Tomorrow is a big, milestone birthday for me. 40 years. I have spent the last several weeks reflecting on the journey. Where I’ve been, where I am, where I’m going.
A huge part of my story is the journey through alcoholism and a decade long battle with an eating disorder. In this conversation with my dad, I ask him what it was like being on the other side of me when I was living my life as his prodigal daughter. Was he afraid? What made him keep pursuing me? How did he release control of me? What would he tell others going through this now.
Even A Girl Like Me 
In reference to one thing your father said; one of the prayers that I have said time and again throughout my life is what that boy’s father said to Jesus:
Lord I do believe; help my unbelief…
Yes! I say this prayer often 😉
Joy,
I think this about love; it is that we are in life together with those we love. When our son went into the army it was as if in some sense we all were in the army; his mother and sisters and I. We lived and died everyday praying for his safety.
Its tough to see one you love struggle. I so agree with what your father said about your love for someone is more important than anything else in your life. You love them more than your possessions, your reputation, or your desires.
We need to love one we love through their struggles and encourage them, and cheer for them. Believe in them. I think when we communicate our belief in those we love I think they desire to live up to the belief.
There is no expiration on our love and encouragement of one we love regardless of what they do.
I appreciate your willingness to share the dark times to help others.
Thank you so much for reading and commenting, Mark. I’m grateful when anything I share about my journey helps someone along the way or brings to light those things that shame keeps hidden in the darkness.
Grateful,
Joy
I loved this Joy. I have heard your Dad speak several times and have some of his CD’s and love reading “Even A Girl Like Me” and loved this video of you both. So very thankful for you and your beautiful life now and for your Dads prayers for you. Thank you for sharing this story.
Thank you so much, Janie! I’m so grateful for my dad and the many ways in which he has saved me.
Thank you for reading and commenting. I haven’t posted in so long. One thing I’m making a commitment to do as I enter my 40’s is write more. I must. It’s who I am.
I’m so grateful for your continued support of my work.
All Blessings,
Joy