0014 – Emily Wierenga

May 2, 2016Restory Show

Emily Wierenga and I have known each other a few years because of our relationship to writing. I’ve long admired her brave honesty as she’s written books about eating disorders, growing up, and finding her place in this world.

About Emily’s Story

God has re-storied Emily from a girl desperately skinny, battling an eating disorder, to a confident wife and mom who pens stories about truth and authenticity–all of which reflect her great passion for the world. She founded The Lulu Tree to help mothers on the other side of the world find economic independence.

In Her Own Words

“I grew up not knowing how loved I was.”

“I felt like I was a project to take care of versus a person to love.”

“A neighbor lady said, ‘What a big girl you are.'”

“I was a skeleton but I could not see it.”

“You can believe lies so long, you’ll believe they’re true.”

“I saw a woman running. She was muscular, strong, and beautiful–and so confident. I wanted to live.”

“I began forgiving my own father.”

“I stopped praying–only for a night and a morning.”

“I wanted to give this mom her dignity back.”

I knew I couldn’t be the same.”

“When people become your family, you have to help them.”

Restory Recap

  • Emily battled anorexia from a very early age. She went into the hospital a few times, but finally “managed” it in her teen years.
  • When she went overseas during her engagement, someone commented that she gained weight. This caused another bout of anorexia during her marriage.
  • She said she couldn’t do this anymore. She grabbed the steering wheel and turned into oncoming traffic. Her husband corrected the car then said:
  • “Emily, you need to choose between me and food. If you choose food, I’m out.”
  • She learned to explore all her issues, the things that started her battle with anorexia.
  • Her mom contacted brain cancer during her marriage.
  • Her moving home truly began her deeper healer journey. It grew a mother heart in her to care for her mom.
  • Later, she was able to have children, and also found The Lulu Tree.

[Tweet “When people become your family, you have to help them.” @emily_wierenga. Hear more at the Restory Show.”]

As in all my episodes, I pray for you at the end. It’s my sincere hope that you’ll walk away from the Restory Show changed and challenged.

{Aside: For those of you who have lost a pregnancy or have battled anorexia, this may trigger some difficult emotions.}

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The End

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5 Comments

  1. Susan G.

    Another great podcast re-story! I pray Emily’s story will touch many and bring wholeness and healing to them. I bought Emily’s book “Altas Girl” a few weeks ago and now need to go read it!
    Thanks Mary – can’t wait for the next re-story!
    Blessings!

    • Mary DeMuth

      You’ll be blessed by her writing!

  2. KFDP

    This is the first time I’ve been able to squeeze in a podcast (normally I’m on the phone too much with my work). Felt compelled to listen. Ironically, the part I needed to hear was so different from the overall subject. Just hearing Emily talk about the change in her when she took care of her mom…this is happening to me also, too late to have children, but I’ve been able to see a glimmer that maybe I can take care of someone else. Just thought I’d mention that in case that little nugget passed by others.

    • Mary DeMuth

      i’m so glad her words about caregiving resonated with you!

    • Emily Wierenga

      I’m so grateful to read this friend! Thank you… bless you as you serve others. May the Lord be your strength.