Sharlene's Story: My story deals more with my heart than my physical appearance. I was never overweight growing up but I recall family members saying to me, "you're putting on a little weight there sissy", so lies began to creep in that I wasn't acceptable if I was "fat". As a senior in high school I wanted to please God but wanted to be with friends more which is when the partying and binging started. By the end of my senior year I had put on 15 lbs. ... family members were getting concerned.

Susan's Story: Through the help of Grace and Strength Lifestyle God has changed my life and I am free in Christ from dieting and overeating. What a journey this has been for me. Dieting and overeating have been a stronghold in my life. For years, I have struggled with gaining and losing weight, and never gaining any control that lasted. I was desperate to find a way to keep the weight off.

Sharon's Story: Freedom. I was worth my battle. I just couldn't see it at the time. It began earlier this year when I cried out to God. I was in a place of desperation, crying out to God to deliver me, to save me from myself. I was shattered, broken, feeling hopeless, fearful. Physically, I was humiliated and embarrassed about myself. I was beginning to retreat socially because of my increasing weight (a little torturous for an outgoing person).

Lauren's Story: I think I have struggled with my weight for my entire adult life. I have gained… lost… and gained again. I tried various diets and exercise programs but none seemed to stick. Eventually I found an exercise program I love and have been consistently attending kickboxing and strength training classes for about five years, even becoming an instructor. But I was overweight and unhealthy – certainly not the best example!

Today we say goodbye to 2016 and welcome a new year filled with new possibilities, new hopes, and new dreams. Here at the Grace and Strength Lifestyle, we'd like to give a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has made this community of Christian women a place of strength, hope, and new beginnings for so many around the nation and around the world. Our sincere prayer for you is that this year would be filled to overflowing with the richness of God's love and grace in your lives.