Disclaimer: This is not medical advice. If you are currently struggling with an active eating disorder, please consult a licensed medical provider, therapist, or registered dietitian. I encourage you to seek professional support alongside spiritual guidance.
Shame is the name of the game when it comes to eating disorders.
If you’ve ever skipped a meal in secret, stuffed fast-food wrappers under the seat of your car, or stared at the toilet after purging, then you know the deep, heavy weight that shame brings. Eating disorders thrive in the dark—and shame is their fuel.
I battled three different eating disorders over the course of 17 years: anorexia, binge eating, and bulimia. One after the other. And let me tell you, shame was my constant companion. From skipped meals to hidden binges to secret trips to the bathroom—I lived in a cycle of secrecy and self-condemnation. It led me into some of the darkest, loneliest places of my life.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to stay there.
Shame isolates you. It weighs you down. It convinces you that you’re too far gone or too broken to be loved. But that’s a lie straight from the enemy.
Even if you feel like you can’t talk to anyone yet, you are not alone. You have Jesus—and He came to set you free.
Hebrews 12:2 tells us:
“…For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame…”
That means Jesus bore your shame on the cross. Every hidden behavior. Every regret. Every lie you believed about yourself. He took it all upon Himself so that you don’t have to carry it anymore.
Take a deep breath. Let that sink in.
If you lay down your eating disorder at the foot of the cross and truly believe that Jesus died for your sins, then believe this too: your shame died with Him. You no longer have to live under the weight of it. You can rise and walk in freedom, covered by grace.
—
How to Begin Living Without Shame:
1. Recognize that Jesus died for your sins—so you no longer have to live in fear, guilt, or shame over your past or the struggle you’re in right now.
2. Pray—and keep praying. Talk to God honestly about your shame. Ask Him to remind you of His truth. (Scriptures to reflect on:
- Hebrews 12:2
- Isaiah 54:4
- Micah 7:19
- Romans 10:11
- Zephaniah 3:19 – one of my favorites!)
3. Seek out community. Whether it’s a trusted friend, someone at church, a Bible study, or life group—reach out. Ask someone to pray with and for you.
(If you don’t have someone, you’re not alone—send your prayer request through Under Grace- Prayer Request page, and I will personally pray for you.)
4. Commit to staying connected– Attend church. Surround yourself with people who remind you of truth and encourage your faith.
5. Remind yourself daily: You are not bound to your shame. There is no shame too great for God’s cleansing power.
6. Know the truth: Shame is from the enemy—but freedom is found in Jesus. He has already won this battle. Walk in His victory.
—
Dear friend, if you’re in the thick of this struggle, I want you to know—I see you. And more importantly, God sees you.
He loves you. He has not abandoned you.
There is hope, healing, and freedom ahead.
I’m praying for you.
With love and grace,
Parker
Under Grace
Leave a Reply