But, I wanted to share with you a friend of mine who has really inspired me. She is the one who encouraged me to get started and to carry on, no matter what.
She began her weight loss early last spring... and she has now *reached her weight loss goal*!! Well, she actually reached her goal a couple months ago and is now very successfully maintaining her goal weight.
Sometimes when when one is significantly obese, the end goal looks SO far away. One can look at the scale and see the numbers and think - Oh Lord! I have 70 (80, 90, 100, 150!) pounds to lose!! How can I ever DO it??!! It's impossible!
And it's true. Fighting the battle against obesity is impossible - in our own strength. But if we look to the Lord and ask him for help - help to break the addictions to food, help to overcome gluttony, help to be consistant and faithful to exercise - if we ask for help with these things, it IS possible, with the grace of our Lord.
There is often so much emotional baggage wrapped up in obesity. One does not become obese overnight - but over years. And what were the triggers for that to happen? It is never just one thing, but a multitude of reasons all bound up together. And with prayer and fasting (literal fasting!), the Lord can untangle the web of emotions, bringing healing and wholeness.
My friend went through this journey last year - and she has done and is doing SO well. I am very excited to see how the Lord has worked in her life this last year and how he has completely transformed her.
Here is my friend "J" before:
Here is my friend "J" now:
My friend lost over 80lbs last year!
Doesn't she look amazing!? The change in her - both inside and out - is incredible. I am so proud of her for sticking with it and working through it.
She is my inpsiration.
May the Lord bless you "J" for your faithfulness to him this year.
