Here are just a few of the testimonials that we have received about the Grace & Strength Lifestyle in 2012.

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Amy Perry - Christian Artist

(Read Amy's Blog Here)

To say that this ministry has changed my life would be an understatement. I've battled weight issues my entire life. I was even told that I would be, 'beautiful if I would just lose some weight.' My self esteem became non-existent and I began eating to fill the void. I've done diets and lost weight over the years, but was never able to keep it off.

In May of 2010 my husband and I started seriously talking about starting a family, and for the first time in my life I looked at the scale and knew that I could not start a family until I got myself right. I was 282 pounds and miserable. I had sinus and ear infections every six to eight weeks and I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. So I cried out to God. For the first time I asked Him to help me lose weight

I began the Grace and Strength diet on May 19, 2010 with a goal of 100 pounds. I've made 70% of that goal in 6 months. It's a little harder for me to be on the protocol because of my travel schedule, so I'm a little slower to lose than most, but even if I hadn't lost a pound, what I've lost emotionally has been worth the journey. I've lost anger, bitterness, rebellion, feelings of no self-worth; I've lost grudges over past wounds. God is so amazing. I had no idea what to do or who could help me, but He knew, and even better, He put into action the very person equipped to help me. I didn't have to do it alone. I didn't have to struggle, feeling like I was the only person in the world feeling like I did. He sent me Cyndi and CBM, and with it, He has transformed me." *

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Amber R.

I was 39 years old and turning 40 in one month. I hated the image that starred back in the mirror. Not because of vanity, but because I could feel my body aging & eroding under the weight of obesity. I had tried every diet and was SO tired of admitting failure. I am strong-willed & ambitious, so continual failure in this area of my life was difficult. I had reached a point where I was having medical issues & instinctively knew I'd have a stroke or heart attack in my 50's if I didn't find a solution that worked...and lasted!

I heard about Grace & Strength from one of my employees, who simply began to glow!  Her transformation was undeniable, so I began to research. I loved the idea of changing my life style AND incorporating God...seemed logical. I called Grace & Strength on a Saturday and reached Cyndi at home. I was SO impressed with reaching the owner, on a weekend, at home, for over an hour as we discussed if I was truly ready for the journey ahead.

I had a page of questions for Coach Anna at our first "meeting" and we got right down to business...just my style. I wanted to know every detail & Anna would gently keep control by feeding me spoonfuls of information as I needed it. I wanted to control the course, which of course is ironic when this was clearly the area of my life I had the least control;). I had to commit to the process, relinquish control and allow the changes to manifest. It was unreal how the product simply worked!!

I lost 72 lbs* & my physical picture of health has been literally transformed. My "why" was strong. I am blessed! I have a handsome husband that gets better w/age, 2 lovely daughters who bless me daily, yet I was living unconsciously, ignoring my "temple" and honestly taking my gifts for granted. The Grace & Strength diet saved my life. My daughters will have their mother, a model for healthy living moving forward. I have told others, "if Jesus chooses to take me home, it can't be because I can't control what I put on a plate--that's simply not acceptable".

I have moved from being obese, out of shape, pre-diabetic with regular acid reflux, heart palpitations and knee pain to a woman who is 10 sizes smaller, has a BMI of 22, is energetic, and hasn't had reflux, heart palpitations or knee pain in almost a year--unreal--I was an infant with acid reflux!!  This program was humbling for me. I concluded my journey with water baptism...a full & public surrender to God. I had never realized how I fought Him for control. It is freeing to lay "it" (all of it, even food) at His feet. I am worthy in any size and blessed in any body--why not honor Him, my family & me in the version God desires....and feels SO good.  Thank you Amanda, Cyndi, Anna & God. I have been made brand new! This isn't a fad! I know how terrifying it is to believe in one more diet and fail. This isn't THAT diet!  This is finally success, for a lifetime. Thank you Jesus!

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Peggy J. (Michigan)

It was really quite a miracle that I came across Cindy Benson Ministries and her program.  I don't take any credit.  It was "a God thing".  I have struggled with overeating and weight issues for 19 yrs and would go through periods of being at a good weight followed by periods of being 35-40 lbs overweight.  It was during my last overweight period that I began to realize just how out-of-control I was.  My husband and I are in full-time ministry and though I try to set a good example to those we minister to, I knew that in the area of eating and weight, I was failing miserably.  I felt completely helpless to change.  I knew I needed to do something, but I didn't know what to do.  I began to cry out to God and, long story short, I found Cyndi Benson.  PRAISE GOD!  Following protocol was the hardest thing I had ever done.  My sinful self needed to die off so that the Spirit could bear the fruit of self-discipline in my life.  Dying to self and what self wants is tough AND painful.  Thankfully, I had a wonderful support system through the process…my husband and my coach, Stephanie.  As my body began to change I was encouraged and strengthened to continue on.  I learned so much about how to eat in a life-giving, life-sustaining way and I also learned that I CAN say "no" to things that don't edify my body and still feel satisfied.  There is no feeling of deprivation when you are following God's lead; only one of satisfaction and peace.  I had moments of conflict and turmoil along the way, but God always comforted me and encouraged me to keep on keeping on.  Now, on the other side, I know I still have work to do, that I still need to flee temptation and stay close to God to continue to overcome, but I feel so much more equipped to do so.  Thank God for CBM!  Thank God for a new, fresh start! *

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Anna K. (Missouri)

I have gained and lost hundreds of pounds over and over for many years. I even became so desperate I was willing to go to any extreme, which hurt my body, heart, mind and family. Thank you Cyndi for the Grace and Strength Lifestyle and for walking my journey out WITH me. This was truly a transforming experience of a lifetime that I will never forget.

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April S.

"I am 5 1/2 months out from the beginning of my journey with the Grace & Strength Lifestyle. I am 108 lbs lighter* and I cannot even begin to describe to you the freedom I feel, the energy I have and how healthy I am now compared to myself just 6 months ago! Through this journey with Grace & Strength and with the help of my amazing coach, I have learn to finally face head on and deal with the food issues that have chained me all my life. With God's strength, I was able to overcome my emotional and grief eating issues I had. I look at food in a WHOLE new way, I look at exercise in a WHOLE new way and I look at life in a WHOLE new way now! God is totally changing me from the inside out on so many areas in my life and this is just one of them! May each day, I crave HIM more and more and food and other things less and less!"

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Heather H. (British Columbia, Canada)

A wonderful day this is for me , i reached my goal this morning with much joy. It has been a wonderful journey to get this point. It has taught me more about myself than I ever thought possible. Ever since my husband has been diagnosed with ALS, my life has spiralled out of control with emotional eating. Gaining 50+ lbs over a 4 year span, now 12 weeks later, its under control with 57.8 lbs off*. It is unbelievable the feelings going through me today. With Brendas wonderful coaching and her kind words telling me how beautiful I am, (something I never thought about myself, I never had much nice to say about myself) has brought me to a point of really appreciating who I am as a wife, mother, and most of a friend to myself who says I can do it and feels strongly that I can get through even the... worst time of my life, watching my husband slowly dying in my presence each day. I have learned to control the emotional upheaval eating myself through each day to control all the pain in our family. As my journey continues into phase 3 an 4, I am feeling so much stronger to live as  I should and not use food as a way to take away anger, frustration and pain. I am learning to cope in different ways that make my life much simpler and easier to cope with. So grace and strength friends don't give up , reach your goal with satisfaction that you did your best. I made a committment to myself not to cheat and I stayed committed to that.  eating off the diet wasnt an option, thats how badly I wanted this weight off and also it would of set me back for days and I also didnt want that. So good luck to you all on your journey and I wish you all success. I still have a ways to go but feel much stronger to go on. Hugs to you all

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Kelly N. (Minnesota)

Grace & Strength: the name says it all! It is ONLY through His Grace & Strength that I have been able to get to Phase 4 (the rest of my life) of this program. I have struggled with my weight for over 30 years; at age 19 I had gastric bypass surgery. I did lose weight and was thin after my surgery, BUT it did not stay that way. Over time, the weight crept back and I ended up being as heavy as I was when I had that surgery 25 years ago. I came upon the Grace & Strength program accidentally (although now I know that I was led here). I was searching the internet to see if Selah would be performing near me when I stumbled on Amy Perry's blog – I thank the Lord every day for Amy's honesty in her blog. Amy's blog prompted me to call Cyndi. After speaking with Cyndi, I decided I needed to try this program. That phone call was in August of 2010 – I began my journey on September 1, 2010. With the help of Cyndi and my awesome coach, Brenda I began this journey of self discovery and healing. I learned some things about myself that I needed to in order to heal and be ready to live as a thin person! This journey has been awesome; not in the way that most of us think when the word awesome is used to describe something. I mean awesome as in I am in constant awe at the healing and growing that has occurred in my life. Anyone can lose weight (I proved it over & over again); the journey is in freeing yourself from whatever bonds are holding you down. I thank Cyndi, Brenda and all of the others that have helped me begin this journey; you have helped me to break the chains of bondage and helped me to prepare to live thin, healthy & happy in His Grace & Strength.*

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Lori S. (Maryland)

If it wasn't for my dear friend Inez (who is now a coach for Grace & Strength) introducing me to this program, I would still be in the same unhealthy state I was in for the past 3 years... I started the Grace and Strength program to finally do something for myself.

I have two amazing children and a wonderful husband that my life seemed to revolve around. I like many other women got so wrapped up in my family that I forgot about myself...Well not anymore...this was my time to do something for me! I was so tired all time, didn't like how I looked and really wanted to just be healthier...So, on April 22, 2010 I started my weight-loss journey...I was a size 18...UGH!!! I can't believe I was that BIG, but I was!!! The first week on the program was very tough for me...No wonder Cyndi Benson named this program the Grace and Strength Diet, because I sure did need all of God Grace and Strength to get me through that first week...I still had to prepare meals for my family, but now I couldn't even taste what I was cooking to see if it was cooked right. I also had to sit at the table with them while they ate everything I enjoyed eating before, but couldn't eat now...I recall looking at my husband one night at dinner and telling him...'I want to eat what you are eating...I think I can be happy FAT!' Thank goodness my husband pointed out to me that NO I could not be happy fat!

I am now long past the allowing food to control me stage of my life and I now control food! I'm not going to say temptations weren't and aren't still great...But, I always tell myself when temptations arise that...'Oh no you don't devil, my God is bigger than this temptation, so you need to step aside!' God has given me such a different outlook on food and I am so thankful he did. I have lost a total of 54 lbs now and wear a size 8, and I couldn't be happier!!!!* I have more energy, am able to do more activities with my family, and have sooooo much more self confidence...I have been maintaining my weight well since July 2010 and I thank God very often for seeing me through this program.

If you are wondering if this program is for you....You must ask yourself....Am I REALLY ready for a change???? If you are, then this program and all the AMAZING people associated with it will help you reach your weight-loss goals...But you have to want this lifestyle change, and you have to be prepared to follow the program as directed by Cyndi Benson and your personal coach...To those of you who decide to join, I wish you the best of luck on your journey to the NEW You! May God Bless you all...and remember....For with God nothing shall be impossible ~Luke 1:37"

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April L. (Tennessee)

"I have struggled with my weight for years. With each added pound came a pound of guilt. I hated the way I looked, in fact I began to hate myself. I sing on our praise team at church and I had begun to stop accepting times to sing because of how I looked. My weight had come between me and my service to the Lord. It was then that I realized I was going to do something about it, no matter what the cost. I had been reading Amy Perry's blog for a while and realized that there was someone else out there who felt somewhat like I did. When the Grace and Strength Diet was mentioned, I was all over it! I contacted Cyndi that minute and got started on my weight loss journey. I have learned so much over the past couple of months. God has been with me every step of the way. My confidence level has soared, I feel tremendously better, and I sleep so much better! I am down 33 pounds and 17 inches!* Woo-hoo!! Besides God, I want to thank Amy for being so transparent on her blog. If it weren't for reading her blog, I never would have found Cyndi. I thank my God upon every remembrance of both of them!"

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Gillian B.  (British Columbia, Canada)

I am a 41-year-old mother of 3 and I have been fat for over half of my life. I was a very tall, slim but curvy girl who NEVER thought I would get fat. But after getting married at 20 living in a fairly isolated town away from friends and family I got comfortable and fat.

My personality changed, while always shy, I was now avoiding contact with people from my skinny life. I felt ashamed and ugly. Everyone thought of me as a nice person, I considered myself blah. After my children came along I avoided doing activities with my kids. Dad was the fun one who did things. Taking the kids to the swimming pool was torture for me. It got even worse when my youngest no longer needed me to carry her, I then lost my "shield" against the world and had to walk in and see that yes, I was the biggest woman there.

When my cousin Cyndi approached me about this weight loss system she wanted me to try I thought it sounded almost too good to be true. At the time my husband of 20 years was dying of cancer. I was faced with becoming a single mother to three kids who were losing the fun parent. The timing seemed both perfect and impossible. I had to be healthy for my kids as I was going to be the only parent they had. But how could I do this while caring for my ever worsening husband? My girlfriends convinced me that I had to do this for me.

I started the Grace & Strength Diet just a few days after I had to take a leave from my job to care of my husband full-time. I think it really saved me. There were tons on doughnuts, cakes and cookies coming into my home. People were so supportive in bringing food and treats to help out. Because I was on the diet I didn't touch any of them, not once. Now if I had not been on the diet I would have helped myself and ballooned to an even higher weight. 5 weeks later my husband passed away in our home just as he wanted. Because of my change of focus I was 30 lbs lighter*. He was proud of my progress to that point and I know he would be proud of me today.

Since then I have been back to work and caring for my family. We have been camping, hiking and fishing, just like Dad would have done. My kids are proud of my progress and my friends cannot get over the difference in my appearance and outlook. I am now under 200 lbs for the first time in over 13 years. I feel great! This has been the easiest diet ever as Cyndi promised. I have a renewed passion for shopping, which is a downfall but yet, a necessity! Thank you Cyndi for the push and the support along the way!  A gentleman came into my office the other day not having seen me in a while and said "Gillian, you look great, no not great, ravishing!" Me? RAVISHING? Well maybe I am starting to believe it!"

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Julie P. (Illinois)

Where do I start? I have literally tried every diet available and not one of them have touched me the way Grace and Strength has. I was first introduced to Grace and Strength through Christian artist Amy Perry's blog. I contacted Cyndi via her website twice by email but wasn't quite ready until the third time I contacted her. Cyndi always replied lovingly by email and encouraged me to contact her to talk about my weight loss. Finally, I was ready and called Cyndi . . . Cyndi immediately made me feel comfortable . . . I felt I could talk to her about the most embarrassing area of my life easily . . . my weight, there was absolutely no judgment and no sarcasm. Cyndi explained the Grace and Strength plan to me, asked me a few questions and provided me a goal date ~~~ the date I should reach my goal weight as long as I follow the program exactly. Cyndi made me confident that I could do this, I could lose all of the weight and reach my goal in NINE months time. To me, that is HUGE because I felt like I needed to lose an entire person.

The program is easy to follow and I have an AWESOME coach! Through talking with me, Cyndi matched me with a Grace and Strength Coach which also has gone through the program successfully.

The Grace and Strength Program is MORE than a diet . . . Grace and Strength = Loving and dedicated friends helping others achieve a healthy weight and lifestyle. Providing encouragement, support, direction and guidance all along the journey to my goal weight.

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Inez M. (Virginia)

I was introduced to CBM/Grace & Strength Diet through a close friend of mine. I was looking to have a life change with my weight and becoming part of this family gave me absolutely more than I thought I would receive. Not only did I reach my weight loss goals, but God brought such ministry and deliverance to my life! I went from a size 14 to 5/6 in 7 weeks!* During the process I was able to overcome so many things that had happened over the course of some years through doing my journaling, prayer, and consistency. The way I look at food absolutely changed and for the first time I feel in control of my eating and food than it having control of me. Food addiction is a real thing, but unlike other addictions you can't avoid eating and need food to live. That is such an important aspect of deliverance with this ministry……if you allow, God will change your mind-set about food and bring healing in that area. If I can do this anyone can.....you most definitely can do ALL THINGS through CHRIST that STRENGTHENS you!!!!

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Denise B. (Hawaii)

"Cyndi, YOU are a phenomenal woman, a beautiful person, doing an extraordinary job, making things happen for those you love...you are loved and appreciated. ? Thank you for all you do!"

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Aaron D. (Tennessee)

Approximately 30 lbs in 40 days*... Had to take prescription heart burn meds every day for the past 8 years or I would have HORRIBLE heartburn... Haven't had a pill since my first week on the program (first week in June)... Navigating phase 4 with tremendous success... Metabolism appears to be reset... Eating normally without gain... THANK YOU CYNDI!

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Brenda H. (Missouri)

"Three weeks after being on, had lost almost 20 lbs. already! Last day I had lost a total of 47 lbs*. Went from a size 16 jeans to a size 12 comfortably. Feel so much better.

My knees don't pop and crack or hurt anymore, I can pick things up off of the floor without grunting. More motivated to do things outside with the kids.  I feel better about how I look in clothes.  I am so pleased that I stuck with the program and saw success. No more failing at attempts to lose weight and then getting frustrated because I gave up.

I could not have done this without the Grace of God. I quoted the Word at my weak points and He gave strength to continue and succeed. I can gladly rejoice now in the VICTORY that was waiting for at the end of this journey. Thank you, Lord.

Also, thank you Cyndi for introducing me to this amazing plan and for guiding me, coaching me and, most of all, encouraging me. Thanks for answering my questions when I was unsure. You're the best!"

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Cindy B. (Missouri --- not the founder, LOL)

As I began this six-week journey, it wasn't about getting into a certain size or looking a certain way.  For me, it is about obtaining keys to the Kingdom and learning how to use those keys in the areas of addictions.  Now that I am through with this six weeks, I am amazed at how easy it really was.  I am down 31.6 pounds* and let's just say that the waistband of my jeans that I could barely get fastened now overlaps by about 5 inches.  This whole adventure has been about learning to trust Him.  I have so enjoyed meeting so many of the Grace and Strength people through their posts on Facebook.

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Ellen E. (Ohio)

Since December 2010, I have experienced many health problems.  In 2011, my doctor put me four different medicines.  Not only medically was I not doing well, but spiritually, I had been desiring a better relationship with the Lord.  Just turning 55, I realize maybe not much time left here on earth and I need to have a better quality of life and make it count.  Little did I know then, that the Lord had sent me your way.

On November 21, 2011, I weighed in at 182 lbs, size 14, I could only imagine how the Grace & Strength Diet could impact me, but now here it is January 2, 2012, 160.4 lbs, size 12, total loss 21.6 lbs, 8 3/4 inches.*

Whether it be our food, friendships, jobs, family, marriage – there are consequences to all our choices.

I have learned to make better choices.  I know it will not be without struggles in the future but the Lord has renewed my mind to have a different mind-set – it really isn't about the food – it is about choosing to take better care of myself.    Many thanks to Grace & Strength for your vision to help others, your positive responses to up lift me and encourage me to press forward.

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Suzy H. (Ohio)

No diet is ever easy, and I have been on so many diets that I was wondering if this one would actually work for me or not. This is not just a diet physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well.

First is the physical aspect of the diet.  I am a stay at home mom who always felt that I was 10 steps behind my kids in life, a disappointment to my husband and always needed to spend more money on clothes because I just kept increasing in size. In general I felt like a failure. Being 32 pounds lighter and 20 inches smaller in just 6 short weeks*, I now have the energy to keep up with my kids.  I catch my husband checking me out (almost daily), and I can open my dresser drawer and just about everything in it is getting too big to wear.  I love it!!!

My emotional state-of-mind has definitely improved, I feel more confident. In my spiritual walk, I have learned just how important a close walk with Jesus really is, this program has forced me to be in the Word everyday. Through scripture reading it has been emphasized that my body is the Temple of the Holy Ghost.  What I put into it tells others what I think about it.  I have shared with my family and friends what Grace & Strength has done for me.  Thanks to all the coaches and challengers (especially Julie and Ellen) for keeping me on the straight and narrow!

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Julie H. (Ohio)

I never realized what a change would happen in me when I started this challenge.

My clothes were getting tighter and I told myself that I refused to buy a bigger size. I was actually depressed every time I got dressed to go somewhere.  It did not make me a happy person. I truly wanted to do something that worked for good and I wanted to feel better about myself inside and out.  I know that the Lord directed me toward Grace and Strength. I would not have been able to do this without him.

In six weeks I have lost 23 pounds and 22 inches.*  I have so much energy.  I truly feel alive again.  It's amazing when you feel good about yourself how happy of a person you can be.  I believe Grace and Strength is an awesome program and very thankful I found them.  I give all the glory to God for helping me along the way.

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Barb H. (Ontario, Canada)

I lost 40 lbs in three months.* I have been off the diet for five months now and have maintained my weight loss. IT WORKS even when you eat SUGAR!

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Lori S. (Maryland)

Cyndi, I cant wait to help people in this area break free from their bondage of weight. You have truly been a blessing to me, and I often thank God for putting you in my life. Love ya...Lori

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* Individual results may vary.