June 2, 2012

I was talking to a friend of mine about body image yesterday.  Coincidence?  Probably not, considering it was on my mind all day yesterday.  It's funny how something sticks in your head and you can't get it out. This friend happens to be my physician.  She was taking stitches out of my arm for a minor cyst and we got to talking about weight and the complications it brings to our health.

She confessed that she had a goal weight that she would love to meet.  I have one too but haven't been that motivated to kick it into gear.  After a cholesterol check that showed my genetics are exactly as my mother's, I decided it was time to become healthy. I don't want to obsess about weight or try to be something God doesn't want me to be, but the fact is that 10 pounds would really help.  As we were talking, I realized that we should partner up and pray.  Didn't I just say that in the morning?  Of course I did and who brought that forward in my mind, God, of course.  So, that's what we are going to do.  We are going to encourage one another.  This is not about looking like a model; it's about being healthy and taking care of the vessel God gave us.

As I woke this morning, one more beautiful element came to mind.  Why don't we do this with God in mind along with the starving children in Africa.  I don't know if any of you in other countries are struggling with obesity but the US definitely is.  And, I'm not talking a few pounds.  We are either super skinny or really heavy.  There doesn't seem to be much in between.  So, I got to thinking that if each of us has 5, 10, 30 pounds to lose we could donate money as we meet our goals.  Can you imagine what that would mean to starving children all over the world.  Ten dollars might not be that much but times that by 1000 and what do you get?  Lot's of children being fed.

If this challenge touches you and you are looking for a reason to get healthy with God, then think about donating as you lose.  Anyone can shed a few pounds for their health but few will donate funds to help needy children.  We shouldn't have children starving anywhere, and yet, we do.  I may hate to go to the grocery store every week, but I always have food on my table and my belly is always full.  Not everyone has that luxury.  

I hope today inspires you the way my conversation with my friend inspired me.  This is about us doing something good, not just for ourselves but for others.  I will let you know how I am doing periodically on this journey and I hope you join me in doing something for Jesus.  He calls us to take care of His people.  Thankfully, we can do it while taking care of ourselves.

Jeremiah 23: 4 NIV84

    I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing," declares the Lord.

Matthew 4:4 NIV84

    Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"

Let's take this challenge and become shepherds of Christs' flock.  Let's be aware of the bread we eat and the needs all around the world.  There are those out there that need food to eat and there are those that eat too much.  I pray that the word of God would speak to the hearts of men and women and that we would become the caretakers of His people.  

My prayer today:

O, Lord You continually amaze me.  I am so thankful to have a God that loves His people.  You nurture us, You feed us and You help us in all our struggles.  I think I am most amazed when I wake up and You are the first thing I think about.  You are so near to me and I am so blessed.  Thank You for putting in my head this new challenge.  I want to be a woman that does things for You Lord and I know my health and the health of other women is important to You.  We have a journey and a purpose to be fulfilled and the only way we can do that is by putting You in the middle of our lives and taking care of the vessel You gave to us.  With that, I am taking on Your challenge and I hope women all over the world will too.  The children of Africa and other nations are Your children and You love them just as much as You love me.  So, I am going to vow to You to get healthier and as I do; I am going to donate funds to those less fortunate in the US and around the world.  Hunger doesn't have to be a part of life.  Thank you for blessing me with these thoughts and for blessing me with the funds to help others in their hour of need.  I pray this challenge goes around the world and that millions are fed through it.  You are the power behind my words.  Thank You for being a Father of all nations and I pray that many will come to You as they hear Your word.  In Jesus name, AMEN

Until tomorrow...