When I starting attending St John’s in February 2007, I was suffering from an eating disorder – anorexia nervosa. Having an eating disorder is a very scary and lonely experience. At my worst my brain had fried, I had lost most of my friends and also the hope to live.

In my case there wasn’t a prescribed pill I could take or a therapist to match my personality. Most, if not all the people I knew at that time, had given up with the idea that I could beat the illness, and I was told if I carried on doing what I was doing, my body would basically collapse and I would die.

It wasn’t until I came to St John’s that I made the decision to receive some much needed help. By this time I was in despair and didn’t know what else I could do.

I was admitted to hospital where I stayed for about 8-9 weeks. Throughout my stay in hospital I came to build some valuable friendships and also discover how God was actually at work in my life.

Recovery from an eating disorder is more of a process and requires healing of the emotions deep within a person. Admitting that I needed God in my life and actually allowing him control to that... just that was, I do admit, quite difficult at first, – because, like most people, I feared the unknown.

I now know that it is the BEST decision I have ever made in my life!

I believe God has sent some amazing people into my life. Through this I have been able to form new friendships and experience things I never even dreamt I would be able to do.

Recovery is not easy; I still have my bad days in life just the same as everyone else, but knowing and trusting that God is always there for me gives me the strength to carry on. I have come to realise that God does love me, He wants the best for me, and I trust that He has amazing things planned for my future.

Through coming to know God I have been given the opportunity to spread my wings, to feel free, happy and have the ability to live my life again – I have been changed for the good. I have been "saved".

The following is a short poem / conversation / prayer that I would like to share with you:

You guided me when I was lost

Repainted my soul when my spirit had faded

You remembered me when I was forgotten

And lifted me up high when I had fallen to the bottom.

Your words of wisdom revived me

Your enduring love saved me

For I am yours forever,

And I will trust in you!

Amen!