"I can do all things though Christ who strengthens me" Philippians 4:13.

I, like so many, have struggled with being overweight all my life. I have tried every diet plan known to mankind and failed. I would loose some weight and then loose interest. At my starting weight, I felt bad physically. I could hardly breathe, my heart raced, I tired easily and my belly was huge. It wasn't until I made a commitment to God and joined Grace and Strength, that I really got down to business. My mindset was that I did not want to disappoint God and I wanted to keep my word to Him and to my Coach, Bekah.

Life is happening all around me. My Dad has a terminal illness and our family has been watching him decline over the last few months. When I am an stressed, I want to turn to my old habits to make me feel better. My old habits included eating food. Lots of food. I had to learn new habits, which included turning to God, keeping my word, and keeping in contact with my new Grace and Strength family. I was encouraged each week with our Bible study and the word of God. Bekah gave us tools to use and homework to help us learn about the Grace and Strength God has given to us to continue in this journey as well as how to cope with the other stresses in my life.

I don't have to turn to food. I can turn to Christ. He sustains me. He gives me peace. He comforts me. Not food. Fellowship with others that is sharing this same struggle is vital to success. My new family has prayed for me during some of the most stressful times of my life. I have kept them in my prayers too.

My journey isn't over. Losing the weight is a big part, but keeping it off will be a continuing journey. I am grateful to Coach Bekah, my study group and the team at Grace and Strength. I have been able to take off a lot of weight and stress and without their support and prayers, I wouldn't have been as successful. I can't wait to start the next chapter in my life.

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* Individual results may vary.