In Sheila's weight loss story, she begins telling her story with this sentence. "Last spring, I was broken." Throughout her story, you'll hear how God used a 'simple' weight loss plan to help "PEACE" that brokenness back together.

Congratulations Sheila! And thank you for gifting our readers with your openness and honesty. May God continue to bless you as you walk out this new found freedom!

In her own words

Last spring, I was broken. I was going through an unwanted position change at work causing a lot of pain and turmoil in my life. My relationships were suffering. I was angry and searching for reasons. As many people do when there is stress, pain and turmoil in one's life, I turned to food instead of turning to God. While I talked a good game and acted like I was ok with the changes in my life and that I had turned to God for guidance, I see now it was all an act. I was missing the peace that comes with truly trusting in God for direction. My weight spiked higher than it had ever been and Satan was totally running my life.

One evening last fall while I was browsing Pinterest for weight loss ideas and recipes (I know, who does that?), Grace and Strength kept coming across my screen. I followed the posts, checked out the website, and decided that I would check it out by filling out the form online. I didn't know it then, but God was definitely talking to me. Through a leap of faith, I was connected with my wonderful coach Bekah, and I instantly knew I had started in the right direction. I committed the next day spiritually, mentally and physically to this tough Grace and Strength journey. I knew that I needed to lose the weight. What I didn't know was that God had an incredible plan for me through the process.

Grace and Strength has been an emotional struggle for me. However, thank God for the support I have had daily from Coach Bekah, the new friendships I have made through our weekly video Bible study, and the private Facebook wall of friends. I have trusted in God throughout this journey, and because of that, I am a new woman not only physically, but spiritually also. Whenever someone asks me what "my secret" is to my weight loss, my first response is always "lots of prayer".

My "go to" verse throughout this journey has been Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," not realizing it is the banner on the Grace and Strength Lifestyle Facebook page. God has constantly reminded me of this verse throughout my journey. He has forced me to be humble and rescued me from my brokenness.

Through Grace and Strength Lifestyle, my heart has changed so much. I have become a stronger and healthier Christian woman. I am more confident in my walk with Christ and I know that He is the reason I lost my weight. He "PEACED" me back together by taking away one pound at a time. I have learned obedience, faithfulness, and selflessness. God has shown me how that unwanted changed in my life was the best thing for me and was all part of His greater plan for my life.

Coach Bekah shared with us around Thanksgiving that "nothing tastes as good as peace feels". I am no longer broken because of lots of prayer, God's grace, and the wonderful support I have found in Grace and Strength Lifestyle for a lifetime.

* Individual results may vary.