Dear Diary...

"I have a secret and it is destroying my life. I use to think this secret was great. A girl at school first shared this secret with me. Oh I loved the idea and started doing it right away. It was so easy way to keep from gaining weight. My secret is bingeing and purging. However, now I'm scared and I really want to stop but no matter how hard I try, I can't seem to stop. I feel so hopeless. I am ashamed and too embarrassed to tell anyone; what should I do?"

- Teen in trouble

First of all, don't be discouraged, embarrassed or ashamed. The key to treating bulimia is not self-control. Your fight is not with food. You must deal with the issues that are triggering you to eat and purge for comfort, and you must be willing to put up a fight. Remember that eating disorders are addictions, and it will require a lot of TEAMWORK between you, God, a trusted caregiver, and perhaps a therapist to finally win this battle.

I know that it might seem difficult to do, but I encourage you to push past your fears and share your secret with an adult who can help you get the help you need. Remember that no matter how hard you might want to tackle this issue on your own you must realize that you will not be able to do it alone. In Romans 7:15-20, Paul voices the struggle that wages inside of us as we fight to over come matters on our own, independent of God. In verse 18 he tells us that while we have the intentions and urge to do what is right we have no power to carry it out.

As you seek counseling, regarding your eating disorder, trust God. He has provided you a way out through Jesus. He knows your struggles and He wants to carry this burden for you. Allow God to heal your heart, build your confidence and restore your strength. I know that it might be hard, but I promise you that God will not fail you.