Sunday, April 17, 2011

Weekend Worship—A Weight Loss Journey

I've been on a journey of sorts for the past few years—a quest to change my lifestyle. It’s involved the usual—eating better, losing weight and exercising. It’s been an incredibly slow process and I think if I’d known exactly how slow, I might not have attempted it. But it has been marked with steady progress. And I’m well on my way to being half the woman I used to be!

Not long ago, while several of us were having lunch, a close friend showed me just how much progress I’d made. The question came up during lunch about how much weight I’d lost.

“I’ve lost 86 pounds so far, but I’ve still got 31 pounds to go to get to my goal.”
“Wow.”
Then came the inevitable follow up questions.
“How long has it taken you?”
“Do you have any before pictures?”

There was a time I wouldn’t have shared any pictures of myself—especially when I was at my heaviest. But now, those pictures are proof of the changes that have occurred in my life. I feel so much better physically—after all I was carrying what equaled an average 13 year old on my back. And, everyone could clearly see I wasn’t the person I used to be.

As I passed around the pictures I couldn’t help but think about Pilgrim’s Progress, the classic by Paul Bunyan. I love that allegory—especially the part where Christian is carrying the burden of sin. It’s such a visible picture of who we are in Christ, as opposed to who we were before.

I began to wonder how I’m doing in that area. Sure, I’ve shed excess physical pounds, but God is much more interested in my heart. Am I walking in freedom or am I weighed down with pounds of unconfessed and unconfronted sin? Can people see evidence of Christ in my life—or does my sin obscure His presence?

I’ve decided that as Easter approaches I’ll spend as much energy getting into shape spiritually as I have physically. Then, hopefully the changes you see will be even more pronounced!


There is no soundness in my flesh because of Your indignation; There is no health in my bones because of my sin. For my iniquities are gone over my head; As a heavy burden they weigh too much for me. Psalm 38:3-4

19 comments:

  1. Looking forward to seeing you at BRMCWC soon.

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  2. Thanks for sharing the encouraging story of one pilgrim's progress. This could be the beginning of another book of stories on overcoming - fighting fear when facing obstacles.

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  3. Wow, that's progress. You look great.

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  4. Edie,
    I see Christ in your life so, so clearly. I had no idea you were on this weight loss journey. The first thing I noticed when I met your was your welcoming smile and your friendliness!!

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  5. You go, girl! That is awesome!

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  6. I am so inspired by you Edie. I think you teach us all a lesson in perseverance. I think you look great, and I LOVE the bounce in your step from the weight loss. I hope to grow to be more like you!

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  7. You look great, Edie! I always thought you were beautiful inside and out. You're an inspiration as I count down 30 more pounds to lose. Thank for sharing your journey! Have a wonderful week.

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  8. Ladies, thank you for your kind comments! We all have a different journey and it's so good to have a community where we can share and learn from each other.
    Blessings - E

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  9. Edie, You look fabulous! And your walk with Christ is as evident as your before and after photos. It was the first thing I noticed when I met you! You are truly a blessing!

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  10. Congrats on the weight loss. I've recently lost 14 pounds, 2/3's of what I hope to lose. Interesting how the focus on weight loss leads to a sharper focus on faith issues. For me, I said, "If I can put that much energy into losing weight, I can also prioritize time with the Lord." Again, I know how challenging weight loss can be and you've done well.

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  11. Edie, you are so awesome! I love the correlation you made between excess weight and the burden of sin...so true, so true. You are a blessing to so many people. Thank you for that!

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  12. Alycia, thanks so much! I can hardly wait till we get to hang out at Blue Ridge!
    Tom, you're absolutely right. Hopefully none of us will ever try to improve our lives without looking at the spiritual aspect!
    Nan - thanks so much for all your encouragement. I look forward to your blog every morning!
    Blessings - E

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  13. I'm jealous-I've put on much weight the past few years since going back to work. You've done great and look great, too! You are so encouraging both in body and spirit. Thanks

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  14. I don't remember you heavy, Edie. But I can relate. I enjoy being thinner and healthier.

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  15. Karen, it's hard to loose weight when your life's overloaded. The important thing is not to worry about it. Read me comment to Sharon below.
    Sharon, it's funny you say that. I was always so VERY self-conscious about being heavy, but I've found that very few people even noticed.
    I'm sure there's a devotion there!
    Blessings all - E

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  16. Did I know you back then Edie? You look like one of the lucky one's without a weight problem.

    You are quite beautiful anyway.

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  17. You have done great Edie! I haven't know you for long but from the photo I see how far you have come. I recently asked a fellow writer, who is self conscious of some of her physical characteristics, how much she has ever noticed or cared about anyone else's appearance. We are much more aware of our own appearances rather than someone else's, and should never feel inferior because of our looks.

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  18. Your article is an inspiration for me, Edie. I won't forget it as I begin my own journey. Bless you, friend.

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  19. What a TESTIMONY of God's grace and mercy in your life! Didn't know your story of the weight-loss journey. I praise God for your success and the continuing influence your life is for other women who struggle with weight issues.
    Blessings

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