Whitnee's journey with Christ

I was on the phone earlier texting my friend just giving her an update on my journey to good health, wealth, and fitness. Her response sent off all kind of sparks in my brain as I thought how this journey I am learning to embrace day by day is not all about me loosing weight but this is a sanctification and purification journey spiritually, physically, and mentally.

By Jamika congratulating me on my “walk to greatness” in her words, I couldn’t help but see the spiritual symbolism in those words. Take time to read the scripture featured above: 2 Corinthians 6:16-18.

I read something in a commentary that resonated with me. It read, “Maintaining good physical health is a stewardship responsibility that comes with our calling”.

Stewardship by definition means the job of supervising or taking care of something such as an organization or property.

So in essence we have to supervise or manage our bodies which is the Lord’s temple right?! We must be careful to take care of ourselves not only spiritually but mentally, physically, emotionally, psychologically, and more. God is entrusting us to take care of His temple and to conduct ourselves accordingly.

I’ll be the first to say I am low on the totem pole when it comes to fitness and all around healthy eating habits. I’m not the first one to grab a celery stick, avocado, carrot, or other fruit or vegetable. I sometimes venture to my old pal Little Debbie, I dap it up with good ole cookies and cream a time or two, and I used to visit the OG peanut butter and jelly aka PB&J about twice a week. I’m allergic to yeast but when I tell you it’s like Sara Lee artisan bread had a hold on me…the struggle is real sometimes!

It was easier for me to stay away from beer, liquor, and cigarettes than a good ole PB&J. It’s a shame because of my allergy to yeast it did harmful things to my body inside and out just like cigarettes do to people but it didn’t stop me. I played Russian roulette until I realized I was wasting money at the dermatologist getting meds that don’t work all because of what I put in my body.

My daddy used to say I was going to die with a fork in my mouth so on New Years Eve I decided it was time to prove daddy wrong. It was time for me to change my way of thinking, living, it was past time for me to regain discipline, self awareness, and it was time for me to start being a better steward of my body/ God’s temple.

Here is a comparison for you: sin is like junk food. It may taste good going down, it might give you a sense of fulfillment temporarily but before you know it, it strips us of our good nutrients, it can have destructive consequences if consumed too much or too frequently, and it can be toxic to our well being.

So some people may have the thought this is just a New Years Resolution, she had a little health scare but it will past, or other type shenanigans. I’m not doing a diet, I’m not setting unreachable goals, I’m not sharing any secrets (because it is no secret I’m tired of being unhealthy), I’m not committing to a certain fitness plan or meal plan, no I’m not doing anything that is going to set me up for failure in case I don’t reach a certain goal. I simply am being more structured and focused on the spiritual discipline to lead me to a life of good health, wealth, and fitness.

I’m human, I’ll back slide, I’ll probably see Little Debbie in my future BUT I WONT GET STUCK! If I fall off my “horse” I know how to dust the dirt off and get back up. One bad decision or one day in the future won’t mess up my day, week, month, or year. I had a nutty buddy on last Thursday and walked 2 miles to work it off. Because I know what it does to me and I know the fact it doesn’t do anything for me or these stubborn knees of mine, I made the choice to have new friends. So every night I’m talking to my friends orange, herbal tea, and water. Every morning I’m talking to matcha and turmeric and for lunch I’m talking to leftovers until I can say I am mentally, physically, psychologically, and emotionally strong to chat with my old homies.

So there you have it, I admitted I can be a food junkie from time to time, don’t hurt me. But so I can fill myself with some spiritual substance, let’s dig a little deeper into the Word.

2 Corinthians 7:1 reads, “Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

It’s time to detox ourselves! It’s time to cling to the promises of God that will help us lead to a more abundant life! It’s time to show ourselves grace and know that even when we backslide we serve a God who gives us a second chance. We have to stop selling ourselves short thinking because (oh I had this sip of liquor today I’m doomed to hell so I might as well drink daily) (well I know I shouldn’t have had sex because I’m not married so since I’m a “sinner” I guess doing it some more won’t hurt because I’ve already sinned)(I know I shouldn’t eaten this so I messed my diet up, I’ll try again next year). I’ve spoken before changing the way we think. Everyday is a new day. We must take it one day at a time.

I ask that each of you join me on this walk to greatness. Maybe fitness is not an issue for you, maybe better eating habits isn’t an issue…maybe it’s your desire to study God’s Word, refraining from using profane language, maybe you want to stop gambling, whatever it is that will help you be a greater version of you than you were on yesterday; I invite you to walk with me.

I asked Faith on yesterday will see by my accountability partner (thanks Janelle) while I am on my journey to good health because she is a certified Dietitian and a diabetes educator in the making and can hold me accountable to make sure my carbs aren’t too high, I’m eating enough protein, healthy fats, and all. She is an educator by nature and I’m blessed she will assist me (hopefully without a bill) so I can be a healthier, slimmer, more vibrant and confident version of Whitnee.”

Who could you get to be an accountability partner on your walk to greatness? Truly take the time to think about it and multiple persons stepping up to be a cheerleader, positive reinforcement, and strong support system to you while on your walk and even after you reach your personal goals (no matter how big or small) to encourage you to never give up. We might slow down in our results but we must keep it moving no matter how slow the pace as long as we head in the right direction.

So I want to end with a few tips:

• The first step is making the decision to make a change. Second step is to reach attainable goals and realize that God isn’t going to just do this for you, you have to put in work.
• You have to be committed and make an honest effort. Fast, pray, praise!!!! Show yourself grace!
• Take it one day at a time.
• Remember Rome wasn’t built in a day so you are not going to see instant results no matter what your walk to greatness is.
• If you fall of your path DON’T WORRY, get back to it.
• Change your mindset and tap into God’s power and use it for His good.
• Don’t be afraid to stir up the spirit.
• Good health is important and it is valuable to the temple of God.
• We can grow, we can overcome, we can achieve, we can achieve in the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.
• If you think you can achieve, you will!
• Don’t stand in your own way or the way of others by negative thinking or speech.

Today I challenge you to again join me on this walk to greatness and display the character of Our Creator when it comes to forgiveness, growth, grace, purity, and success. Desire to eat the best foods that will provide the best nutrients that will help us physically and spiritually while we strive to live more abundantly. BTW, I heard a lady talking on aisle 7 in Publix the other day, she said the best nutrients for our mind and bodies is the nourishment of God’s word! And it doesn’t have any carbs, saturated fats, or added sweeteners but you talk about vitamins for your soul that even the hottest baddies can’t resist!

Be blessed!