Eating Disorders
“Mercy for Eating Disorders”, by Nancy Alcorn c.2003, Providence House Publishers. www.mercyministries.org
“You are Not What You Weigh: Escaping the Lie and Living the Truth”, by Lisa Bevere, c.1998, Creation House.
“The True Measure of a Woman: You Are More Than What You See”, by Lisa Bevere, 1997, Creation House.
“Freedom: From the Prison to the Palace” (DVD & VHS), by Anita Kelly-Couch, 2004.There is a question deeply lodged in the hearts of all little girls, "Do you think I'm beautiful?" Regardless of age, we secretly long to be found unspeakably desirable to someone who knows us, who loves us, and approves of us. Unless we embrace the truth, this insatiable desire can lead us to lies about our worth that have the power to control and eventually destroy us. In this powerful presentation, Anita speaks candidly about her own desperate search for approval, manifesting in an intense, six-year battle with anorexia and bulimia. She carefully exposes the spiritual roots, underlying the symptoms. Listen to how an 83 pound college student received freedom from an eating disorder, a freedom so thorough that both her body and soul were changed forever! This presentation will give you tremendous hope for the future! Available Now
Bible Studies Related to Eating Disorders
“Believing God”, by Beth Moore, c.2002, LifeWay Press.
“Breaking Free: Making Liberty in Christ a Reality in Life” (Workbook and Video/Audio Series), by Beth Moore, c.1999, LifeWay Press.
“Conquering Eating Disorders: A Christ Centered 12-Step Process”, by Robert McGee & Wm. Drew Mountcastle, c 1993, LifeWay Press.
I highly recommend going through all of the above series in a small discipleship group that will aid in accountability. The impact will be so much more beneficial.
You may order the above resources at www.lifeway.com or 1-800-458-2772.
Parents Touched by Eating Disorders
"Mom, I Feel Fat!: Becoming Your Daughter's Ally in Developing a Healthy Body Image", by Sharon Hersh, c.2001, Waterbrook Press.
If you are a mother of a teenaged daughter, you need this book! It is an excellent resource in knowing how to respond to your daughter’s, “Mom, I feel so fat!” What do you say? This book is full of ideas of keeping communication going in this very critical area.
“Hand in Hand: Devotions for Encouraging Families Through the Pain of a Daughter with an Eating Disorder”, by Kay Keller, c.1998, Ironwood Lithographers.
“Your Girl: Raising a Godly Daughter in an Ungodly World”, by Vicki Courtney, c.2004, Broadman & Holman Publishers.
“What’s a Parent To Do? Help for Families Touched by Eating Disorders” (2 CD set), by Anita Kelly-Couch and Anne Marie Ezzo. Available Now.
“Come along the Adolescent Way”/“Reaching the Heart of Your Teen”(Audio/Video Study Series), by Gary and Anne Marie Ezzo.
Regardless of the past, you have every reason to continue hoping for a strong, healthy relationship with your teenager. Learn how to rebuild that relationship and reconnect with your teenager, using your influence rather than your authority. Very encouraging! www.gfi.org
Underlying Issues
There are obviously many contributing factors to a complex issue like an eating disorder. The following are just a few of the general issues I confronted on my journey to freedom. All of these resources I found tremendously helpful.
Perfectionism
“Ordering Your Private World ”, by Gordon MacDonald, C.1984, 2003, Thomas Nelson Publishers.
“Tired of Trying to Measure Up”, by Jeff VanVonderen, c.1989, Bethany House Publishers.
"The Prison of Perfectionism"(CD), by Anita Kelly-Couch.
This teaching session addresses the destructiveness of perfectionism when it becomes the basis of your self worth. Anita describes in detail what led her to seek her value through perfectionism. The perfectionism that eventually led to the "prison" of an eating disorder. She identifies the four "bars" of this prison that must be personally confronted if freedom is to come. Available Now
Shame
“Released from Shame”, by Dr. Sandra D. Wilson, c.2002, InterVarsity Press.
“When Godly People Do Ungodly Things”, by Beth Moore, c.2002, Broadman & Holman Publishers.
Self Esteem
“Godworth and the Self-Worth Crisis: A Biblical Solution to Man’s Self Esteem Dilemma”(Audio Series), by Gary and Anne Marie Ezzo, c.1987. Is low self esteem the core issue of an eating disorder? This excellent audio series is the most thorough treatment of the topic of self worth I have ever heard. Although it does not address eating disorders specifically, it brings great insight to the importance of adopting God’s perspective of our worth. It is presently being revised and hopefully will be available on our site soon.
“From Bondage to Bonding/Escaping Codependency/Embracing Biblical Love”, by Nancy Groom, c.1991, NavPress.
Identity in Christ
“Victory over the Darkness”(Paperback/Audio/Video Series), by Dr. Neil Anderson, Gospel Light. What keeps you from walking victoriously? You can have the power to conquer the powers of darkness by knowing who you are in Christ. Dr. Anderson says, “it’s not a power encounter; it’s a truth encounter!”You have to arm yourself with the truth from God’s Word.
“Bondage Breaker”, by Dr. Neil Anderson, Harvest House Publishers.
You are trapped in habits you cannot break and you’re a Christian! This book exposes Satan’s battle for your mind and how even the most stubborn habits can be broken. A youth edition is also available.
You can order these and other pertinent materials from www.ficm.org.
“Search for Significance: Seeing Your True Worth Through God’s Eyes”, by Robert McGee, c.1992, 2003, W Publishing Group.
“The Confident Woman: Knowing Who You Are in Christ”, by Anabel Gillham, c.1993, Harvest House Publishers.
“Tired of Trying to Measure Up”, by Jeff VanVonderen, c.1989, Bethany House Publishers.
“Do You Think I’m Beautiful?”, by Angela Thomas, c.2003, Thomas Nelson Publishers.
“Beauty by the Book”, by Nancy Stafford, c.2002, Multnomah Publishers.
“In Pursuit of the Ideal”, by Nancy M. Wilson, c.2003, New Life Publications.
Parenting General/Preventive
“Come Along the Virtuous Way” (Audio/Video/Study Series), by Gary and Anne Marie Ezzo. This is a thoroughly Biblical overview of parenting for parents with children three years of age and up. We have been so encouraged through this series that even in the midst of an ungodly culture, God will empower us to train morally and biblically responsible children to His glory. www.gfi.org
“My Heart Belongs to Him”, An Interactive Study to Prepare for Courageous Womanhood, Mother’s & Daughter’s Guide, by Nancy Butkowski and Leslie J. Barner, c.2001, Published by Family Life. www.familylife.com
Intentional Motherhood, Raising Your Children with No Regrets
Intentional Motherhood ministers to the needs, challenges and hopes of every mother. We strive to inspire, educate and equip mothers in every phase of motherhood to be confident and intentional in their life-long parenting role. We offer a variety of seminars, resources and a coaching program. We partner with churches and community organizations to effectively reach women who are on a spiritual journey to raise godly children. You will immensely enjoy Catherin Hickem speak and you will learn how to be intentional, not controlling, in your mothering which is crucial in avoiding addictive behaviors. www.intentionalmotherhood.com
Lack of Intimacy with God and His Word
We become susceptible to the enemy’s lies when we are not acquainted with the Truth. When I began saturating myself with the Scripture, embracing the truth of God’s character and my identity in Christ, I began walking in freedom like never before. No book ever written by man can even to begin to compare to the value of learning how to systematically study the treasure of God’s Word! Precept Bible Studies equip you to do just that! All of these studies are excellent, you’ll find the following studies most helpful:
“Lord, I Want to Know You” Embracing God’s character & sovereignty
“Lord, I Need Grace to Make It” Embracing His undeserved favor as a gift
“Lord, Heal My Hurts” Honestly confronting our hurts so He can heal them
“Lord, Is It Warfare?” Learning how to stand in the power of His might
“Lord, Only You Can Change Me” Learning how to be approved by God
“Lord, I’m Torn between Two Masters” Learning how to live by genuine faith
Also check their web site for classes in your area, www.precept.org or 1-800-763-8280 as well as conferences for men, women, couples and teens.
"Idols of the Heart: Learning to Long for God Alone", by Elyse Fitzpatrick,
c.200, P&R Publishing.
Hospital Care
Mercy Homes
Located in residential facilities in the United States and abroad, Nancy Alcorn, founder and president of Mercy Homes, first opened their doors in 1983. Because she had endured an eating disorder herself, she stepped out in faith, providing unconditional love, God’s mercy and professional counsel and care to girls aged 13 to 28 who are struggling with various life-controlling problems, including, of course, eating disorders. While the services are free, this ministry requires that the daughter voluntarily come with a strong desire to change and a commitment to participate fully in the program.
Visit their web site to learn more about this phenomenal ministry, including a virtual tour of the facility, an application for admission and to access many other related resources: www.mercyministries.org.
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