I used to be a junk food junkie.
If I had a choice, I would have had cake with every meal and a chocolate rice krispie treat before bed every night. And for a long time, I did just that. Growing up in upper east Tennessee, I spent many days with my grandmother and I enjoyed her big meals of biscuits and gravy, fried chicken and mashed potatoes, etc. After every dinner we would have a slice of cake. Her covered glass cake plate always had a cake in it. But one day I woke up and realized just how poorly my diet had become. It started with my first airplane trip in many years, when I had to squeeze my “ample” bottom between two people for a four hour flight. That was my “tipping” point. Because I live such a busy life, for many years I ignored my weight. My extra pounds never interfered with being an awesome mom, finding a wonderful husband, earning two degrees, writing six books, teaching, or receiving a promotion at work. I still had an active social life, too, with every weekend filled with activities with my friends and family. But eventually I had to own up to the fact that I am getting older, and excess weight has been the cause of early death for many of my family members including my aunt Ella, my grandfather George and my cousin Eugene. Once I made up my mind to make a change, I cringed at the thought of going to a gym. And while I love being around people, I couldn’t see myself sitting in a weekly meeting surrounded by strangers talking about my food issues. So instead, I talked to God. I asked Him to give me the strength to make this change, and almost immediately I began to feel empowered to make it happen. Suddenly, I am in control of my life. Galations 5:22 teaches us that the fruit of the spirit is not eating whatever we want and abusing our bodies. The fruit of the spirit is self-control. It is having the power to make a change to be healthier for ourselves and our children. I didn’t need a celebrity in skinny jeans to tell me I have the power to change, my Father stepped in and made me realize I could do it on my own. Maybe your lack of self-control isn’t food-related at all, maybe you shop a little too much or you lose your temper easily with your children. Whatever your issue is, know that God has already given you the strength to overcome it. All you have to do is admit there is a problem and ask for His help. As you spend some quiet time with our Father today, what are some of the issues you can ask Him to help you with? |
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