Morning!

A couple months ago, a young woman named Emily Swanson emailed me about a book she had recently written and published called Beauty in Christ, Freedom From the Idolatry of Body and Food. The only thing she had to tell me to hook me in was the title! My blog’s slogan is: “pray, eat, move, groove.” Pray is the first word because my faith is the most important thing to me in my life, so I was immediately interested in reading about how we can integrate faith with the trials of eating disorders.

Emily was kind enough to send me two free copies of her book— one for me to read + review and one for a giveaway!

Review

When I was reading Beauty in Christ, I almost felt like it was one big, thoughtful, very well-written blog post, with some guest authors in there as well. That’s the best way I can describe the writing style, and I thoroughly loved it (hello, I blog and read blogs all the time).

Emily provides her own as well as a few other first account experiences about struggles with eating disorders. Her honesty and expression of emotion is awesome. Most of all however, her analysis of how to choose recovery for the glory of God and his Kingdom is truly what makes her story outstanding.

She addresses topics such as “Viewing Food the Biblical Way,” “Exercise: Taking Dominion of Our Bodies,” and “Food: A Tool, Not an Idol.” I love how she writes about these things very simply, but the simplicity of her words make such a huge impact. I also really appreciate that she makes so many Scripture references throughout the book, which really solidifies it for me.

It’s great to talk about how food is important and exercise should not be overdone, but Emily also acknowledges the other end of the spectrum, which may involve overeating and under-exercising. Her main point is that food should not be an idol in any sense, whether you worry about it making you fat or whether you eat without keeping nutrition and moderation in mind. In addition, exercise should be used as a means to stay alert and active in order to serve the Lord.

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Beauty in Christ really discovers what beauty and health truly are. One of my favorite excerpts from the book: “I began to realize that our ultimate purpose for living is not beautiful bodies and six pack abs, because what happens to those when you die? They crumble to dust.”

Kinda raw, but so true. There are unimaginably better things awaiting us, so strive for health to serve God and neighbor and to be joyful. Six packs don’t mean a thing.

Overall, Beauty in Christ is a short yet powerful read that I’d definitely recommend to any Christians out there who have struggled or are struggling with an eating disorder or even just body insecurities.

Giveaway!

Emily is being awesome and giving away a free copy of her book through Daily Moves and Grooves! If you’re interested in winning, comment below (anything at all)! Winner will be announced Friday.

{Open to U.S. only.}

Thank you so much for your generosity and your amazing work, Emily!