In Her Own Words

I am not the same person today that I was when I started this journey. Though I love the people, I somewhat dreaded Friday lunch with my friends because I knew we would walk somewhere to eat. I never wanted to walk too far for fear that I would struggle. I usually lagged a couple of steps behind! I was not healthy. I had been working out at the gym and had lost some weight but did not have a full plan in place to change my lifestyle.

A cousin that lives out of town comes to Louisville about every month. I noticed that she was losing weight. I asked her several times what she was doing. Each time she told me. Finally, the third time I asked her, I listened to her answer. She had joined Grace and Strength. It didn't take me long to realize that I also wanted to be part of her same journey.

Was it easy? No! Was it doable? Absolutely! I lost a total of 98 lbs.* and had no idea what I was about to gain.

Grace and Strength provided many things for me.

• A personal coach
• A closer walk with God
• A list of foods to eat
• A support group

My coach was available anytime I needed her. She answered my many questions, listened to me cry and praised me with every success! She told me what I needed to hear, even when I didn't know it.

I could not have accomplished my journey without God. I kept him close to me and would not have survived many days without his guidance and strength! When I was faced with challenges, I knew I could always count on him.

The program provided a simple list of foods to eat. If it was not on the list, it was not protocol!

Our weekly meetings always came at the right time. It was encouraging to see many smiling faces that were on the same journey as me as well as many women who had experienced the same frustrations that I had. We shared recipes, failures and successes!

Each one of these aspects were just as important as the other. It took all of them for me to be successful!!

I gained so much more than I lost. I have more will and confidence than I ever have in life. I have a must stronger relationship with God. My life is more balanced. My mind is clear and I have satisfaction in both my heart and stomach. I no longer live to eat, but eat to live!

I love and am thankful to God for each new day. I look forward to continuing my journey with Grace and Strength and with all the new people I have met.

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* Individual results may vary.