By RTF Guest Writer Elora Ramirez

Sometimes, the biggest step we can make with grace is the acknowledgment of the wrecking ball of pain inside.

My recognition came in the form a whisper and a prayer.

The minute I admitted my childhood abuse the power shifted and I knew nothing would be the same. (more…)

By Guest Writer Ashli Roussel

“You are a liar.”

Although I would normally never encourage anyone to speak these words, there is an exception to that rule when it comes to one thing: an eating disorder. (more…)

By Staff Writer Jennifer Grimes

The word change brings a lot of random thoughts to my mind. The change I have in my wallet, for instance.

I don’t care much about it.

I rarely use change unless I’m getting something out of a vending machine, which is next to never. I usually pay with some crisp bills and then dump whatever the cashier hands back into my already accumulated abyss of change. When my wallet gets full, I collect change on my desk or bookshelf in a metal bucket. (more…)

By RTF Staff Writer Jamin Goecker

Note from the editor: Remember to sign up for our book giveaway by leaving a comment on the previous post. The winner will be announced on Saturday.

Tears came to my eyes — not so much from pain but frustration. I dragged my foot, staring at the ankle I had just sprained on these stupid loose rocks. (more…)

By RTF Editor B.J. Hamrick

“I’m just saying… I love you.”

Whoah. Hold up. Rewind – fast forward – anything to get me out of this awkward moment. Did Joe really just say he loved me? How did we go from football-talk to romance-talk in 3.5 seconds? How did he seriously think I was interested? (more…)

Debra Weiss interviews Laura Farrar

Laura Farrar is part of a courageous generation determined to reach out and do something about the problems they see in the world around them.

Because Laura Farrar has struggled with eating disorders, depression, and self-injury, she understands the pain and secrecy they bring. Discontent to just talk about these issues, Laura is determined to do something.

In 2008, Laura started the Dancing in the Rain Foundation. Through her organization, Laura hopes to start a shelter for hurting teens where her organization can offer crisis and intervention services to hurting adolescents so that they may experience God’s mercy and love while receiving the help they need.

Debra Weiss: First of all, Laura, it’s great to have you here at Real Teen Faith. I loved the name of your organization, Dancing in the Rain Foundation, as soon as I heard it. What’s the story behind the name?

Laura Farrar: Thanks, Debbie for having me! Our name was inspired by a few quotes I’ve heard over the years. One of those is “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.” That’s the heart of what we believe in. The storms of life bring rain and hardship to our lives, but there is hope–we can learn to dance, cope, thrive and heal even in the midst of the pain. (more…)

Lifeway has created a great new download, Fuel Ignited! It’s designed to take teens deeper in their faithwalk and to inspire them to lead.

Follow them on Twitter.

Check out the website and downloads.

As a youth culture columnist, I’m always on the lookout for great new books that tie in culture and Christ.

As stand-alone articles, I think the content is great. But as a book and small group study guide? Not so much. I was excited to get this book, especially as a fan of Christianity today and their articles for youth and adults.

But it feels forced, as if they took several articles and tried to make them work as a unit. Great information, but these articles are already available through CT. I love your stuff, CT, but not this one.