After sharing on my blog and social media yesterday about my daughters battle with anorexia, I have been so taken back by the outpouring of love you all have given to Bostyn, and our family, and stories you have shared privately about your own—or someone you know—struggle with eating disorders and mental health battles.
Thank you all for being a light through this new journey we are trying to navigate. Your stories of hope have filled me with courage, and your stories of heart ache have made me realize what an important step we are taking to help this girl heal.
Last week—as we were preparing Thursday morning to load up the car and head to the eating disorder center—Bailey and I were trying to get Bostyn’s mind off things and decided to distract her by practicing songs they have been working on.
This particular song is one I had requested months ago for Bostyn to learn to play on the piano and the two of them figure out some harmony for—because I was really wanting them to sing it for one of my conferences some day.
From the moment I heard it I loved the message of hope it gave and really connected to it as I thought of so many of you who have shared your struggles—both openly and privately—with me.
Too often it is easy to feel alone, especially when a lot of these battles we face are things that others cannot see, fix, or change for us. But just like the words of this song...I know we can stand beside each other and carry each other through them.
So this song is dedicated to all the mothers, fathers, twin sisters, teachers, cousins, best friends, spouses, etc. who have stood beside the ones you loved through their darkest moments. And to the warriors who are fighting the battles that no one can see...and still finding hope to stand on. You are all my hero’s.
On the really hard days...when you are standing alone...you could even picture this song as your Savior’s promise that He will never leave you.
So whatever you are going through—or watching someone you love go through—I hope this song brings you some comfort today.
Little did I know all those months ago that asking my girls to prepare a message of hope for others...would really end up being for me. Kennady and I have cried to this video for days. Every time it gets over she squeals, “again!”
Not sure how they recorded it through their tears, or how I held the camera steady, but I am so grateful we did.
Standing with You (by Guy Sebastian)
