Dear Friends,
When I started this challenge, I had no idea what to expect. Would anyone participate? Is it really possible to talk about Food and Faith for 13 weeks? Would it be accessible to people who are just starting out trying to eat locally, as well as those who those who have been growing their own food for years?
I didn’t anticipate the way this would affect ME. I read each and every one of your comments. They come to my BlackBerry and I stop whatever I’m doing and read them. Let me tell you, they are so powerful. Often I find myself in tears, it’s almost as if God is speaking to me through each one of you.
I have struggled with my weight for about ten years now. By the time my first marriage ended in divorce, I was down to my lowest weight as an adult. I was living on cigarettes, Ramen cups, and totally stressed out because my now ex husband completely disappeared. It was a really dark time in my life. I wondered how God could let this happen to me, a lifetime Christian, a graduate of Christian schools who married her high school sweetheart, someone who was also from a good Christian family. How could someone I knew my whole life just abandon his faith, his parents, his friends and wife of five years, choosing to live a life on the streets and illegal substances?
Through a very supportive pastor, DivorceCare, and a great Christian counselor, I came to terms with what happened and realized that no matter what, God would never abandon me, and through that experience I came to a deeper understanding of what my faith meant to me. It was no longer head knowledge, it was also in my heart.
I met DH, and we quickly fell in love. I quit smoking and we went out to eat regularly. Before I knew it I had gained nearly 100 pounds. Yikes. For the past four years I’ve been trying to get rid of the extra weight. I’ll spare you the self-psycho analysis, but three weeks into this challenge I realized that I have not given this area of my life over to Christ. I eat what I want and drink what I want in the quantities I want. I have made some steps towards eating locally, because in my head I know it’s the right thing to do, but I haven’t internalized the spiritual reasons.
Thank you for helping me do that.
And now, for the fun part. The winner of last week’s challenge drawing is: Em, who blogs at Average Radical
I am so glad you did choose to bare your soul. Thank you. This is a great challenge because it is just that–challenging. Whether it is challenging the amount we eat, the sources of our food, or something else, it is good to allow our faith to soak into this area of our lives and change us. Thank you for allowing us to take this journey with you!
.-= Kelly @ quest for real food´s last blog ..giveaway reminder! =-.
What an honest post. I have no doubt that there is someone reading this that really connected with what you said! And isn’t God good? He had it all planned out, all along.
Hooray! Thank you for hosting this series. I’m ever so glad we stumbled upon each other.
And, baring your soul online can be amazingly refreshing. I’m sure there’s someone reading (as the pp said) who needs to see your words, your strength, your progress. We’re imperfect people on a perfect journey and you highlight that today.
.-= Em.´s last blog ..Rant: Deal Blogs =-.
Sharing something close to your heart is a brave act of courage, but when done freely can be a powerful personal growth experience.
I read you blog because I feel a connection with your words. It is no surprise, or shock, that you may be struggling with issues similar to mine. In that commonality we find a community ……. meaning we are never alone. Sharing your struggles will only give you strength to overcome them, but also provide a support structure of like minded and burdened people to take the journey with you.
As Parker Palmer says: “We are spiritual beings placed here on earth to have a human experience …..” Humans will struggle. We need one another to rise above our struggles.
Thank you for having the courage to share, Wendy
.-= Amy´s last blog ..these eyes =-.
Thanks, Amy. I’m glad that others can understand my journey. It definitely makes me feel less alone!