In summer of 2015 I watched a lady in our church lose weight and I was struck by her posts on Facebook that talked about her growth in her relationship with Christ while losing weight. Wanting to know more about the Grace and Strength Lifestyle I poured myself into reading, researching, and talking with Grace and Strength staff. It was September 2015 when I made my first contact with Grace and Strength staff but I was not yet in a place of complete brokenness that allowed me to be ready for the program. Then, in March of 2016 after months of struggling trying to lose the baby weight I found myself reflecting on the freedom that Bekah from Grace and Strength talked about during our September 2015 phone call. Desperate for freedom I emailed Bekah and she contacted me again this time with my husband on the line to hear what the program consisted of. Hesitant even after talking with Bekah for a second time, it was my very supportive husband that looked at me and told me to go for it.

Today, by God's grace alone, I'm 40 pounds lighter but 100% more satisfied with body, eating habits, and my relationship with God. Grace and Strength has taught me many biblical truths as it relates to what God has to say about food and our bodies. Never before had I considered what God had to say about how I treat my body. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, God makes it very clear that are bodies are the temple and we are to honor that temple. Never had I thought of my body as his temple. As I started to make decisions with this in mind, I was amazed at how much easier it was to make good decisions as it relates to my eating and exercising.

I realize that I have a long road ahead of me to maintain my weight but Grace and Strength has given me the tools to be successful. But I hold tight to God's teaching found in 1 Corinthians 10:31, "so whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." I could not have done this without God. I realize that while the weight loss is great the wholeness I feel in Christ is far sweeter. As I move forward I can honestly say that I have treasured each moment of this journey and the people who I have met along the way.

~Leah

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* Individual results may vary.