much Meghan!! I appreciate you sharing in the excitement with me! Hugs and love xox

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  57. As a Christian recovering from a chequered past, Caralyn, this is an inspiring message. You were one of the first bloggers I followed two years ago when I started and although I’ve only 1/5 of your followers, I’ve published my first novel this summer and seen that God can use broken people for great things. I really hope & pray your speaking engagement is a big success 🙂

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    • Thank you so much, I’m so glad this resonated with you! And gosh, thank you for walking this journey with me!! I am so touched. And congrats on your novel!!!!!! Hugs and love xox

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  59. This is so exciting!! I do thought I responded yesterday but it looks like I didn’t. I’m thankful for role models like you who are willing to share. My daughter and I will be praying for your sharing and for you to be comfortable diving in deep and sharing authentically and as the Lord leads! Praying for all in the audience who need to hear your words that He gives you that evening!!

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    • Thank you Shell for sharing in the excitement with me!! oh my gosh you are too sweet — can’t begin to express how much I appreciate your prayers!!!! sending big big big hugs xox

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  61. You never stop being the focus of amazing, beautiful, wonderful happenings and I can’t express more how happy for and proud I am of you!! You will beautify that church with all the blessed gifts and light that projects from you!! You are an angel on earth who beams with the joys of the vastness of the heavens and you transform those joys into all those things you do that inspire the hearts, minds, and souls of all those who know you. Much love and an abundance of hugs!! You will do wonderful, as you are wonderful!!!!!!!!

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  62. You will be a blessing! Just remember you play for an audience of One. Its all from Him and for Him and He loves you perfectly already. Thank you for being brave enough to share your story!

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    • thank you so much!! I think it will be recorded – so I’ll let you know! hmm – gosh, i didn’t!!! i’ll check!

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  66. Congratulations, Caralyn! I see this as a beginning of a new ministry for you – one that, in my heart, I have seen you in for a long time! Remember and hold close to your heart, your directive from our Heavenly Father:
    Psalm 107:2-3
    Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;
    And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.
    Caralyn, Jesus bought you and loved you and saved you and redeemed you out from the hand of the enemy – ED – and is now calling you to say so! Hooray! Though I cannot be there to cheer you on in person, I will be praying for God to ignite and infuse your heart and tongue with the words and message He would like for you to say, and to give you strength and courage to do so. And to fill your heart with the same love He has for all those people who will be there. Much love to you sweet friend <3

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    • thank you so much Mindy!! gosh, you’re so kind — thank you for your support and prayers and for sharing in the joy with me!!! this really touched my heart and was just what i needed to read today! ((I’m getting nervous!!)) haha hugs xo

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  67. Congratulations! It takes a lot of mental and emotional energy to think through painful experiences to see the beauty in it. It can feel like you’re going backwards and like, “I don’t want to relive this. It took a lot to get through this.” But the fact is, we did get through it and looking back to see what God taught you won’t send you back. Much success to you.

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    • Thank you so much Bella for sharing in the joy with me!!! you’re right about that — He always is teaching us what we need to learn. hgus xo

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  68. THANK YOU for doing this. I started following your blog because you have claimed Jesus’ VICTORY against anorexia and I am praying for a dear relative, who has struggled with it for at least seven years, to be able to do the same some day. Jesus uses your story to give hope when it seems there is no hope. Praying for you and the people you will encounter as you prepare—I know the “unqualified,” “phony” feelings that lead to procrastination and “approach avoidance” can be tough to conquer, BUT GOD….

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    • thank you so much Rhonda!! Oh gosh, i am so touched by your encouraging words. I ‘m sorry to hear that your relative is going through that — i will definitely join you in prayer for them. Thank you for your kind words and for sharing in the excitement with me. hugs xoxoxooxox

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    • Aw thank you Amanda for sharing in the excitement with me! I’m so excited too! Hugs and love xox

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  73. Congratulations on this wonderful, spirit-led opportunity, Caralyn! I will be praying for you, especially on the 29th! I wish I didn’t leave so far away! I know what you mean about feeling like a phony. I’ve given my own testimony several times, in front of as many as 500 people! My knees were knocking the whole time, but I received several compliments afterwards. I have no doubt you will touch lives in Memphis!! Prayers for traveling mercies. You’ve got this!

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  75. I am excited for you. Congratulations! You are going to do an awesome job. God has equipped you for this moment and I know he will show up once again in a special by using you. Thank you for allowing us to have a front row seat to your healing. All of us have something special to add to the world. Our stories are unique on purpose. I am looking forward to hearing a great report.

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    • Thank you so much!! you’re so kind to say that. Thank you for your prayers and sharing in the excitement with me!! big hugs xo

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