I don’t know about you but I’ve seen a few reality shows which feature people struggling with heavy weights and loads of care that can lead to morbid obesity. The shows usually involve subjects meeting with a trainer who coaches them into a makeover. At the end of the show there is always a big reveal. When the show is over I always find myself wondering if these people will be able to maintain their transformation when they no longer have the benefit of coaching or the attention that the lights and cameras afforded them.
Now, I must admit that my life reminds me of one of those shows. I have been trying to lose 10 pounds since 2012 when I realized I had to do something to minimize my risk of inheriting my family’s diseases (diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and cancer). I focused on 10 pounds even though I knew I needed to lose more weight. I knew I needed to let some things and some people go. So, at the start of every New Year, I told myself this was going to be the year. Then I’d give myself until my birthday (August) to reach my goal. I was unsuccessful until this year.
My participation in the Prime Time Sister Circle last fall followed by The 30 day Challenge Fast I started January 2, 2017, gave me the jumpstart I needed. During the 30 day challenge I didn’t eat chips, potatoes, ice cream, fast food, chocolate, white bread, cake, cookies or candy. I ate primarily fish, fruits, vegetables and I only drank water and decaffeinated unsweetened tea. I also stepped up my exercise. My workouts included walking, weight lifting, yoga, Zumba and line dancing lessons. By March 1, 2017, I lost the 10 pounds. Since then I’ve lost another 15 pounds. I’m determined to keep those 25 pounds off. 25 Pounds may not seem like much to you but I went from a size 16 to a size 10. The last time I wore a size 10 was 30 years ago.
On the surface it appears that for me there has been no dramatic presentation; no big reveal. I moved through life one day at a time and most people didn’t have a clue about what I was doing. So, I’m inviting you to come closer so I can share with you what you may have missed.
Sometimes we see but we really don’t have the ability to discern what we are seeing. Sometimes we listen but we really don’t hear. The truth is my big reveal involved hearing the voice of God from within. The voice of God comes in a whisper and a shout when necessary. It keeps reminding me who I am and whose I am. I am a child of God! I was reminded of Matthew 7:7-8 which encourages us to ask, seek and knock… I started asking God about the physical weight and God revealed to me all the weights I was carrying. God said come and I came ready to lay aside every weight.
Since then God has been faithful to reveal truths to me that set me free from the weights (those petty things which bind). I was able to rest from my labor and lay my burdens down. Today my yoke is easy, my burden is light and I am lighter.
Do you want to know how I intend to maintain the transformation? I asked God to be my trainer. I put my confidence in God. I know that God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that I can ask or think according to the power that works in me. I talk with my trainer daily. As soon as I wake up I pray then I shut up, listen and follow instructions.
I seek God all day long. I seek the things of God and the will of God concerning me. I put my prayers into action and walk by faith, not by sight and I knock persistently through my worship. I sing loud and often to get God’s attention and make known my desires all day long.
The truth is maintaining weight loss isn’t easy. Most people who lose weight eventually gain back some of it, if not all it and more. Once the desired weight is lost most people will reduce the amount of exercise and increase their food intake. Then the pounds creep back because not enough calories are being burned to maintain their new body. The difficulty in maintaining weight loss has more to do with biology than will power. The body seems to fight to regain its weight loss.
According to Mayo Clinic researchers, the only way to maintain the weight loss is to find a diet and exercise plan you can live with for life. Successful weight losers continue to restrict calories; practice portion control; eat a healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner daily and drop unhealthy lifestyle habits. So I still primarily eat fish, fruits and vegetables; I only drink water and decaffeinated unsweetened tea and exercise daily. This works for me. You must find what works for you.
I don’t know what your big reveal will be. I do know that some of you are expecting it to come from the outside in, instead of the inside out! The big reveal is your daily witness. It’s not just what you say. It’s what you do! It’s what you show the world when the transformation has taken place and you tap into the power to practice maintenance.
Akoma Ntoaso Ministries 