Farewell to my fat

This morning the women from Anna Ogden Hall journeyed up to Coeur d’Alene to meet with the residents at the Center for Women & Children.  Two women in the fourth phase of the program in Spokane shared their stories to encourage the women at the Center. One of them was Emilie. Emilie came to Anna Ogden Hall a little over a year ago at 280 pounds. Today, she stood in front of the group over 100 pounds lighter and read this letter she wrote to her fat.

Dear Fatty,

I’m leaving you. And it really isn’t me. It’s you.

It’s liberating to be so brutal. For so long, I was a prisoner of you. The decadence that you once filled me with was in reality killing me. Cutting off life-giving nourishment to my body and soul. You made sure that no man would look at me. And for a while, you protected me.
That protection became much more though. You held me captive. You and your friends – guilt, depression, fear, depravity, the whole motley crew. You fed me, but instead of life, it was death. Instead of light, darkness flooded my soul.

There is someone else. He is completely captivated by me, loves me like you never could. I’ve made new friends – jogging, weights, Zumba, hiking, swimming, laughter, joy, obedience, truth, and most importantly, love. There are more, but I don’t want to bore you. There are plenty of others who will welcome your embrace.

I, however, am done.

Regards, Emilie

While Emilie's journey continues, she is anxious to share her story and encourage others. This morning, after she spoke, she was able to talk and pray with a new resident at the Center for Women & Children who is struggling with an addiction to food. She was able to say, You can do it. I know you can because I did. Don't try to go it alone. Gather people around you and let them help you. At first, I was completely dependent upon others to tell me I could do it. Now, I'm able to tell myself, "You can do it. You go, girl!"

Yes, indeed, Emilie. You go, girl!