First posted 12/2/2015
Embarking on a weight loss journey
God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though He is not far from any one of us, Acts 17:27
Weight loss is a journey. What happens to you when you realized the reason you are overweight physically and underweight spiritually? You do something about it. About 4 months ago, I got fed up with my physical appearance and embarked on a weight loss journey. The first month was easy mentally. I hired a virtual trainer, I was seeing results and was happy to find something that worked. Then, the next month came and that beginning puppy love started to wear off. I had more than being physically overweight to deal with; which is often the case when losing weight. I had the easy part handled what, when, who and where to do it. It was the why, that I need to work on.
What is my Why?
That’s when personal reflection came in. If I was to lose the ideal weight and achieve the body I wanted. What would it be for? There comes a point in your life especially when you’re on a spiritual journey that you need more than just outward appearances to fulfill you. What do you do, when you’re overweight physically and underweight spiritually? You tear down walls and rebuild from the foundation. I achieved this by figuring out my why?
To submit to such people and to everyone who joins in the work and labors at it. 1 Corinthians 16:11
There are the obvious, family and faith? I have 3 little girls that I have the responsibility of teaching how to be women and they are watching my every move. I want to teach them to honor their temple and be different in this world; Honoring and serving God. I am also trying to be the best that I can be for my husband as God says to do.
Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the Lord your God. 1 Chronicles 22:19a
Underweight Spiritually
I needed to rebuild my foundation so, my second month I took time out daily to Honor My temple through prayer and challenge myself. Every day, this prayer challenge created a relationship with God and His word when it pertained to my issues with, exercise, nutrition and faith. It was an amazing opportunity that helped me clearly define my why? The Bible is the most detailed instruction manual for life. When women look into God’s word they often go to Proverbs 31 description of a worthy women. So, after 30 days of personal reflection I went to trusty old Proverbs 31 to see if my why aligned with “Women of Noble Character.”
She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Proverbs 31:28-30
3 Reasons: Why my weight loss is more than appearance
These verses encompass everything I care about. My faith, my husband, and my children. Breaking these verses down gives me the definition I was looking for in my why, much like my workout plan and nutrition.
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Proverbs 31:30
- My faith
I interpret this verse as: A loving admiration for God that includes obedience to God and the commands His word.” As a Christian women that is something that I want to be synonymous with me.
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
Proverbs 31:28b-29
- My husband
Her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”
Her children arise and call her blessed;
- My Children
My daughter’s ages right now are pivotal in their own right. I have an 11 year old, who is on the cusp of teenage years and womanhood. A seven year old, who is starting to come into her own. A 16 month old, who is discovering this world and picking up on social cues. All of them no matter what they’re age continues to look to me to shape their ideas and role as a woman in this world. I strive to teach them how to be a light for God and noble.
Tapping to my why gives me more than the motivation that I need to achieve my weight loss goal. It also gives me a satisfaction that is better than any adrenaline high and keeps me committed to my faith, husband and children. Some days I may be tired, have nutritional blunders but at the beginning and end of each day. I am praising God for giving me a temple to honor and doing my best to do just that. How are you honoring your temple?