As we are beginning Eating Disorder Awareness Week, I wanted to make sure to take time to honor my brave and beautiful warrior. Let me introduce one of the most kind and beautiful woman, Christen Michele. She is a dear friend of mine. She may not be here physically anymore but she will always be in my heart.
Christen and I met at Mercy Ministries. Where we spent 6 months together fighting for freedom from our demons. We both came in because we struggled with eating disorders, depression, anxiety, self harm. I remember the first time we had our "first real conversation". We both had to sit on the couch after our meals. We were suppose to work on assignments and not talk. Well if you know me, I like to TALK....And Christen enjoyed chatting also.
We spent 6 months together. We were both able to overcome and fight our demons. She brought much laughter into my life on the hard days at Mercy. We would walk in the backyard, encourage one another, cry together, laugh together, watch movies together. We did a lot together in the 6 months at Mercy. God showed up big time in each of our lives.
Christen knew how to light up a room with her smile and laugh. Even on her hardest days of fighting she would have a smile on her face and asking how she could help another person out. I always wanted to have more compassion like she did! Her heart was absolutely beautiful and pure for others. We all wish we could have a little more kindness and love for everyone. Christen is this example.
I can sit here and share all the memories, amazing things about my sister Christen. But I'm also here to share the reality of Eating Disorders. The reality is Eating Disorder's have the highest mortality rate in the mental health field. People are usually shocked because suicide, alcoholism , and drug abuse are the "addictions" you hear most of. With people losing their battle. But I am here to tell you that more men and women die of Eating Disorders because of heart failure, heart attacks, depression causing suicide. Its hard to share the "real" side of eating disorders. But its the reality.
Christen is one of my best friends from Mercy Ministries. She is not a bad person because she lost her battle to the eating disorder. She is actually one of my hero's. Crazy you might be thinking, but she never gave up!!! Her body just gave out. Christen is a perfect example of being brave, fighting the good fight, and never giving up. She inspires myself still, our community, and our sisters who are still battling their own battles today.
As I honor my sister and friend Christen today. I want you to know she fought hard! She never gave up. She always kept God at the center of her life. The enemy just took over her entire life. So if you find yourself in this position where you are lost, tired, fighting for your life. Please reach out to myself, a friend, a mentor, a counselor, a pastor. There are people out there with resources and ready to walk hand and hand with you. Don't give into the lies anymore. Lets be more than the disorder!!! I'm fighting right beside you!
Keep fighting the Good Fight
You are Brave!!!!
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