Today’s post is a continuation of last week’s post where I shared two things not to do when you have doubts about your faith. Those two things—which I learned through personal experience—are (1) isolating and (2) pretending that you’re not struggling. But there are a couple other lessons I learned from my struggle with doubt, and as promised, I’ve included them below. These are two more things not to do when you have doubts about your faith.
Stop Believing Lies About Your Career Now
I desperately wanted to be a writer, but I didn’t feel confident that I could write for my career. So, after I graduated from college, I got a job at an IT consulting company. And I thrived there. I got along well with my coworkers. My boss appreciated my hard work. I got promoted after about a year. I knew that I was where God wanted me to be, but feelings of discontentment still crept in. One of the main reasons I think I struggled with discontentment was because I was falling for these three lies...
Fighting the Lies of My Eating Disorder: Jennifer Smith Lane’s Story
This post was written by Jennifer Smith Lane, the author of Transformed: Eating and Body Image Renewal God's Way. I'm sharing Jennifer's story this week as we approach Eating Disorders Awareness Week (EDAW). Her story is raw and real, but it's also full of hope. If you're struggling with an eating disorder or you know someone who's struggling with an eating disorder, this account will both convict and uplift.
Dear Ed (My Eating Disorder)
Dear Ed, let’s rewind a few years, shall we? I know you can remember it. I was 16 years old—a junior in high school trying to figure out her college plans, wanting to grow in her writing craft, and internally panicking about what was ahead. And even though I wasn’t exactly sure how I would get there, I knew that I wanted to be a published author. It had really been my only dream since I was a little girl. But you were willing to do anything and everything to make sure that that dream didn’t become a reality.
When You Know That You’ve Failed God
When I lost my phone at an amusement park recently, all I did was panic. My mind automatically went into Worst Case Scenario mode. My trip to the Lost and Found Office didn’t help. Nor did making phone calls and filling out online forms. I was completely helpless in this situation. Sure, I said a couple quick prayers of panic. But instead of placing my trust in the Lord—that He would do whatever was best for me in this situation—I worried.
3 Possible Lies You May Be Believing About Your Childhood Salvation
“It wasn’t enough,” a voice tells you. “It wasn’t real. You need to do it again.” As a girl who prayed to trust Christ as my Savior countless times after I initially did as a little child, I know that voice well. I completely understand the urge to “re-do” my salvation. But the belief that the first time we asked Christ to save us wasn’t enough is often a lie from Satan. Here are a few of the top reasons that Satan gives for why our childhood salvation wasn’t enough.
5 Warning Signs of Anorexia (from a Former Anorexic)
When I had anorexia, I was a talented dieter. I was also a very talented deceiver (which isn’t an accomplishment, by the way). Unfortunately, I am still a very talented deceiver today. That’s why I wanted to share some warning signs of anorexia with you—because anorexia can be very easy to miss. You might think, “Oh, she could never have anorexia” or “I could never have anorexia.” But before you make such a rash judgment, see if you or those you love have exhibited these warning signs.
To the Girl Who’s Living with Her Boyfriend
If I could only tell you one thing, it wouldn’t be “I hope this relationship works out for you” or “I’m sure he’s a great guy, so living with him is okay” or “God hates you for doing this.” Nope. None of those things are true. Instead, I would tell you this: “You can leave your boyfriend at any time. In fact, please do. Absolutely nothing obligates you to stay with him.”
If You’re Pursuing the Perfect _____
So I have this problem—a problem of pointless pursuits. Pointless pursuits have kind of been the theme of my life, at least my life in the last few years. I haven’t pursued empty things because people failed to warn me about the consequences. No, ignorance wasn’t the issue. My stubbornness was. But warnings are warnings for a reason. This post is my warning to you.