Eating disorders

I am writing this blog because I read an article today that has me fuming. The article was entitled "5 Reasons to Date a Girl with an Eating Disorder." I will let you find the article on your own and read it if you choose. Eating disorders affect millions of men and women in the United States. According to statistics, 20 million women and 10 million men suffer from a clinically significant eating disorder at some time in their life, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, or an eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS)(http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/get-facts-eating-disorders). It is commonly believed that eating disorders only affect women, and specifically white, middle to upper class women. The truth is, eating disorders do not discriminate. It doesn't matter your gender, race, or income level, anyone at any time can be affected. Eating disorders are not diets. They are not fads, or lifestyles...They are serious illnesses that, can and do kill people. This topic is near and dear to my heart, because I had an bulimia for 10 years. I have many dear friends who have or have had an eating disorder. I know people who have died because of these disorders. The bible says in John 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." This is how I know that eating disorders are from satan. Eating disorders steal lives long before a person physically dies. A person becomes consumed by the disorder, thinking of nothing else. People often become unable to maintain friendships or any significant relationships. Eating disorders put a strain on families, often tearing them apart. Eating disorders kill physically. A review of nearly fifty years of research confirms that anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder. For females between fifteen to twenty-four years old who suffer from anorexia nervosa, the mortality rate associated with the illness is twelve times higher than the death rate of all other causes of death. This is sad and scary! Eating disorders destroy lives, families friendships, and even if a person doesn't die, their bodies are often destroyed. This is serious and scary stuff!!! We live in a world that is so thin obsessed! There are so many products on the market geared toward losing weight. There is a dangerous lie being taught to our children, particularly our daughters, that they have to be thin to be beautiful, or important, or desirable. Girls in 1st-3rd grade are dieting. These are girls from ages 6-9 years old!!!! This is ridiculous!!!! I hear so many comments and jokes about eating disorders. Most people don't take them seriously, but they are serious. They are so serious. EATING DISORDERS KILL!!!!!!! This isn't something to be taken lightly or to be pushed aside, this is LITERALLY a matter of life and death!!! I feel like this is where my ministry is supposed to be, or at least part of it. I just don't know what I am supposed to do. On March 1st, I am planning on having a walk for eating disorder awareness. I am hoping that I can find people who want to get involved and make a difference. This is something that is heavy on my heart and that I am passionate about. I am praying that God will show me what I am supposed to do with it. For more information about eating disorders, or where to get help if you or someone you know is struggling, go to www.nationaleatingdisorders.org. Also, to hear stories of hope or to get help visit www.mercyministries.org.