Gerri's Story

I am so thankful today for my journey that I have been on with the Lord through Grace and Strength Lifestyle! When I thought about writing my story, I was overwhelmed by the faithfulness of Jesus!

Growing up, I was always the skinny little runt of the family! I did not know what a blessing that was because my grandfather would tell me to hurry up and get into the house because a big wind might come up and I might dry up and blow away! Looking back, food was not that important to me. However, I developed bad habits by eating candy and sweets. It finally caught up with me and I started gaining weight after my children were born and I was around 30 years old. I started looking for comfort when I went through a very hard divorce and of course went to food for love. That is something that Jesus revealed to me on my journey. I tried every diet known to man, I think! I would lose the weight and then gain it back with an extra few pounds to boot, each time! I finally got to the point where I couldn't make myself diet anymore. Then the scale turned into my enemy. Last December, I had reached a weight that was so far beyond where I had ever been. I went to the hospital because of chest pressure and was having trouble breathing. I was dehydrated and scared after two episodes like this because heart problems have been in my family.

Then I started searching for an answer. The Lord directed me to the Grace and Strength Lifestyle website. I started reading the testimonials and was really moved to call. It was either that or I felt like my life would be soon! I wanted Jesus to intervene, which he did! I saw the joy on the faces of the beautiful ladies who were sharing their stories and the victories they had! I wanted that, too!

I called Cyndi Benson and had a wonderful visit with her. She explained about how the program worked and I signed up out of obedience to the Lord. It is the best decision I have made it a long time.

The Lord has blessed me with a godly and wonderful husband but he has Stage IV cancer and I have been his caregiver. What a privilege to take care of him! However, Jesus showed me that I have had problems with abandonment which is one of the things that led me to being out of control and making poor choices with food. He showed me that I needed to come to Him and that His will carry me through! He is my bread when I am hungry and my shelter from trouble winds. He is my anchor in life's ocean … as the song goes!

The Ladies in our Thursday night group are so beautiful and I have been inspired by them and first Coach Bekha and now Coach Allison! I have learned that Jesus cares about everything concerning his children and have sat at his feet through this journey depending on him and learning to obey. His word is what I lean on and through him I can be victorious! Phil 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

He assures me that I will always be a work in progress but I am so humbled and thankful for not reaching my weight goal, but more importantly recognizing my need to stay focused on Him and His purpose and call to live a disciplined and godly life! To God be the glory!

Gerri

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* Individual results may vary.