Q: I started self-harming (cutting) about a year ago as a way to cope with a bunch of stuff going on in my life. I know it’s wrong, and I’m trying really hard to stop, but it’s like the addiction and sin of it keeps trying to pull me back and make it look good again. How can I stop cutting for good?
I know that first step of sharing our “secret sin” with someone can be downright scary, and I can’t tell you how proud I am of you for reaching out. You are not alone in your struggle. So many girls are suffering in silence, drowning in shame over sins they’re too embarrassed to talk about. Satan wants nothing more than to isolate us like that. That’s why I’m so proud of you for wanting freedom bad enough to reach out for help. Christ died for our freedom, but it is our choice and responsibility to stay free. And you’re making that choice.
You’re right, the addiction side of any secret sin is hard to beat—sins like cutting, sexual addiction, substance abuse, eating disorders and same-sex relationships. I’ve been there, which is why I know that it takes more than a three-step blog post to get to the root issues of our secret sins. That’s why I felt compelled to write a book for girls like you and me called Unashamed: Overcoming the Sins No Girl Wants to Talk About. In it, I share my story of secret sin, and the steps I took through God’s grace to break free.
Here’s a peek at the trailer, and here’s a link to additional resources to help you on your journey.
I get sooo pumped whenever I talk about this book because I know firsthand that there’s nothing as sweet as true freedom! Unashamed is 192 pages of everything I would share with you if we could meet in my living room to talk about your struggle to break free for good, and to understand who you are in Christ.
The book cover itself is bold, so if you’re worried what others might think if they saw you reading it, you could download the ebook instead (iTunes, Kindle, etc.)
I’m praying you will feel God’s presence and His pleasure in you today. I wish I could look you in the eyes when I tell you that are beautiful, loved and precious, sis! Every hurt that you’ve experienced—others against you, or you against yourself—God wants to heal it all. Don’t give up the fight… no matter how many times you fall, no matter how far you feel from healing, no matter how long it takes—there is hope!
Love,