This quote was powerful to me as I read the book Leading With Soul by Lee G. Bolman and Terrence E. Deal.  They go on to say:

        On life's journey, we pass guideposts every day.  Mostly we don't notice.  Tragedy is the author         of hope.  Crisis brings up face to face with our soul.

As I've reflected on the various guideposts in my life, I certainly relate to the times that tragedy and crisis have impacted me and ultimately brought hope.  Those are also the times that I was closest to God.  

We all need hope.  It's what keeps us going through life's challenges.  For example, I don't have hope that showing up to work every day will make a difference in the lives of both clients and myself, what's the point?  Or if I'm hiking up a mountain, why bother to keep going when my legs and lungs are burning if I don't believe there's reward in it? 

For someone struggling with food (whether it be an eating disorder or not), this type of tragedy will certainly bring you face to face with your soul.  That's what the recovery process is all about.  Food issues aren't about food.  They are about your underlying, unmet, emotional needs.  Allowing yourself to be vulnerable enough to recognize these needs and honor them takes a lot of courage.  And you will be stronger for it. 

            Accepting vulnerability allows us to drop our masks, meet heart to heart, and be present for             one another. – Leading With Soul