A Kid in a Candy Store

A couple of evenings ago, I began taking notes of the Eating Disorders chapter in my Abnormal Psych book. 2 hours later, I realized I was still totally wrapped up in a textbook. A textbook! But I couldn't help it; I was so interested in that chapter that I didn't realize I had spent so long reading it.

Today, we went over this material in class. Sitting in the row, like usual, I became 100% interested in what we were discussing. How can everyone not find this disorder fascinating like I do?

My professor asked us to raise our hands if we had ever heard of a pro-ana site. Of course I have, it's a pro-anorexia site where girls can go to get advice on how to become "better anorexics." No one raised their hands, and I knew no one would. I knew I was the only one who could possibly know what that is. The only one who researches eating disorders for fun.

She showed the class one of the pro-ana sites. I had never seen this one before, though. It was talking about anorexia and how it becomes a religion to those who get wrapped up in it. The class was laughing at the references and tactics the webmaster used to describe her disease. However, it was not funny. At least, it wasn't funny to me.

I realize no one else in the class has probably had an eating disorder. I realize no one understands how hard it is deal with a disease like this everyday. No one understands how hard it is to see food as an enemy but still have to face that enemy daily in order to survive. This is reality for some women (and men) but others don't see it.

I can't wait until the day when I can help those who are suffering like I once did. I thank God everday that I didn't follow down that path as long as others have. I had the support of my best friend and, unfortunately, partner in crime. But we got through it together with love and support.

1 Corinthians 10:13 - "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."

Fellowship

Fellowship. What an amazing word.

Dictionary.com gives eight definitions, but I am referring to number four: communion, as between members of the same church. This evening's fellowship, however, consisted of members from two different churches: Capitol City and Saylorville.

I had a wonderful time with Eryn, Kody, and Mary on a beautiful night. What could be better than catered Smokey D's, a massive (too large) bonfire, 30ish Christian college students, and a marshmallow fight? I can't think of anything.

As I was looking further into the meaning of fellowship, definition number five also caught my eye: friendliness. What a perfect outlook on fellowship. I have grown up in the Baptist faith, where fellowship usually means friends, food, and fun. But think about this: what if we continued to look at fellowship as a synonym for friendliness? Does that change what we think of fellowship?

In my mind, nothing changes. This is because I find it hard to be anything but friendly when I am around fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. I like looking at fellowship in a way that is more inviting, more comforting, more of everything I am irresistibly in love with about God and my faith.

God bless fellowship. God bless faith, friends, fun, and friendliness as well.