My name is Thelma Hickman and I began the Grace and Strength Lifestyle in December 2011, a short time after seeing an old college friends' transformation because of G&S.  She came to my surprise 40^th birthday party and I was amazed at her glow.  At first I did not want to jump on another diet bandwagon.  I kept telling myself that just because it worked for her, didn't mean I could do it.  The Lord tugged at my heart and my husband and I decided it was time to make a change.  We joined together and together we successfully completed our goals!

I wanted to be what God wanted me to be, and my weight held me back.

As I read through my ‘Why' on my contract, I am blessed to not be the same woman who wrote these words. "…To not have to wiggle into my jeans in the morning and do ballet moves to stretch them out - to like me in the mirror". That may seem superficial to some, but in my Spirit, I knew I was not being a good steward of my body – of my life, in regards to health.  I wanted to be what God wanted me to be, and my weight held me back.  Now, at my goal, I don't have to wiggle into jeans.*  I can look in the mirror and feel good at what I see.

The freedom I have received because I am not burdened by my weight is priceless.

A week before Mother's Day 2012, my Pastor asked me to be the guest speaker at my church- a desire that God had laid on my heart many years ago, but I would never have done because of my weight. I believe, without a shadow of a doubt, He was waiting on me.  It is not a coincidence that during Phase 4 my Pastor asked me to speak.  It was my Heavenly Father saying ‘You go girl!  You did it and here is the desire of your heart'.

The freedom I have received because I am not burdened by my weight is priceless.  I am thankful for Cyndi Benson Ministries and the Grace and Strength program!  God has used them as an instrument in my life to allow me to fulfill my hearts' desires to further His Kingdom!

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* Individual results may vary.