(Editor’s note: This is a story I wrote for a writing contest. In the contest I could only use 250 words, but here I can write as I feel led by God. I pray it ministers to you, it did to me.
I’m not the girl in the story, but the emotions were mine. My highest weight was 241 pounds, not 300. The words God spoke to her were the same words He spoke to me when I cried out in desperation.
This story begins in fiction and ends with truth. As they say in the movies, “This is a fiction story based on some facts of truth.”)
SUCH A PRETTY FACE, WHAT A SHAME
She sat in the back of the church tugging her pants, “I can’t breathe. It’s a good thing my coat covers all this.”
The soloist sang, ‘My chains are gone. I’ve been set free.’
As she felt the warmth of God’s Presence, a single tear escaped. She wondered, “ Is there hope for me?” He whispered, “I love you.”
“Is that You Lord?”
After the service, she went to the handicap stall in the Ladies room. It’s easier to move in there. Two women came in talking about the service. They didn’t see her. One asked, “Did you see that big woman in the back? She must weigh 300 pounds.”
The other responded, “She was huge and such a pretty face too. What a shame.” They walked out shaking their heads.
She felt the heat of embarrassment rising on her face, came out of the stall, and stood at the mirror staring at her reflection. “I’m glad they didn’t see me. My face is pretty, but I’m so fat and ugly. I hate myself. I can’t stop eating. I’m so ashamed. I need professional help. Why am I still alive? What am I living for?”
He whispered, “I love you. Don’t you know how much I love you? I think you’re so beautiful for I created you in beauty. I’ve come to bring you abundant life, My child. I’ve come to set you free and give you a new life. You are to live for Me. I have plans for you, many plans for a hope and a future.”
“I have an abundant body. I don’t need any more abundance, but I could use a new life. I hate this one.”
“I’ve come to bring you healing, to set you free, and to fill you with Myself. ”
“Lord, is that possible?”
“My child, if you’ll seek My Face, trust Me in all things, and obey My instructions I’ll give you victory. I love you more than you will ever know. I want to deliver you from this bondage of compulsive overeating and the weight of failure acquired from all your struggles with man created diets. Open your mouth and I will fill it. Today is the first day of your healing. Are you willing to believe that I can do this?”
She felt hope stirring. The warmth of His love overwhelmed her, “Oh Lord, I want to believe. Help me to believe. I am so sick of this life, just existing. The only pleasure I get is from food. But I’m trapped in this bondage, I can’t get out.”
“My child, I am your counselor. Give yourself to Me and I will set you free. Come to Me.”
Her tears flowed in release, relief, and surrender, “Here I am, a failure, with nothing to offer You but I give myself to You. Do with me as You will.” Then she smiled in hope and His love.
_______________________________
— Hear me as I pray, O Lord. Be merciful and answer me! My heart has heard You say, “Come and talk with Me.” and my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” Psalm 27:7-8 NLT
— I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye. Psalm 32:8 NLT
—This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. Psalm 34:5 NLT
— Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Psalm 73: 23-24 NLT
— Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. John 8:36 NKJV