Do you ever have one of those days where you just want to “stay home” and DO NOTHING? Well in 2012 that was my every day! I was over 225 lbs. and completely exhausted. At the time I was a stay at home “mom and dad” because my husband Ryan traveled so staying home was just easier for me on many different levels. One Spring morning my husband, the adventurer, wanted us to have a family day in the mountains. What he didn’t realize was internally it made me MAD he even suggested this. He had no idea the mental battle I struggled with because of the number on the scale and how I felt in my clothes. I wore pants and a white sweater on this warm day to try to “hide” my imperfections. The aggravation towards my husband grew when he suggested taking family pictures. He had no idea that all I wanted to do was to stay on the white blanket he put out for our picnic and hide.
Kay Sandifer says
Thanks Ashley! Love your heart and honesty! thank you for for steeping out and being hands and feet for Christ!
By His Grace,
Kay
Ashley Shepherd says
Thank you sweet friend!
Brenda Bates says
I understand so well. I hate to get dressed and leave the house because of the way I look in clothes. I lost 21 pounds but then had to medically retire and over past 2 years have put back on 5 . I know I should be stronger and able to lose more, but just so frustrated and discouraged. You should be so proud of yourself!
Ashley Shepherd says
You can do this!!! Wake up in the morning with a new fresh attitude to WIN THE DAY! Focus on small victories and know you are worth fighting for. With Gods strength you can do anything!
Amanda Rhodes says
I feel trapped at home sometimes, because I don’t have a driver’s license. I’ve got to overcome the fear of driving to relieve this feeling. I believe prayer and lots of practice will help overcome this fear. Thanks for sharing your story!
Ashley Shepherd says
I am praying for you!! I pray God gives you the strength you need to overcome this. HE is the only one that can fill you up to overcome!
Deirdre says
I can relate. Right now, I weigh close to the heaviest I’ve ever been. I’ve had a lot of challenges this past year, and I became morbidly depressed. I’ve spent a good deal of it on the couch. The last month has been an eye opener and the start of my own health journey. I don’t know what God wants of me, but I’m sure he doesn’t want me to die on that couch. God Bless.
Ashley Shepherd says
Keep trusting GOD and know YOU are worth fighting for!
karen lillya says
Ashley that sounds like me everyday I have lost 75 pounds I need to lose 95 more pounds but my doctor said 62 I just would be happy with 25 more right now my health is not good and I am responsible for a sick 28 year old who is blind and gained a lot of weight. I need a lot of prayer. I am overwhelmed with all the work I need to do I do not even know where to start, I am a person who does not have a person to talk with about this class but I guess that is OK karen lilly
Ashley Shepherd says
Praying that you feel God’s Peace in your life. Keep trusting HIM and say in HIS Word!!
Jillian says
I wanted to thank you for this, it’s almost word for word what has been on my heart in the last few weeks. As a stay at home mom of three boys, wife to an amazing husband and small business owner, I am incredibly busy everyday. I feel like we hear it all the time but don’t really understand it until we hit a low point or hard time…you really can’t be the best mother or wife that you are able to be without putting yourself first and specifically your relationship with Jesus. Body image is a huge issue for women and honestly I feel like I’ve only felt beautiful in the last 5 years while I was pregnant. Thank you for giving me the reassurance that it is possibly to find the fight again.
Ashley Shepherd says
Stay in the fight and know that our identity rests in HIM only!! YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL because he created you!!!
LeAnn says
Thank you for sharing what so many of us feel or have felt! Your words could be mine to the tee! Realization is the first step and the one step most of us take and then get stuck in! The next couple of steps are the absolute hardest of all and they are the most important…. The ones that get us from hiding and the ones that take us out of the bondage, the lies, and the embarrassment! Sharing your journey will help so many! I love that you note your importance of your spiritual growth first and foremost! I have always told myself that I don’t have the will power but have God power and He will seee through if I am willing to trudge through the mud and get messy! You are a Jewl! Love you and your willingness to reach out and help others by being real with your struggles! Thank you! Glad to know your sweet heart!!
Ashley Shepherd says
I feel blessed to call you friend! You are one of my inspirations and I always look forward to your hugs!
Allie Parker says
There are many times I have felt trapped. Not knowing which direction to go or what step to take next. I am working on studying the Word more and trusting my Lord to provide!
KimL says
The Seamless Bible study snd your group brought m back to finding my relationship with God. I never knew how exhausted and overwhelmed I would be as a mom. I just don’t have it in me to worry about healthy food and activities and I’m inspired reading your post. Thanks.
Ashley Shepherd says
Thank you!!! God is so good, I am so glad HE used this to bring you closer to HIM! Praying for you as you continue to grow your relationship with HIM! Keep leaning on him when you feel overwhelmed, HE can give you rest.
Leslie johnson says
Almost every word describes me- have we met? As a single mother, battling an autoimmune disease, there are so many days I feel trapped. Every day He reminds me that He created me in His image with a purpose.
Ashley Shepherd says
Praying GOD continues to gently remind you that YOU are HIS!
Rachel Ballard says
You are an inspiration, I have totally been there and felt trapped and overwhelmed. My husband is in the military and there are times when I am alone for 6 months with our two kids. I would strugglle a lot until I would pick up my bible and read. He would remind me that He is always with me. God comforted me when no one else could. What a awesome God we serve.
Ashley Shepherd says
Amen! God is truly amazing! Thank you for sharing!
Stephanie says
When I was heavier I thought that the weight was the only reason I felt trapped but after losing 89 pounds I’ve discovered what has kept me trapped was my lack of love for myself. Oh I could love others. But I somehow convinced myself I was not enough. I convinced myself my marriage failed because I wasn’t enough. But the truth is I’m not enough but God is. When I stopped looking for something earthly to fill a void that only Someone heavenly could. Then I experienced true freedom.
Nicole Raulston says
Your story is so inspiring!! I know the feeling of being trapped all to well. But, I’m learning on how to daily lean on Him and go through this refining process. Because I know He created me to be a champion not defeated! 🙂
Ashley Shepherd says
Amen!! We are called to lean on HIM! Love this!
Shanna says
I’ve felt trapped in an ongoing battle with anxiety. The thoughts that I hate and wish would go away just come out of no where. It’s been hard, but Father has brought me a long way from a year ago. My relationship with Him has grown leaps and bounds. So thankful that He is continuing to mold me and shape me into the person He wants me to be. 😉
Jeannie Burgess says
I can relate with your story so well I too have lost 100 pounds and you have an inspiration to me and many others I am sure! Now to work on the business end or Christmas will not happen for us this year! Thank you Ashley for all you do! God Bless
Ashley Shepherd says
WOW Congrats on your success!!! Keep being an inspiration!
Tracy mills says
I am working toward decluttering my home. It’s a hard process, as I am a sentimental hoarder.
Amy says
I have struggled the last several weeks with feelings of being trapped. Stuck in a place of discontentment with who I am and where I am at in life. I feel trapped in a place of not feeling adequate, but God has reminded me over and over this weekend- HE IS MY PROVIDER. He will provide ALL I need when I need it. It may not be what I think I need, or how much I think I need, but if I’m really honest with myself, it is always enough. Usually more than enough, but NEVER less than I need. He is faithful and He does provide!
Ashley Shepherd says
Amen! HE is enough. Lately I felt the same way! Inadequate in EVERY AREA, but you are right HE is always faithful and will comfort us! Thank you for your words.
Jeri o says
There was many days that I felt trapped. I was working a job with people who absolutely hated me and treated me worse in the ground that they walked on. I felt lost I felt abandoned I lashed out at the two people that I love the most because I felt that was the only thing I could control anymore. But I had a dream one night of an angel talking to me and telling me that I need to pull myself out of my whole I was in and get it together. So I left that job away from the people who treated me horribly. Found a new job with people that I absolutely love to be around. I found ways to repair the relationships with the two people that I did hurt the most. And I started to repair my relationship with God. I found comfort in knowing even when I felt abandoned I was never abandoned to begin with.
Ashley Shepherd says
Thank you for sharing a part of your journey! How amazing is it that HE gave you that dream? I love looking back and seeing how GOD has sustained me. HE is always there!
Teresa Warner says
I completely agree with this post. I have felt trapped in my life so many times. Grateful for my faith that has always seen me through. What a great post. Thanks for sharing!
Amanda says
In July I moved from Nashville to Austin, TX. I have never been this far away from my family or friends before. Less than a month passed between getting offered a Job in Texas and us packing up everything and moving 900 miles away. Now I feel trapped. Meeting people and making new friends is harder than I thought it would be. In fact, everything is harder than I thought it would be. My husband and I are both unhappy here. We are just trying to figure out if we are suppose to stay here or move back once our lease is over.
Ashley Shepherd says
Praying for you Amanda! That is hard! I pray you can LEAN ON HIM during this season. Allow him to sustain you! HE is all we need!!
Ashley Darling says
I have found freedom by just being myself. For so many years of my life, I was always so worried about what others thought of me and that goes back to middle school days!! Its amazing how once you realize you are good enough, that being yourself helps you feel so free!!
chaley clark says
I have felt trapped for many years from suffering from PTSD, but I found freedom, by not being angry at God.
Ashley Shepherd says
Praying for you! That is very hard. Keep trusting in HIM!!! He will never leave you!
Carolyn says
Thank you so much for this blog!! I appreciate you, and the work God is doing through you!
Ashley Shepherd says
Thank you!
Ellen Witte says
Ashley, I so relate to you -in a million ways.I have struggled with my self esteem and weight issues my whole life.I had to have bariatric surgery in 2005, just to save my life.I was shutting down,overeating, high blood pressure,in & out of the hospital, pre-diabetic, on and on.I prayed-God, I surrender -_please help me. The doors opened that very next day,and since then I have lost and kept off 120# for 5 yrs. now.The Seemless Bible Study has blessed me immensely-I have found that which I thought I had lost.My fire for the Lord. My intense desire to study His word and know Him deeply, has been reborn. I can’t thank you enough for sharing yourself, and your love of our Great Mighty Awesome God!!!
Ashley Shepherd says
Praise the Lord, I am so thankful HE is gently nudging you back to HIM!!!! Stay focused on HIM!! You are beautiful inside and out!!
Crystal Scott says
I am making progress to becoming beautifully designed by learning to let go of things I have no control over and to let go of negative people in my life.
Ashley Shepherd says
It’s a process for sure but GOD will guide you!! Walk in HIS LIGHT!
Shan Walker says
Ashley, I’ve been that trapped girl just like you. I’ve lost 60 so far with more to go. It’s amazing how a life of healthier choices {spiritually and physically} changes EVERYTHING. I love that I “get” your story and it makes this bible study/blog even more special. 😉
blessings,
Shan Walker {The How to Guru}
Ashley Shepherd says
Congrats on your success!! I know you feel amazing!! Glad you are in our community!
Kayla says
What a wonderful testimony you have to share. I feel trapped by trying to live up to the expectations that everyone holds my girls and myself to. Everyone is always talking to me about how jealous they are because I just have the perfect pregnancies, perfect labors, and perfect kids. I feel like I can’t even talk about my struggles because everyone thinks we are perfect when we are far from it. This last pregnancy was really hard for me because I was unable to work out due to contractions, my belly was bigger this time, and I got stretch marks this time. Now post partum, even though my weight is currently the lowest it has been since high school and im “skinny” I absolutely hate it. I was a crossfitter and because of it I had my nice flat, toned tummy, and 15lbs of muscle on. I feel like a twig. I can’t fit in my pants because they’re too big. I am fighting body image issues because I have the lower ab pooch now. I lost all my muscle. Everyone this my kids are perfect just because I have them on a schedule. That doesn’t mean that my almost 2 year old isn’t running around like a tornado while I am trying to also take care of her 7 week old sister. Just because I look like I have it all together, doesn’t mean that I do.
KAREN TAYLOR says
I feel trapped by my weight now.. I am the heaviest I’ve ever been and just recently had to buy some new clothes, because I couldn’t fit into anything I owned.. I just don’t know where to begin, I crave sweets and can’t put down the soda.. Please remember me in prayer for the Lord to give me the strength to do what I’ve known that I’ve needed to do for a long time.. I have a problem exercising due to some bulged disc in my back and a knew that has no cartlidge left in it…
Ashley Shepherd says
I am praying for you! Find me on facebook and shoot me a private message! I would love to chat with you and help you find a solution!
Denise says
I have been trapped in my own mind, but not really conscious of it. Not until my sister unlocked a purpose in me to step outside the bondage of my own self-inflicted imprisonment. I was convinced I would never be someone worth loving. Yes, my husband loves me, yes, my children loves me. My family loves me. But I wasn’t a very good receiver of those gifts. I was bitter at having to work a full time job and let a daycare raise the boys I had fought and prayed for, for so many years. I had so many miscarriages and blamed God and myself for each and
every loss. That I wasn’t good enough. Then we were blessed with Dylan and I handed him right over to a daycare to raise because financially, I had to go back to work. I missed his first steps! I can’t get those back! My enlightenment came when I sat in a room full of Champions who poured life and belief right into my soul! I have a vehicle to bring myself and others home from their concrete jungles and I know that I will be there for the important high school years for my boys. I can’t go back and be there, but I can be there now, tomorrow, and in the future. Advocare has released me from the bondage of disbelief in my own mind! I am worth loving. I have love to give. I am capable of being more. I can, I will, and I won’t stop until I have helped as many people as I can. This is my purpose. Bring mamas home!
Ashley Shepherd says
You are amazing Denise! God has huge plans for you!
Tricia C. says
Your strength inspires me! I’m so glad I found Beautifully Designed. God bless!
Robin L says
Wow reading this post can describe how I have felt over the past few months but thankfully the Lord is working in my life through this site and the Facebook group! Thank you for being so transparent!
Sheila B says
Yes, I have felt trapped before I knew God and His Word. I found freedom in the Lord. I have learned to take it all to God and give it to Him. He is always there and will never leave us.
Stephanie Elizabeth says
I used to feel trapped in my body and unattractive. Being open with myself and my husband helped immensely. My husband makes sure to tell me every day how beautiful he thinks I am and after prayers for confidence, even God has shown a new light to the way I see myself. I used to be an avid runner, but life, kids, work, and the house have been a distraction lately. Not anymore though! I’m hitting the asphalt again! That’s the promise I’m making myself today.
Melanie Bucknam says
I have felt trapped for a very long time now by circumstances that are well beyond my control. I have found that praying and giving this to God has allowed me some peace to be brought back into my life. I am working on fully giving it to God everyday, and as I do, I find more and more a weight is lifted from me and my burdens are less.
Melanie Bucknam says
note: struggling from neurological disorder. realized I hadn’t put that in there
Crystal Foust says
Thank you so much for sharing this my beautiful friend!! The devil wants to trap us in anyway that he can from walking out God’s calling in our lives. God has a perfect plan for us and will use us to glorify him and share the good news we just need each other to encourage and pray for one another and we can break free from the traps and walk in his glory! I thank God for you and pray that he continues to use us and that we strive to be available to him! Remember its not about our Abilities but our Availability to God, is has the Ability covered!
Jeannie Burgess says
I am been struggling for years feeling trapped in so many areas of my life! I am learning to enjoy my life no matter what I am going through. Life happens and my attitude has changed so that I can enjoy my life and not feel so trapped!
Joanne Amante says
Thank you for this post… That feeling of being trapped is very familiar to me at various times of my life… My faith always helped to free me… It’s always been my anchor… So glad to have found Beautifully Designed via the Seamless Study… Best best best bible study I have ever been a part of!!!!
Rebekah Conkright says
I have felt this way before as well. I gained 69 pounds while pregnant with my third child and was disgusted with myself. All I wanted to do was sleep and sit. The past 3 years have been a huge learning experience for me. I have gone through so much personal growth. I’d like to say I don’t worry about my body anymore but it’s still a process. I’m learning to love this body that He created for me!
Joanie says
I felt trapped for years. By learning to trust the plan God has for me has allowed me to breakfree. It’s a hard notion to swallow sometimes, that God has always known my intended path, but I am learning everyday that all I ever need to do is follow where He leads me.
Lori Doak says
Find Joy in the Journey!