- The Grace and Strength Lifestyle
- Success Stories
Little did I know what freedom would come from what I knew as a "weight loss" program. Of course, I was the typical dieter. If I saw a new infomercial, I would convince myself, this must be the one that works and I would "try" it for a month and fail. Or, I would commit to eating healthy for the week and reward my efforts on the weekend only to gain back my progress from the week, hence the yo, yo dieting. Each one of my 3 pregnancies, gave me the excuse to eat whatever I wanted not initially knowing that extra weight wasn't feeding my babies, it was feeding my rear! In my early 30's I reached my goal weight though Jenny Craig, only to gain it all back within a year. I so desperately wanted a program that taught me how to eat the right way for life. I became so tired of hearing, eat this, not that, only to find out the next week it would change again.
I first heard of Grace and Strength from Facebook as I saw my niece, sister in law and one of my good friends had "liked" the page. I was curious and started "liking" it myself so I could follow the transformation stories. I was also intrigued that is was a Christian based counseling weight loss program. I had resolved to myself that my age was what was keeping me from losing weight. I even had my thyroid checked. Of course, it was normal. I noticed a lot of Grace and Strength clients were of all ages! I thought, well, if these gals can do it, maybe I can be successful at it too? It was New Year's Eve weekend, and I called my niece who was currently on the program to inquire what the program was about. After finding out what I would be eating, I said, this was not the program for me. It would be too hard.
A few months later, I noticed my good friend had lost so much weight! She had struggled with her weight like me and I had to know what she was doing differently?! What was the secret to unlocking this weight struggle?! My mouth dropped when she told me Grace and Strength. After both these dear people to me said I should do the program, I decided maybe God was sending me a message. I made the call and jumped in, fear and all, determined this would be the last "weight loss" program I would try! If this doesn't work then I just wasn't meant to be a "skinny girl".
As the weight started to come off with Grace and Strength, my heart became heavier. I knew then, God had other plans for me. For 5 years, I had been struggling with unforgiveness, bitterness and lack of self control. I let those sins determine how content I was in my life. If I was having a good day, I ate or celebrated. If I was having a bad day, I ate, only to be left empty and feeling worse about myself. I had so many blessings in my life, yet nothing satisfied my hunger or gave me joy. My self esteem had hit an all time low and I knew "part" of my problem was my weight. I so desperately wanted to be the "skinny girl", hoping that would make my husband adore me more.
After reaching my weight loss goal, I realized God was wanting me to run to Him to satisfy the deepest hungers of my heart! He already adores me for who I am! That's freedom! What I hadn't expected to receive from the program was the work Christ had done to calm my heart. I began to stop looking and criticizing others faults and addictions and began to see my own addictions and sin towards food. It made me realize how hard it is to break an addiction or stronghold. God slowly began to soften my heart to others and realize, we all struggle with something. My something was food.
I was comparing sins only to be blinded by my own. Exactly where Satan wanted me, stuck and alone. I had wanted freedom for so long! Jesus had been waiting for me and Grace and Strength was the tool God used to break my heart. Not only did God use a weight loss program, he also used my coach, Allison Zimmerman. She was the right person for me at the right time in my life and God knew that all along! After losing 35 pounds, my journey has just began. Sugar, gluttony, unforgiveness and fear are the tools Satan used to keep me from being the woman Christ made me to be. No longer will I be a slave to those things! I'm excited for the new journey Christ has set before me!
* Individual results may vary.
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