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{{This episode was released simultaneously with Tim Ezell’s episode! You’ll want to make sure to catch both of them!}}
Virginia Kerr is well known around the St. Louis area as a television news anchor. Most recently Virginia has founded and fueled an amazing television show called The Thread: A show that’s dedicated to sharing the light and kingdom work of St. Louis. It highlights the hearts and efforts of activities, events, and individuals who want to make the world a better place. The Thread celebrates these people and organizations by sharing and inviting others to be a part of it. The purpose of the show is to help people know God better and encourage people to see their purpose in life by showcasing others who are already walking in that role.
Virginia originally pursued journalism out of desperation. It wasn’t out of noble efforts but instead to feed something that was missing inside of her. She says that she was a lost person who felt like she was worth nothing. She felt like if she could just be on television, then she would prove to herself that she felt like “a somebody.”
Virginia remembers her earliest struggles in junior high. This was a time when she became preoccupied with food and exercise. Looking back, she noticed that it was timed right with her father’s diagnosis of bipolar depression. This, plus a hereditary predisposition to mental illness, was where the food addiction stemmed.
We talk about the grief one can experience when a loved one changes because of mental illness. This grief is all too real as we watch a person change from who they once were to the struggle of their present situation. I love how Virginia stays mindful that this won’t be our reality forever and that one day our loved ones who suffer will be perfect and whole in heaven.
As a teen, Virginia was stuck in a cycle of binging and exercising to counterbalance the amount of food she’d consumed. This carried over into adulthood and remained a struggle.
For Virginia, coming clean from her eating disorder was a process of learning about her identity in Christ. It was during a time of isolation that Virginia felt like she was put in the position to seek God and only God.
We talk about how her relationship with God changed throughout her life. She saw this the most when she had a miscarriage. With this pregnancy, Virginia had a strong feeling that this baby would not make it. She felt this overwhelming connection with God and pressed for a doctor appointment. At the appointment, she was given the news that she miscarried the baby. Even though the news was tough, this was a joyful moment for Virginia. Seeing and hearing confirmations that God already told her brought Virginia a bittersweet peace and connection with God.
Virginia and I talk about shame. She mentions that it can come from a place of unmet expectations. As women, we often try to be everything for everybody. When we buy that lie, shame becomes the result of not reaching this goal of being our version of perfect.
When it comes to shame, Virginia reminds us that the Enemy will try to come and tell us that we aren’t worthy. But it’s God that completes us IN our weakness and we must cling to that.
As we continue to chat about struggles, Virginia shares the reality of depression.
The overwhelm of depression is something that is very real to Virginia and she has much encouragement for those who may be currently depressed. One note of encouragement is to simply tell someone. It sounds so easy but she knows it’s hard to make even tiny steps. Be encouraged. You aren’t alone. As a part of coming out of depression, we discuss the importance of taking care of yourself. Self-care is necessary for fulfilling God’s purpose in your life. Becoming a good steward of your body, your time, your people, and your possessions IS self-care.
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