Facing Your Lion

Just over a year ago, I was struggling with my weight and health issues, particularly my back and joints. I woke up one morning and could not move. I could not roll to the other side and could hardly breathe, let alone pick up my 5 month old son. It was pain beyond description. My husband was home, gratefully. We waited. It got worse. We ended up having to call an ambulance because when he tried to lift me…well, let’s just say that wasn’t going to happen. It turned out that I had a chipped vertebra and five slipped disks on top of the problems I already had. Long story short: when you mixed all this together, my entire abdomen spasmed and torqued itself for quite some time.

Following this experience I had some humbling months where I had to rely on others to care for my son, home, and self. I was just coming out of post-partum depression and this just kicked it right back into full gear. I am truly glad that chapter of my life is closed now. However, I cannot help but sing praise for this lion in the middle of my path I had to fight fearlessly to move on and continue my journey with God.

On this day, July 17, in 2009 I made a list of resolutions for myself (yes, you can made those outside of the month of January). I feel like I'm finally starting to live this one, almost four years later: "Love yourself! In that, you love God! What power self-esteem holds! Embrace it, love it, spread, and share it! This includes taking care of the beautiful mind, body, and soul The Lord has blessed you with! Rejoice!" You can tell I wrote this for myself--lots of exclamation points. That’s how I remember things! With! Lots! Of! Exclamation!

Holding me back from becoming the woman God was calling me to, was my health. I disregarded its importance and looked upon my body as something to be used for the purposes I desired. I respected it in many ways, but as far as maintenance and upkeep, I had to idea of its value. There is a reason that God created our bodies with a need for sleep, proper nutrition, and exercise. There is a reason we do not feel well not just physically, but mentally and spiritually,  when we neglect these things. We can pray all we want, we can reach for God. He will reach back. He will care for us. But, He also expects us to care for ourselves. This enriches our relationship with him in so many ways.

I began my journey to a new and healthy me: a new creation that serves His kingdom more joyfully, efficiently, and gratefully. If health is holding you back, I ask you: why? Are gluttony and sloth the anchors tied around your neck? If not, what is written on the anchors that are tying you down? What is holding you back?

Fear not the Lion in your path. Face it fearlessly.

Need more support and encouragement? Look no further than the Living Word. Read about Daniel in the Lion’s Den here.