A full year has passed since I opened the virtual door of Space For Grace. Countless hours of preparation had been poured into that moment. Technical systems had to be set up and tested, website and social media accounts created, and appointment calendars created and synced. The “to-dos” seemed endless! The funny thing is that once all those details were settled, I was still hesitant to share Space For Grace with the world and welcome clients. I had completed a master’s degree and a coaching certification program but I still did not feel ready. With the encouragement of family and friends, I took the final step of faith and officially “opened for business” on January 18, 2024.
What a year it has been! I have been repeatedly surprised by God’s love, goodness and grace. He has allowed me to meet and serve some of the most incredible women. I am amazed at the connections God has given me this year and look forward with prayerful anticipation to the year ahead.
I now realize I will never feel prepared to do this work. No formula fits the needs of all the hearts of the ladies I serve. Eating disorder recovery is not linear. There are many ups and downs along the way. The women I serve come to me with different hurts, different backgrounds, and different obstacles. I know that I have so much more to learn, but one thing this year has taught me (well, I knew this, but it has become so evident to me) is that it isn’t me who changes people. My qualifications, education, skill or wisdom do not bring about or sustain change in the lives of others. It is God at work in me. He is the One who changes hearts. He alone always has and always will. God is always at work!
While reading through the book of 1 Kings at some point last year, I wrote this in my Bible in response to chapters 17-19: God is working in the most unusual ways through the most unlikely circumstances. I have seen evidence of this throughout my life, especially over the past year. Circumstances we may initially assess as terrible – God can use them for our good and His glory! This statement reminds me to keep my eyes open and look for God at work because He is doing something. It may not look like what I envisioned, but He is faithful; He never gets tired, and He keeps His promises. Nothing and no one is labelled “impossible” with God (Luke 1:37)!
Twelve years ago, I was diagnosed with an eating disorder. I hit rock bottom (physically, emotionally, spiritually) and was convinced there was no hope for me. I was certain God was disappointed in me. I had no idea how I would fix this mess – or if I could! Lovingly, one small step at a time, God, in His grace, showed me that His love for me isn’t based on my accomplishments or my failures. His love for me is based on what Jesus has already accomplished on the Cross. In Him (Jesus), I stand complete. Today, I have confidence that I could never have imagined. I don’t have all the answers. I am not the most qualified in my field of work, but I have Jesus, and He is all I need! My confidence is not in myself or my business plan but in my God. Psalm 23:1 – “The LORD is my Shepherd; I have all that I need.”
The way God is leading you may seem unusual or downright hard. The circumstances might be mundane or strange. Trust me – God is at work. He is able to do abundantly more than we can ask or imagine (Eph 3:20). Keep your eyes on things above and trust your Good Shepherd to lead the way (Col 3:2, Ps 23).
Happy Birthday, Space For Grace!
If you or someone you know struggles with negative body image or perfectionism or is struggling with disordered eating and is curious about learning to value your body and life God’s way, I would love to hear from you. I help my clients gain clarity on the underlying roots of their struggle with food and their bodies. Together, we create realistic, personalized goals pursuing true, sustainable, heart-level change. To learn more about the services I offer, visit my website, https://www.space4grace.ca/.
To schedule a free consultation, Click Here or email info@space4grace.ca