i never wanted to be known as the girl with the eating disorder.
and now i’ve got a book with chapters and paragraphs and sentences stating that i am that very girl, the one who starved herself from the ages of nine until 13, and nine?!! people ask. why so young?
but i didn’t feel nine, i tell them.
and sometimes it’s hard to remember (as i put down words like Hospital and Calories and Mirror), that i am more than that now. that i have always been more. that we are all more than our reflection.
but you couldn’t have told that to the girl with the mushroom cut and the big plastic glasses who stared into the long mirror in the dim-lit hallway while dad typed away in his office, the door that was always closed because he was a pastor (and why do churches keep their entrances locked when aren’t they supposed to be places of refuge?)
and mum in the kitchen cooking supper in her apron.
i really don’t think it had much at all to do with eating, and does it ever? do we sneak bags of chips or cookies or bowls of ice cream because we love food? or because we hate ourselves?
and i think it’s because as women, as, mothers, we put ourselves last so often, that we don’t believe we deserve goodness. we feel we don’t deserve beauty or gifts or to sit down and enjoy a good long meal with a glass of wine because there are children to be bathed and put to bed, and clothes to be folded and toys to be put away and, and…
and this is what i saw stretched across my mother’s face, as she stood weary by the stove in her apron. and she tried to love us the only way she knew how: by homeschooling us and dishing up heaping plates of food and sewing us clothes, but all i wanted was for her to hold me and tell me i was beautiful.
but she didn’t know how. because she’d never had anyone do that for her, not her mother nor her father nor my father.
we all need someone to be love, incarnate, , so we can put our faith in it.
we’re in bed, and my husband leans in, and i ask him to tell me, just one more time. “but why?” he says, this farm-boy that walked me through my relapse when i was 23. “don’t you know it by now?” he says.
i shake my head. “tell me again,” i say.
“i love you.” he pulls me close. “i’ve never stopped loving you,” he says. “and i never will.”
i let him kiss me then.
and i’m learning to stand up for myself this way, to treat my body with kindness. and i know it has nothing to do with me. i know it has everything to do with me being a product of God’s genius. his hands molding dust into skin into breath.
he’s the one who makes me beautiful. so i sit boldly at the kitchen table in the afternoon light and eat a bowl of ice cream, my sons beside me, eating theirs, because we need to do this together, this life. this learning to eat, this learning to be gentle with ourselves and others.
because lies can’t grow in the light.
and light is love.
*I am so excited to be giving away TWO copies of my new book, today–Chasing Silhouettes: How to Help a Loved One Battling an Eating Disorder. It’s not a self-help manual, and it’s not just for people with eating disorders. They say that 75% of women battle disordered eating, so this book is one woman’s journey (mine) towards learning to love herself; it also includes the perspectives of my parents, my siblings, my husband, suggested prayers for families in the midst of it, as well as advice from eating disorder professionals.*
To win a copy, please let me know ONE THING YOU LOVE ABOUT YOURSELF. If you share this post on Twitter or FB, you will also get another chance at winning. Bless you.
To purchase a copy for yourself, your church library, your school, or your neighbor, please click HERE.
To read sample chapters, endorsements, or reviews, please click HERE.
And for the book trailer, please click HERE, or watch below.
By Emily Wierenga, www.emilywierenga.com
becky m says
I love that I am so loyal and devoted
imperfect prose says
these are amazing qualities, becky. bless you. e.
Jennifer says
I love that I am fun. I try to have fun with my husband and children. It makes me smile and them too! I have a sister and many friends who have struggled with eating disorders. I admit I too even struggle with body image at times…feeling the need to exercise more or eat less. Sometimes just not having the will to do so. I am thankful that God has brought me to a place of acceptance. I weigh more than I did a year ago, but I am much happier!
emily wierenga says
jennifer, i love that you are much happier now, in spite of gaining weight. that speaks volumes to me. thank you for this. and please let me know if you ever want to talk re: your sister and friends… my email is wierenga.emily@gmail.com. bless you, e.
Brenda says
You expressed much of what I have locked inside, much of what I share with others who have loved ones who struggle, but of what I want to say but haven’t taken the time to say it. Sometimes too painful, sometimes not wanting to hurt those who didn’t know how to love. Thank you. This is a great resource I hope to add to my library.
emily wierenga says
oh brenda, i’m glad i was able to help somewhat. may you find freedom and hope. bless you friend, e.
~va~ says
I love that I am a fighter. I might have struggled witha variety of things social anxiety taking the main stage right now, but I haven’t stopped fighting even when it hasn’t been going well. I won’t be defeated.
emily wierenga says
i love this attitude, friend. i am a fighter too. e.
tonja says
I love my smile. It seems to have an affect on people. I think that’s the way God designed it, and that makes me want to smile more. 🙂
emily wierenga says
i can see your smile in your picture here, tonja, and it’s absolutely radiant.
Donna says
I love my smile;) When I smile I’m able to show a different side to others as well as myself that I am me & I’m okay;)!
emily wierenga says
i love your attitude, donna. “when i smile i’m able to show a different side to others…” beautiful.
Liz says
I love that I am a great listener. I may not have loads of life-changing advice but I certainly have an ear to listen.
emily wierenga says
and liz, that is such a rare quality… truly, you are a gift. thank you for sharing. e.
Janet says
I love that I can encourage!
emily wierenga says
such a rare and beautiful quality, janet. bless you, e.
Abigail Snyder says
I love my “need” to be active. When I don’t play volleyball or ride my bike or go for a walk or do SOMETHING, I become stressed and even depressed. Its like ADHD…that keeps me fit too. =D A blessing, to be sure!
emily wierenga says
oh abigail, i get this, totally. i need to get outside every day for a jog, even if it’s just for 15 minutes… it’s my prayer-time… and it brings me such peace. bless you, e.
alison says
I love that I want to help people
emily wierenga says
i love this too, alison. this shows compassion and empathy. Jesus-qualities. e.
Tayla @ She'll Be Free says
I love that I am creative and am prod of myself for overcoming some hard struggles on my own. <3
emily wierenga says
tayla, this is wonderful. i am creative too, and find healing in my creativity. bless you, e.
Sadie says
I love my ability to reach out and help people.
emily wierenga says
beautiful, sadie. thank you so much for sharing, and for caring for others. e.
Sadie says
https://twitter.com/OhioCatfish/status/265439041577689088
Katie says
I love my freckles. 🙂
emily wierenga says
i have freckles too, katie. aren’t they wonderful? very youthful, i think. e.
Karen says
I love my dimples….the ones the show when I smile! 🙂
emily wierenga says
dimples are amazing. my husband has them. i always wanted them.
Elizabeth @ DogFurandDandelions says
I love that God’s given me a gift for encouragement. Just wish I could use that gift on myself sometimes! 😉
emily wierenga says
oh elizabeth, i get this. what wonderful insight, though, that you are able to recognize this…
Jen says
I love that I am creative and that I can bake
an amazing brownie : )
p.s. I really want / need this book too.
Thanks so much for being transparent and courageous
enough to write it.
emily wierenga says
oh jen, i hear the ache in your voice. let me know if you ever want to talk: wierenga.emily@gmail.com. also, if you don’t win a copy here, they’re only $10 right now on amazon.com. (ps. i love brownies.)
Beckey Wolfe says
I love that I’m a child of the King, that I’ve been forgiven, that I have a personal relationship with my Savior and Lord Jesus Christ, that I’ll be spending eternity with Him….I could go on and on….
emily wierenga says
this is a wonderful answer, beckey. it’s in him that we live and move and have our being. bless you, e.
Jennie says
I love that I am transparent and because of that it makes a difference in other people’s lives. God is so good!
emily wierenga says
transparency is such a rare and wonderful quality, jennie. it allows you to be used by God. bless you.
Gina says
I love that I don’t let what other people think of me affect my view of myself as a child of God. This is how HE made me to think, move, love, give, serve, parent, listen and respond!
emily wierenga says
wow, gina, this is so powerful. SUCH a gift. e.
Carlee says
I love my compassion for people! That’s more important than my appearance, or so I am learning!
emily wierenga says
yes, carlee, you are right. our looks will fade, but our hearts will live on. love this answer.
shepard says
I love that after battling eating disorders for years, I have learned (since the birth of my first daughter) how God sees me as His daughter, FINALLY! I love that I have thrown out all my make-up and chosen to say no to the things that would tempt me in the direction of focusing on the outside again, when there’s so much to focus on inside me! And I love that I now have a testimony of this that I have already been able to share with a young girl at a camp where I was leading worship. Sounds like an awesome book!
emily wierenga says
oh wow shepard. what an incredible story. and i totally relate. having children really helped me too. and btw, i LOVE your name. very cool. bless you, e.
April Roland says
I love my heart for people and how creative I am. I am learning to love the way I look and how I see myself. I would love a copy of this book to help those who are hurting around me–and also to learn for myself. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
emily wierenga says
oh april, i’m still learning to love how i look too. and some days are easier than others of course. thank you so much for sharing. bless you, e.
Natasha d says
I love that I love helping others!!! I would love this book!
emily wierenga says
you have a beautiful heart, natasha. i love that you love helping others too. e.
Hope says
I love that I am becoming a vessel of grace.
emily wierenga says
what a beautiful answer, hope. thank you for this. e.
Melanie says
I love that I am a very good friend who prays deeply for others.
emily wierenga says
an amazing attribute, melanie. particularly the fact that you pray deeply. love it.
Abigail G. says
I love my eye color.
emily wierenga says
what is it? i’m so glad you like it. e.
Larissa says
I am senisitive to others and love deeply.
emily wierenga says
me too, larissa. and it hurts sometimes, but it makes for good friendships doesn’t it?
Melissa says
I love my smile, and that I am able to approach situations with a smile which can be calming and encouraging for people.
emily wierenga says
an amazing characteristic, melissa. it sounds like you are full of joy.
Kalyn says
I love that I am able to get along with just about anyone, and that I am willing to stand up for others who can’t stand up for themselves.
emily wierenga says
this standing up for others, this reminds me of Jesus. i love this about you kalyn. thank you for sharing. e.
Lydia says
I love my creativity!
emily wierenga says
i’m a creative girl too, lydia. isn’t it such a blessing? now, to find the time… 🙂 bless you, e.
Adina says
I love that God made me a strong survivor, if He hadn’t I wouldn’t be here now. I have a daughter who desperately needs me, even when she doesn’t see it and I’m here.
Rachel says
Me too Adina! You spoke the words of my heart. Thank you!
emily wierenga says
oh wow, adina (and rachel). you both sound like amazing mothers. if only every daughter could have a mama that’s so committed to her. may you be blessed. e.
Ruth says
I like my sensitive nature. I feel empathy, compassion, and mercy toward others, so I put that into action in helping people.
emily wierenga says
i have this sensitive nature too, ruth. and it’s a hard calling, but it pulls you close to God’s heart doesn’t it?
ro.elliott says
Yeah Em….so wonderful to see you here…I love that I am a seeking…a sojourner.
emily wierenga says
i love this about you too friend. a sojourner. a disciple. yes. perfect.
CariP says
I love my muscles!
emily wierenga says
oh man i wish i had some! lol… thank you for sharing! e.
trisha says
I love that I am physically strong, that I can run marathons.
emily wierenga says
that’s awesome trisha. strength is an amazing gift. i did a half-marathon once and i nearly died, but it felt like an incredible accomplishment. bless you, e.
Cindy Broaddus says
I love how God gifted me with creativity.
emily wierenga says
creativity is such an amazing gift. i find it healing, don’t you? bless you cindy. e.
Shirley Richards says
I love to help people, to be there when they need a shoulder to lean on and sometimes all they need is for someone to just listen to them.
emily wierenga says
you sound like an incredible friend, shirley. bless you, e.
Heidi says
I love my cheekbones and the beginnings of crows feet around my pretty eyes and the fact that children seem to like me…and now I am resisting throwing in something about me that I hate. I would love to have this book for free, but I will buy it if I don’t win it…and then I’ll get others to buy it, too 😉
emily wierenga says
oh heidi, i love how you describe your eyes as pretty, and how you like your crow’s feet (i like mine too) and then how honest you are about wanting to throw in something about you that you hate. isn’t this so common, and so sad, that we feel we need to justify our beauty with something ugly? thank you for sharing. and thank you so much for helping me get the word out about this book. you are a blessing. e.
Amy says
Wow, this is a great challenge for a contest, because in the context of all you just said, sometimes it’s hard to find something you genuinely love, without flinching! … But I think I would say I love that I won’t give up on people… No matter what happens, no matter how hard it is, I never want to forget that God has someone in the palm of His hand and can turn them back towards Himself when He knows the time is right… and I ask for the grace to always love and SHOW them love as He does. Thank you so much for this giveaway!
emily wierenga says
this is an incredible trait, amy… that you don’t give up on people. i am learning this tenacity, this steadfastness, too. it’s not easy. but it’s God. bless you, e.
Heather McG says
Thank you, Emily, for your openness & courage. I, too, struggled through an eating disorder & feel I will always be in recovery, to some extent. It’s so hard for others to understand that it’s not a body image issue…that notion of worthiness. How blessed we are to have a Father who always loves us & finds us worthy! I love that I am able now to see myself as He does (well, at least most of the time).
emily wierenga says
oh heather, i know what it means to always be in recovery. kind of like a recovering alcoholic, you have to beware of your triggers, right? but i also love how you are beginning to view yourself as God views you. i keep praying for his eyes, not mine… bless you friend. e.
Jules says
I love myself because God loves me and made me beautiful…. But oh how hard it is to believe this some days…. I struggle with insecurity and often find food as my outlet or best friend…. I’m learning to tell myself, God made me beautiful…. But I’m a work in progress…..
emily wierenga says
oh jules, me too. i totally get this. thank you for your honesty here. e.
Julie says
I love that I am so determined … Some people call it driven. I’m realizing more and more what a gift that is!
emily wierenga says
i am determined too, julie. it definitely helps, doesn’t it? (some people call me stubborn; i say that’s seeing the glass as half-empty! lol)
sandee says
I love my sensitivity even though sometimes it really hurts.
emily wierenga says
oh sandee. this is so perceptive. i totally get this.
Jenn wolfenbarger says
Because it would be hard to think of something physical about myself…I love my handwriting. How sad is that?!?!
Dougherty says
It’s not sad! I love my handwriting too and always felt a little silly about it. ^_^
emily wierenga says
oh friends, i agree, it’s not sad at all. i think it’s wonderful. handwriting is a lost art… i love that you like yours. e.
Sarah says
I love my passion! 🙂
emily wierenga says
that’s wonderful, sarah! even how you wrote this sounded passionate 🙂 Bless you. e.
Sandy says
The tenacity to continue on, amidst hardship, to do what is right in the eyes of the Lord … even though it hurts at times. And, I do so enjoy and love having friendships! There are many private secrets women hold on to, including the possible lack of self-control when it comes to eating habits or eating as a comfort when all around us goes wrong; I would so enjoy reading your book to have tools to help and minister to those I love.
emily wierenga says
oh sandy i love your heart, how you want to use this book to help others. that’s what i long for it to be used for. bless you.
Stephanie B says
I love my compassion for other and my desire to help/serve others. I never felt I fit in anywhere or had a purpose, until a friend asked me to go to church. Since that day, my life has been changed, God has a purpose for me, and He let me know what it is.
emily wierenga says
stephanie, this is incredible. i love that you know what your purpose is now. i love that you know God delights in you. blessings, e.
Olivia says
i can’t think of anything that i love about myself without that very thing being a double edged sword. but…i love that i have a tender and loyal heart, to friends and places. that my roots grow deep and are difficult to uproot.
emily wierenga says
olivia, i totally get this. and a tender and loyal heart is such a gift to all who know you. also, deeply entrenched roots… yes. they find the water. bless you friend.
Michelle Brinson says
As I was scrolling through the comments, it impressed me to see so many beautiful women sharing things they love about themselves. I was thinking to myself, gee, what do I love about myself and immediately, the word “loyal” came to me… God has created me to be fiercely loyal to the ones I love. I will stand up for my friends, for my family and for the things I believe in. Sometimes that’s hard, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Thank you Jesus for making me this way.
emily wierenga says
i love that you thank Jesus at the end of this, michelle. you remind me that it’s him who gives us these qualities, to use for him. bless you, e.
Vicki says
I love that I can see the bright side of all situations, and my smile. 🙂
emily wierenga says
what an amazing gift, vicki. the gift of joy. bless you, e.
Gailanne says
It’s hard, but I love the compassion and empathy in my heart…
and feel this book would help me maybe save someone’s life,
God working thru me.
Thanks for the chance, stay blessed!
emily wierenga says
gailanne, i LOVE your name. and i love your heart, that you want to use this book to help others. that is my goal for it as well. bless you, e.
Danielle Christy says
I love that I can encourage others. 🙂
emily wierenga says
an incredible gift, danielle. may you be encouraged, also. e.
Jeanine says
I like my eyes, because I think if people look at them when they are speaking to me, they can tell that I really am listening and that I really do care. And they are like my Mom’s.
emily wierenga says
oh jeanine, i love that you mentioned that they are like your mom’s. i’m going to be writing about my mum tomorrow… and i have her eyes too. it’s my favorite quality. bless you, e.
Tawnya V. says
I struggle with my outward silhouette daily, But I know God has given me great compassion for others and a loving, giving and forgiving heart and I Love that.
emily wierenga says
oh tawnya, thank you so much for sharing this with us, and for your honesty, and for being willing to look deeper and find qualities you still love about yourself. bless you, e.
Heather S. says
I love my red hair. I love that I enjoy serving others
emily wierenga says
i’ve always wanted red hair, heather! and the fact that you enjoy serving others, that’s such a Jesus quality. bless you, e.
Katie says
I love that I encourage others on in the faith!
emily wierenga says
incredible, katie. what a gift. bless you, e.
Dougherty says
I’m seeing a lot of wonderful, inner person beautiful things… so this is a little random…
I love that I have freckles!
emily wierenga says
freckles are awesome, friend. i have them too 🙂 bless you, e.
Darla says
I really need this book! I love the fact that I am loyal, to a fault at times, but loyal nonetheless!
emily wierenga says
oh darla, i hope you’re able to win it. if not, and if you can’t afford the $10 on amazon.com to buy it, you can ask your library to order it for you. please let me know if you ever want to talk: wierenga.emily@gmail.com. bless you, e.
Julie says
i can find the funny in a situation.
emily wierenga says
that is such a gift, julie. my husband is like that too. it’s why i married him. he can always make me laugh. bless you, e.
Marijo says
I love how I never meet a stranger and will engage in conversation with anyone
emily wierenga says
“how i never meet a stranger.” that’s an awesome quality. such love!!
Miranda says
I love that I can truly not make myself too busy.
emily wierenga says
wow miranda. this is incredible. i need to learn from you.
Leah says
I love that I can serve others.
emily wierenga says
my number one love language is acts of service, and i love to serve others too. bless you leah. e.
Karen Fawcette says
I love my eyes… because there are days when I look at all of me, and don’t like the hips, or the tummy, or the…whatever. So I zoom in, and then maybe I don’t like the arms, or the neck… so I zoom in… and maybe I am not happy with my hair today either… but when I zoom in, and I often do in my car’s rear view mirror — just one eye… and I smile. God gave my eyes that are expressive and I like what they say….
emily wierenga says
wow karen. i want to highlight this comment. i LOVE it. how you zoom in, and find the beauty…
Roch says
I love that I am uniquely designed by God AND that I am redeemed! 🙂
emily wierenga says
amen, roch!
Alia Joy says
I love that I can make people feel less alone.
emily wierenga says
alia, that is an incredible answer, and such a gift. bless you, e.
Rebecca says
I love my hair (after not liking it for years)
I’d love to win this book- I have a cousin that has struggled with this for years… Maybe it could help her even though she’s not a Christian.
emily wierenga says
oh rebecca, i hope you are able to win this book; if you don’t, and if you can’t afford the $10 that it costs on amazon.com, then you can ask your library to order it in for you. please let me know if you ever want to talk: wierenga.emily@gmail.com. bless you, e.
emily says
I love my desire to become who God says I am.
emily wierenga says
love this answer, emily.
Elise Daly Parker says
I love that I do the best I can to show love to my family…and I love this post Emily. Beautiful writing and powerful thoughts. I was sitting in my office with my daughter the other day. She was working on her college application essays. Very stressful. I noticed she was twisting the pocket clip on the pen. Twisting, twisting, twisting…till it broke off. “Honey!! What are you doing? Wow…you must be really stressed out,” I said as I mindlessly munched on another piece of Halloween candy (Halloween was cancelled due to Hurricane Sandy and no power!). She looked at me, taken aback as she eyeballed my candy wrappers…”Mom! What do you think you’re doing?” She twists pens, I eat. I really had no idea I was eating my way through my stress. But I sure was. We both laughed at our mutual realizations.
emily wierenga says
oh wow elise! this is so insightful! and i love that you and your daughter were able to share in this moment together. it’s true, we all have ways of releasing our anxiety. thank you for your encouragement today. you are a blessing to me. e.
Phronsie says
One thing I love about myself… I have to think about it. Well, I’ve always thought my hands were pretty cool. I couldn’t tell you why though. :-/
emily wierenga says
lol… love this phronsie. and i LOVE your name.
Phronsie says
One thing I love about myself… I have to think about it. Well, I’ve always thought my hands were pretty cool. I couldn’t tell you why though.
Amy says
I love that I am so intentional about making sure my children’s childhood is different from mine. . . . and that I am determined to overcome the lies the enemy constantly throws my way. (And has for the past 31 years!)
Can’t tell you how much I want/need this book!
emily wierenga says
oh amy. i get this. i truly do. i am intentional about that as well. and friend, i hope you win this book, but if you don’t, it’s available for $10 on amazon.com. otherwise, you can ask your library or bookstore to order it in for you. please let me know if you want to talk: wierenga.emily@gmail.com. bless you, e.
jenn says
I love being authentic and real with others, and that this God given gift seems to draw the same out of people who desire it as well.
emily wierenga says
a beautiful answer, jenn. thank you. blessings, e.
Cindy B. says
I love that I can be authentic and real with those around me, thank you for doing this I would love to win this book I have struggled with Anorexia for 25 years I am now 38 and by the grace of God it no longer controls me however it still rears its ugly head from time to time and is a daily choice I must make to deny that and seek God!!!
emily wierenga says
oh cindy, i love hearing your story, and i love how anorexia no longer controls you. but i understand too how it can rear its ugly head. yes. it is a daily choice. this is the key to victory. if you don’t win this book today, it is available for $10 on amazon.com. otherwise you can ask your bookstore or library to order it in for you. blessings, e.
emily wierenga says
ps. if you ever want to talk, my email is wierenga.emily@gmail.com. e.
Mary G says
I recently lost all my hair to cancer chemotherapy. I love (and am pleasantly surprised) that I can look in the mirror today and know intuitively that I am not any less of a woman, nor any less of anything and that I am still that same loving, kind, fun, compassionate and giving person. I am stronger than I gave myself credit for!
emily wierenga says
oh mary. this moved me deeply. both my mother and my mother in law have battled cancer. i cut my dreadlocks off when my mother in law lost her hair. now, both are healed and looking more beautiful than ever. i am sure you are too. may you be encouraged and blessed. e.
Kerstin says
I love that I was God’s idea…and that I am His child!
emily wierenga says
i love how you say this kerstin–that we are God’s idea. such a powerful statement. bless you. e.
Julia, in New Zealand says
I love that I’m broken…a cracked vessel. I love that God has reached me and helps me to live life to the fullest. I love that He has made me sensitive and compassionate, and because of my ED journey that I may be a source of encouragement to other woman who may struggle with their own self-image. Because of Him, I love!
emily wierenga says
julia, this is a wonderful answer, friend. i love that i’m broken too. as leonard cohen says, it’s how the light shines through. bless you. e.
michelle says
the one thing i love about myself…the scar running the length of my sternum. The healed up place where a doctor split me right open, hooked me up to machines and cut open my very heart, then told my husband there was no hope.
How right that doctor was, there was nothing he could do for the heart sickness I really had. The sickness that was healed as God Himself did heart surgery on me.
Here 9 years later, the heart is pumping blood and oxygen so that I can continue to say Thank You.
emily wierenga says
oh my goodness, michelle. this took my breath away. thank you so much for sharing. praising God along with you tonight for the way he redeems and heals us… e.
Nancy says
I love that I am BRAVE. With knees & heart trembling I do the hard, scary, painful thing. Thank you for writing and SHARING your story~
emily wierenga says
nancy, it moves me that you can be brave with trembling knees and heart… this shows me that your strength comes from Christ alone. and i can relate to this completely. bless you. e.
Sarah says
Despite having Epilepsy, I am thankful to be a strong woman who is not only physically determined to complete a marathon in January, but spiritually strong to overcome any judgement, negativity or naysayers who look down on me. I am healed, redeemed and loved by the creator of the universe even if my earthly body is imperfect.
emily wierenga says
oh, Sarah… i don’t have words, for how moved i am by this. thank you, for being a beautiful example of what it means to be a woman in Christ. you are so strong and courageous. may he bless you. e.
Lori P says
I love the fact that I have an open heart to love those that are hurting and lost.
emily wierenga says
oh lori. this answer brings tears to my eyes. such Christ, in your words. thank you for being his vessel. e.
Pam says
I love that I love to love other people. Of course, God Himself put that in me……..to be able to do that. I thought years ago, I had nothing….no gifts. I had no idea that was a gift….because that was easy and it came naturally. I learned I had mercy too and He allowed me to feel other’s pain and to try and understand and really care right where they were. Thank you God, that You can and do use me………….it still blows my mind!
Blessings and His perfect healing and love to Alllllllllllllllllllllllllll.
emily wierenga says
pam, you are incredibly humble, and this humility is such a gift in itself. may you continue to be reminded, daily, how very valuable you are, friend. bless you, e.
Kimberley says
I love the me that God is making me. He shapes me every day. I am His work in progress.
emily wierenga says
he shapes me every day… oh kimberley, what a humble, beautiful reminder, this. thank you.
Eillene C. says
I love…or rather, i am learning to love my stretchmarks…because it’s a physical reminder for me that God blessed me with a handsome son and a beautiful little girl<3<3<3
What a wonderful giveaway!! God bless your courage!!
emily wierenga says
oh eillene, me too. yes, they are marks of the wonderful gifts that are our children. my forthcoming book, mom in the mirror, talks about this in detail. thank you so much for your encouragement, friend. bless you.
Andrea Clunes Velásquez says
This is a hard question, because I don’t think I *love* anything about me. Most of the time, I’m meditating on the many things I dislike and/or hate about myself. :/
I do like the fact that I’m completely devoted to my family and that they come first, no matter what. But it’s not like I love myself for that, it’s just the way I am and something I wish more people did (even within my family).
So… Maybe I can’t really answer truthfully and say that I *love* something about myself. I only have a few things I kinda like, hahaha. 🙂
Anyways, I shared this wonderful post on Twitter (https://twitter.com/AndreaJClunesV/status/265587640752025600) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/andreaclunes/activity/4794857186920?og_perm_src=OPEN_GRAPH_SINGLE_STORY), just in case. I would very much like to read this book, but I can’t afford 10 USD (I live in Chile and 10 USD is a lot more money for me ^^U).
Thank you and God bless you! 🙂
from two to one says
I love that I finished three marathons strong and fast.
emily wierenga says
wow, three marathons? that’s incredible! and to do them quickly? truly amazing… you have such strength, friend. bless you, e.
from two to one says
I also shared this on FB.
Laura says
I love my desire to connect with others, and my priority of making time for others. (I know for some that sounds like bondage, but for me, I thrive by spending time with others!)
emily wierenga says
i think this is a wonderful response, laura, and i love that you are aware that making time for others could be bondage, so in that sense–because you are aware–you are in fact free to serve. beautiful.
Lina says
Wow, odd that it is such a tough question. One that brings tears to my eyes. I love that I laugh easily and heartily. I didn’t always love this about myself. When I was young my laughter was so uncontrollable that I choked on food, sprayed milk, coughed and gagged. Oh, it was so not pretty! But my Dad made a game out of it to see which one of us could make the other one “spray” and this taught me how to control it. Perhaps that is why I love it more. Thanks for asking….
emily wierenga says
i am so moved that the question brought tears to your eyes, lina. and i love your story behind your laugh. bless you. e.
Stacie says
I love my quirky sense of humor that makes many people look strangely at me, but makes my 3 teenage daughter laugh…how blessed I am! Would love this book…I have 3 teenage girls!! Thanks Emily…
emily wierenga says
i have a quirky sense of humor too. how blessed you are, indeed, stacie, to have three daughters! i hope you’re able to win the book, but if you aren’t, it’s only $10 on amazon.com, or you can ask your bookstore or library to order it in for you. peace to you, e.
Amy K-W says
I’m so glad God gave me so many reasons to be joyful because I love my smile and my laugh! And I love sharing both!!
emily wierenga says
oh amy what a wonderful answer! i love this.
Amy K-W says
I’m so glad God gave me so many reasons to be joyful because I love my smile and my laugh, and I love sharing both!!
Betsy says
I love my smile, and I love that I have a good sense of humor.
EmilyW says
such joyous attributes, betsy! bless you, e.
Emily says
I love my red hair!
EmilyW says
i’ve always wanted red hair, ever since watching Anne of Green Gables when i was a little girl. and i love your name, emily 🙂
Megan says
I love the joy that God has continued to bless me with, even through hard situations in life
EmilyW says
joy is something i’ve been praying hard for, megan. i want it more than anything. you are so very blessed, friend. e.
Melissa Bergstrom says
I love that finally at 30 years old I have had the courage to get into counseling. To really start believing that I am not just lazy or too fat. That I am battling BED. That through Christ I can over come this. I love that I am believing that I am worth love. That I can love myself. That no matter my shape, size or physical ability I AM BEAUTIFUL.
EmilyW says
oh melissa, this nearly brings me to tears. yes. it’s about believing it. you are worthy of love, not because of anything you can do or be, but simply because Jesus made you, and he made you beautiful. bless you friend. e.
Esther says
I love that I can receive well and pass gifts on to others.
EmilyW says
oh esther, this is such a blessing… so many are not able to receive well. a very insightful comment! bless you, e.
Tamura says
I love that I have been given a heart that is open and honest, that I can love others without judgment, that I can find the strength and beauty in others, and that, as a therapist and as a woman after God’s own heart, I can help others do the same.
EmilyW says
oh tamura, i love that as a therapist, you have these qualities… so many can benefit from you loving on others without judgment. may you be richly blessed as you serve others. e.
Amber says
I love that God is instilling wisdom into me, that I can share with others. It has come at the cost of much pain and many tears, but through counseling/mentoring over the last 10 years by my great mentor who is in her 70’s, God has taught me so much! I am so grateful to have grown, and to continue to grow with God’s help. 🙂
EmilyW says
wisdom is such a beautiful, and hard gift. i love that you crave it, friend. it means you are close to God’s heart. bless you, e.
Christie says
Though sometimes I struggle to believe this, I Love that my true identity is found in Christ and that I am made in his image. I’m also glad that the Lord gave me a tender and compassionate heart and a desire to reach out to and encourage others who are hurting or going through difficult circumstances. I pray that He would give me more opportunities to be selfless and touch others lives.
It would be so helpful and such a great blessing to receive this book! I know many people who struggle with body image and eating disorders. Actually, various family members over a few generations have battled eating disorders. I really appreciate your transparency and courage to tell your story to help others. Thank you so much for the wonderful giveaway!
EmilyW says
oh christie, my heart aches for you as you watch so many battle EDs. i hope you win, but if you don’t, it’s only $10 on amazon.com, and otherwise you can ask your local bookstore/library to order it in for you. if you ever want to talk, my email is wierenga.emily@gmail.com. bless you, e.
Beth Williams says
I am so happy to be an encourager with a gracious giving heart. I enjoy helping others.
Thank you for your transparency. Women, more than men, need to know/hear that they are loved…just for who they are A Child of God! It means the world to me when hubby tells me he loves me!
EmilyW says
you must make a wonderful friend for so many, beth. what wonderful attributes. bless you. e.
Amy says
I’m good at loving my baby. 🙂
EmilyW says
oh friend, i love this answer. what a blessed baby. e.
Jane Davis says
I love my stretch marks: proof of where my babies have been!
EmilyW says
“proof of where my babies have been.” wow. love this.
TracyRae says
I love my independence.
EmilyW says
i can totally relate to this friend. i am very independent, and have been since i was a little girl. bless you. e.
Debbie says
One thing I love about myself is I am creative, caring & kind. I try to do things for others before I do things for myself.
EmilyW says
that is such a beautiful, sacrificial gift, debbie. thank you for sharing. e.
Mia says
I love that I have been blessed to serve others.
maria says
A while ago I would not have had one thing to list but now after He has brought healing on so many levels I have a bit of a list…one thing for starters is that I am the only me He ever made, and like all the rest of us, He has equipped me with gifts to share that only I can give, which is one of the biggest blessings of all!!
maria says
A while ago I would not have had one thing to list but now after He has brought healing on so many levels I have a bit of a list…one thing for starters is that I am the only me He ever made, and like all the rest of us, He has equipped me with gifts to share that only I can give, which is one of the biggest blessings of all!!
Jill says
I love that I cry at sappy, cute, sweet and sad things, and that I’ve prayed a million times that God would help me “please not cry during worship today” and He never answers that prayer. xo
Laura Hegfield says
oh Em.
Norma Rickwalt says
I love how I love to make and give gifts to others all year long.