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“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” 3 John 1:2 Often times when we have experiences that are painful and traumatic, our minds develop a survival tactic without us ever detecting it. We continue on with our lives in years of denial not even knowing that we have become friends with suppression and depression. We deny that the experience ever happened and learn to survive through surrogate fulfillments that make us whole, but only temporarily. It is usually not until our physical anatomy starts to manifest the depth of our emotional scars that we began to realize the experiences that have been deeply disguised. The root (the experience), which has grown so deep in the darkness of our hidden sorrows, absorbs all the substance of our self-control, until a glimpse of light or hope exposes it. My journey into obesity started just that way. In my early childhood I experienced a very traumatic ordeal. I was abused at the hand of someone very close. The person I confided in for help and comfort did little, if anything, to help me through the hurt. The person was never confronted and my problem was “hushed” and never spoken of again. Feeling rejected, helpless, ashamed, guilty, and alone, I began to pray and ask God to send me an angel. Someone who would love me, protect me, and take care of me. And God did just that! He sent me a man who had genuine love for me. I was able to openly communicate with him about my past and he helped me know that I was “someone” special and he loved me for who I was. We were married on 1987. After marriage and children, I focused on making everyone around me happy and neglected my own needs and wants. I began to pile on more and more weight. Although I was happy with my life, something was still missing. I started diet pills and many other lose weight quick programs. I lost about 50 pounds, but was afraid to eat anything sweet for fear the weight would return. None of the programs gave me the satisfaction of losing weight and keeping it off permanently. The Turning Point!! In December 2001, I was seriously overweight and my health was at risk. My blood pressure was up and my body fat was 49%, almost half of my body. My weight had increased to 295 pounds. I had a decision to make. I could either continue on that path or change my life. I went to a Christmas party and could hardly move in the blouse I had worn. That was it! It was up to me. I was sick and tired of being overweight. Deuteronomy 30:19 says “ I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life that both thou and thy seed may live.” That night, I chose to live. Soon after, I contacted a personal trainer and my journey to the “real me” began. One Wednesday night at Bible study, I surrendered all to the Lord, every hurt, abuse, insecurity, rejection, fear and disappointment. Every lie that the enemy had told me and used to hold me hostage -- I broke free that night when I gave those burdens over to the Lord. I Peter 5:7 says “Cast all your care upon him; for he cares for you”. So I took Him at his Word and did just that. Everyday for one year I started each day with my personal devotion of Thanksgiving and personal declarations. My favorite, Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength”. During the first year I lost 60 pounds through personal devotion and exercise -- no diets, no gimmicks, no quick fixes, just taking back what the enemy had stolen from me. The next 40 pounds came off during the second year. My knowledge of the Word had increased. I was committed, midweek Bible study, Sunday school class and reading my Bible daily. No diets, no gimmicks, no lose weight quick schemes—just balance. I am still on my journey. Romans 8:37 reminds me “…in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” With about 40 more pounds to conquer, I am more confident than ever that I am more than a Conqueror! With the love of Jesus, His Word and my desire to be in good health and prosper even as my soul prosper, I will continue to press daily towards that goal. I decree and declare I am a “portrait of His love” and my life is a testimony to those who struggle with obesity and self-control. Know that God can and will set you free, is up to you, choose life and start living!! (Click here for before and after pictures.) Back to Stories of Inspiration
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