INTRODUCTION:
Dare to Dream
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. (Matthew 5:6, New International Version)
Over the Rainbow
Sitting on the edge of my seat, I nervously awaited my cue to approach the podium. Pastor Doug was speaking on addictions—all the things that separate us from God. I was invited to share my story as a testimony of God’s ability to heal broken hearts, minds and bodies. Lord, help me. I came from rags to riches—a frightened woman, stuffed to the brink of explosion, lying on the bathroom floor. I sobbed in desperation day after day. Now I am qualified to speak as an example of God’s amazing grace. Who would have imagined?
Minutes seemed like hours. I wondered what I was going to say. I prayed hard. Alone I could do nothing. With God, all things are possible. Please, Lord, speak through me. If it is Your will, use me to touch one heart—help one hurting soul. It was time. I took a deep breath and walked up to the podium.
“Hi, I’m Pam, recovering food addict and co-dependent.* On July 23, l988, I turned my will and my life over to the care of God as I understood Him. I said, “Yes” to life and let go of a self-destructive habit that was killing me, physically, emotionally and spiritually. With the help of God, I stopped overeating one day at a time…” God carried me from there. My words seem to float into the sanctuary like precious bubbles. I saw compassionate nods and tear-streaked faces as the glistening of hope encircled wounded hearts and spirits.
Over twenty years ago, God met me on my knees. I didn’t want to die, but didn’t know how to live without my best friend—food. Amidst my half-eaten boxes and bags of food, I sat slumped in hopelessness day after day, week after week, month after month. I saw a glimmer of hope in the l2-steps, but by nature I was defiant and strong-willed. It was years later when I finally admitted defeat.
*Co-dependent is the term used to describe a person who is recovering from unreasonable enmeshment in the lives of others.
The Cloud is Moving
Full of Faith (or full of food?) is my story—my innermost thoughts and feelings as I trudged along the rough and rocky road toward recovery. Through the help of like-minded people, I learned how to live without excess food, and I found a God who was real and available. He touched my heart, soothed my restless spirit and continued to help me each new day.
Whether you are a full-blown food addict, like me, or are struggling with an uncomfortable feeling around a little extra food or a few extra pounds, we share common ground. From experience, I know what it feels like to be overweight, and I know what it feels like to hit goal. Because of God’s miracle-working power within me, I have maintained a seventy-five pound weight loss for over fifteen years. Beyond physical health and a thin body, I have been blessed with peace of mind and a heartfelt desire to know God in a personal, life-changing way.
If my lifestyle appeals to you, Full of Faith (or full of food?) offers recovery techniques, optional food plans and a meeting format. I invite you to join me in recovery.
[Jesus said] …even if you had faith as small as a mustard seed you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible. (Matthew 17:20-21, New Living Translation)
Prayer changes things, and God can make what seems impossible possible. He asked me to write this book in the year 2000. An ordinary woman—wife, mother and daycare provider with a high-school education—was asked by God to share the gifts that He had given to her. At first, I was flabbergasted with the thought of it, but I knew God was calling me to higher ground, so I said, “Okay, if You want me to do it, then You’ll get me through it.”
At times of incredible struggle, disappointment and discouragement, I wanted to say, “This is too hard!” but I heard in my spirit, “He who began a good work in me will be faithful to complete it.” And here I am—a published author. Lord, You are an awesome God!
Please, God, anoint these pages beyond mere words. Use this book, if it is Your will, to touch the hearts and homes of people who are thirsty for more—more God, more health, more peace.
Full of Faith (or full of food?) exists to touch the hearts, minds and souls of compulsive overeaters and food addicts everywhere with confident expectation of ongoing recovery through faith and hope in Jesus.