If you’re reading this, I’d like to welcome you and give you a hug.

Maybe you’re the parent or loved one of someone suffering with an eating disorder. Perhaps you’re in the throes of anorexia yourself. Maybe you think you may have the beginning stages of disordered eating. Or perhaps you’re on the journey to recovery.

Whatever has brought you here, I hope that through the story of my brokenness, and redemption through the Lord, you are able to find hope, encouragement, advice, healing, support, and comfort.

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This blog chronicles my journey from severe anorexia to recovery, and every twist and turn along the way. The blog posts are meant to be read from beginning to end, as a book. (( Glorious Wounds is the Introduction.)) So I would suggest reading “up” — starting from my oldest post, and working backwards to the most recent. This is my first post.

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I must warn you that the beginning is very dark — intense, raw, and despairing. It is an uncensored view into my mind when I was deep in my anorexia. However, I chose to be vulnerable and share that utter brokenness — that wreckage — in order for you to truly grasp the gravity of the disease, and how sincerely meaningful freedom through Christ has been in my life.

I also hope that you’ll find the resources section of my blog helpful. If you or a loved one is suffering with disordered eating habits, please seek professional help.

With that being said, I am not a doctor. I’m not a therapist, dietician, counselor, psychiatrist, etc. I’m just a girl. Who had a severe case of anorexia. And who is journeying through recovery, one day at a time. I’m just sharing my story with the hopes that it will help even one person.

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***To get a copy of my book, Bloom: A Journal by BeautyBeyondBones, click here! 

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A big thank you to my new sponsor, BetterHelp Online Therapy.  Speak with an online therapist. Or check out content about eating disorders from BetterHelp.

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2,012 thoughts on “Read This First”

  2. Fantastic blog! ❤️First, I love that you are healed! Sadly not everyone is able to find their way and 2nd I love that you have chosen to share your testimony to help point those in need in the direction they need! What an amazing calling you have! Thank you so much for stopping by my blog saltvault and liking my post Keys to the Kingdom today!

    Liked by 2 people

  3. At least you are not in denial (not a river)! Little poke at humor. Alcoholic, myself. Went away to college at the age of 17 and developed a drinking problem. A computer science major, I wrote my best code while drunk off my ass. Sobered myself up at the end of my sophomore year. Won’t even touch thee stuff anymore (helps my multiple sclerosis medicine can’t be used with alcohol in your system).

    Parents used to accuse me of having your difficulty since I refused to stuff myself like they did. I eat what my body needs for survival. 3 small chocolate squares are a daily MUST for me! No more, no less.

    You probably didn’t choose to have this difficulty. Regardless, you have it now. Keep following your doctor’s orders. If you don’t get along with your doctor, find one that you do! Just keep hanging in there!

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    1. Thank you so much. It sounds like you’ve had quite the journey as well. I’m glad we’ve both found freedom:) thanks for stopping by and sending love and support for your journey, friend 😊

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  8. I have a sister who is a recovering anorexic. She was diagnosed backed in the 70’s when she was just a teen. She will be 60 this October. It’s been a long road, not just for her, but for the family. When she was diagnosed very little was known and treatment was archaic. Thank God my Mother persevered and didn’t except the suggested treatment of shock therapy. I commend you for your willingness to document your journey. I’m sure it has not been easy.

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    1. Thank you for sharing this, Mariann. Yes, thank God that she didn’t undergo shock therapy. Wow. It sounds like your sister is lucky to have such a supporting and loving family. Thank you for stopping by. I appreciate the support. Hugs to you.

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  9. Thank you for stopping by my blog and liking a recent post! I really appreciate it. Although I have never suffered from anorexia, nor know anyone personally that has, just from reading your most recent post I can tell that there is much to learn regardless. 🙂

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  11. Hi, I have never suffered from an eating disorder myself, but I had a friend at school who had anorexia and I saw how much of a hard time it was for her, but she came out strong the other side, just like you have! What a fantastic thing to write about it, I’m sure you have helped so many people in their journeys. I will be coming back to read more of your story. And thank you for stopping by my blog and the like on my Sunday post! 🙂

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  12. Hi dear, just reading your introduction is an inspiration. Continiue to fight the good fight. I’m sure your blog is a hope and inspiration for many struggling out there. (on a side note, your instagram link is having some trouble). Keep writing and doing what you’re doing! It’s beautiful.

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    1. Hi Jun. Thank you for this encouragement. I really appreciate it 🙂 And thanks for the heads up about the link! My IG is beauty.beyond.bones. I’ll get on fixing that right now:) have a great day! hugs!

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  13. What an important blog and cause – thanks for being a shining light and illuminating the darkness so many are sitting in. Thanks for visiting my blog and keep up the excellent work!

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  15. Thanks for liking the poem I wrote for my sick mother.
    I pray the Lord will bless you in your efforts to grow stronger physically and spiritually, and that you will be a blessing to others, also.

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks for the compliment. My mom has been through so much on many fronts. If I had lived through all she has, I think I’d be curled up in a corner sucking my thumb! Lol

        Liked by 1 person

  17. I look forward to reading your posts – Glad I found you ….. when I was young, I was hospitalized twice for anorexia, trying to get down to a “model” weight. That was years and years ago and since then I have learned how to eat (I know SO much about food and health I should get paid to teach people hahaha). But anyway, I eat gluten free and vegetarian. It seems no matter what size I am the “anorexic” thinking has to be battled regularly….. I have to daily remind myself I am made in God’s image and I am beautiful …………

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  18. God bless you for your honesty and courage. I look forward, as you invited, to reading your posts from earliest to most recent. Praise God for His healing work in your life and through your life. Thank you for liking one of my posts. I appreciate your taking time to read/respond. Every blessing! Take care.

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  20. I’m truly impressed by your story…AND by what the Lord is doing in your life! All glory to Him!
    Thanks for checking out my blog, “Letters from Lady Ezra.” I am a new blogger and have a long way to go, so I truly appreciate your taking the time to stop by.
    Blessings,
    Allison

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  22. Hi. Thanks for stopping by my blog.
    The whole food obsession of weight and energy and diet and all the other asdfkl stuff is a battle for many, whether that manifests itself as a disorder or whether we realise earlier. Gah, that sounds bad – I in no way am demeaning your struggle and that of others by saying that I hope.
    God is a big presence in my life too. 🙂
    I’ll keep an eye on this blog, thanks.

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  29. Thanks for stopping by and Liking The Visit. Truly thanks.
    Your visit prompted my visit here — having just blogged since March, I’ve found one amazing thing about this little corner of cyberspace is the “Return Policy” — as in you drop by and I get to come visit you! 🙂
    I’ve read and read, gone backwards and backwards in your posts. What you’ve given others here is profound. An honest vulnerability unmasked that will provide help for so many — those with ED and those parents and friends who stand on the periphery trying to “get in.”
    Your “pay it forward” is indeed a gift. May you continue in your diligence and recovery….may your beauty shine for those in need of hearing your journey.
    Lillian

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  31. Thanks for dropping by my blog this morning or I would not have discovered you! Thanks for your honesty and courage. We humans are such vulnerable little critters, hidden behind all the “stuff” of this world…material and non-material…and it always takes pain to “dive into the wreck” and find what is Real. Thanks.

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  33. I wanted to thank you for taking time to read my blog “When we live history”, I appreciate you liking it!! I’m fairly new to blogging and despite I have so much to say & share I’m leading into it slowly. I hope you have a great day and thanks again!! 😊

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  35. Your blog look great! Thanks for stopping by my blog the other day. I’m so glad that you have found the healing, but also that you decided to share the pain and suffering. Society has a tendency to focus too much on the body and not enough on who someone really is. It seems like you are someone who has grown stronger because of all you have gone through.

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  36. Thank you for liking one of my posts. I am always pleased when a read find pleasure in my writing, strokes my vanity, if you will. I did bother to take the time to read one of your posts and I found it most interesting. I can understand not wanting to go to an exclusive fashion show. It’s like a recovering alcoholic refraining for attending a private concert that is held in a bar. It’s not so much the temptation but the reminder of what had been, particularly the pain of a former existence. I applaud your decision. Overcoming vanity is half the battle.

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  39. What a courageous and wonderful way of walking through your healing one step at a time. Thanks for stepping in to my blog 🙂
    Blessings for your travels

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  40. Thanks for your like on my blog! I hope you will continue to visit for your “daily dose of inspiration”.
    I give praises to God for your healing. Blessings on your continued journey of recovery.

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  43. Thank you for visiting my blog and for liking today’s post (https://butawomanwhofearsthelord.wordpress.com/2015/09/17/the-evidence-of-things-unseen/). I have had a journey that, among other self-destructive behaviours, has included bulimia. I don’t talk about the reasons behind it very much but, having recently experienced an incredible breakthrough in my life (which prompted the starting of my blog) and having read some of yours, I may take some of your courage and share some of my story in the future. Declaring God’s blessings and peace beyond measure over you today and always xxx

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    1. Thank you so much. EDs are definitely hard to talk about, but it’s so important that we do. I found my healing in the Lord, praise be to God. Thank you for stopping by and for sharing this thoughtful and reflective comment☺️ blessings to you

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  44. Thank you so much for stopping by Mothers With A Mission. It gave me a chance to see what you are doing here and I love it. I too have a history of an eating disorder and found healing though grace and hope in the Lord who redeems and restores. Thank you for bringing light to this subject and hope to its sufferers.

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  45. You are a fantastic young lady and such an inspiration! God has blessed you with many gifts. One of which is your love of people. The ability to share even in the face of demons. I know these posts were not easy for you and I am so glad that you shared this part of your life with the world because there are many, far too many, young people facing these exact problems. I’ve no doubt this will impact them deeply and aide them in their recovery. May God continue to bless you and keep a hedge of protection around you all the days of your life. To God be the glory and to you be the millions of thankyous that you deserve but may never hear in person. Thanks for your candidness and generosity to share these things. Love your site. Thankyou for liking mine.
    God bless you.

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    1. Thank you so much, Georgio for such kind words. I am truly humbled. Thank you. That is my prayer: that these posts help even one girl who is in the depths of despair. Jesus has the power to heal. Thank you for stopping by. blessings to you

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  46. beautybeyondbones, I am visiting your site because you left a like on my “Why Didn’t We Talk to God About That?” Thank you. You have a beautiful blog and I’m sure you are a blessing to many who have suffered in ways as you have. Hope you will come over to my place more often.

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  47. Hi, thank you for stopping for a moment on my blog, there’s something amazing about yours that fills me up with hope and belief that God is always with me even when I feel all alone. Big hug x

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  50. You know….i’m not going to read this but I’m going to celebrate your recovery by coming along side you. I know nothing of these types of illnesses, just of the presence of the ‘Devine’ to heal them all and make us, humans, willing tools to introduce others to him for the drinking in of his life…. your straw hat is an emblem of humility/ at least it is to me.

    Like

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