We love it when you can see a transformation in a person's face - not just a transformation of weight loss, but the appearance of a smile, a light, a joy that was never there before showing up as someone finishes this journey. You have that Brooke. Thank you for letting us be a part of your journey!

Brookes's Story - In Her Own Words

Wow! Not sure what else to say!

God brought me to Grace and Strength through a family member who had joined the program and was in the process of losing a lot of weight. She talked to me about it multiple times, telling me about her weight loss and the fact that they spent time studying the Word and how it relates to weight loss. I was so thankful that she gave me the information!

I have been heavy most of my life. I have lost weight before, only to gain it back again. This is the only program that I am sure that I will keep it off. This program has helped me see that I don't have a problem with my weight; I have a problem with obedience. My weight is just a symptom of my lack of obedience to Christ.

(1 Corinthians 6:19-20) Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

In my journey these last few months, this is the verse that has meant the most to me. It hit me like a brick. I always thought that being overweight was just hurting me, and I was not important enough to change my behavior. I realized that I was hurting my relationship with God. Food was my idol, my focus and took my eyes away from Christ. I know that I am a child of God, and he loves me no matter what I look like, how much I weigh, but I also know that I can't serve him the way that I should, or serve others for him the way that I should when I am exhausted all the time because I am carrying around so much weight. I couldn't let my love of Christ shine to others because I was always hiding myself because I was ashamed of how I looked.

Now I realize that food is nourishment, not entertainment. I can enjoy my friends and family without focusing on what we are going to eat. It is a freedom that I cannot explain. God has given me everything that I desire- by changing my desires. I used to want ice cream, and the ice cream shop a block from my house caught my eye every day- what is the flavor of the day? I can't tell you the last time I even looked! And I pass it every day!

(Romans 8:6) The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.

I am lighter, happier and I know that I have changed my focus, from food to faith, faith in God! So I will say it again- Wow!

---

---

* Individual results may vary.