Yes! It’s such a simple word but yet so difficult to say sometimes. As I look back at each significant stage of my life, I realize it only happened because I said yes. A personal relationship with Christ began with a yes. Marrying the love of my life, started with her saying yes! After feeling that God was changing the direction of my life after high school from medicine to ministry, I finally gave in and said yes. The response to 3 different church positions started with a yes. Today I celebrate another yes.
I shared today on FB and IG live, the story of my yes, but I wanted to write it out. In 2017, I found myself pretty broken in my health. You see I have struggled with food addiction most of my life. Although I would have never admitted it, I used food as a reward. I would have a good workout, and run through the drive-thru for a treat. I know you have never done that!! Food also was a way I dealt with disappointment and sadness. It became a safe place for me. That temporary feeling of “good”, lasted about 10 minutes and then shame and guilt came in. Yet I stayed stuck in that cycle. I rode the roller coaster of unhealthy living for many years.
I had lost a good friend the year before to obesity. The entire year of 2017, I knew I needed to do something. I could have done something on my own, but I was paralyzed. The lack of energy, tiredness, and overall feeling overwhelmed, kept me stuck. I was on a quick vacation in Mexico with my wife when I had a serious conversation with God about my current reality. I knew if I didn’t do something, I would have a short-lived life. We were on the beach when my wife had to make a call and left to go to the hotel room. While she was gone, I gave my yes to God. In January, I will do something. But acknowledged that I needed His help and the right vehicle to get me to freedom. I assumed my wife’s phone call was real estate, but it was the answer to the prayer I was making at that exact moment on the beach. Long story short, she was connecting with the people that would become our health coaches. I sure wish all my prayers were answered that quickly. When we got back home and as it got closer to Christmas, she told me about the call and the program that could help me. For Christmas that year, she bought my first kit!
That first yes, led me to the answer I so desperately needed. I not only lost 76 pounds but found the accountability I needed to pursue a journey of health at age 54. I found a community that celebrates you and empathizes with your struggle. I found a proven nutrition program that I could do once I reached my goal. And lastly, I was able to reset daily habits that have led to consistency. Recently, I loosened up those habits some and gained about 15 pounds back. I’m thankful that all I have to do is say yes again and jump back into the program. I’m happy to say that in 4 days, I’m down 5 pounds and feeling better. I don’t write this for my benefit, but for yours.
What yes are you thinking about? It may have nothing to do with health. Maybe it has to do with your relationships or even something God is asking you to do. Maybe it is to offer forgiveness or ask for forgiveness. All I can tell you is there is freedom on the other side of your yes. Nothing changes unless something changes. Don’t let fear, other people’s opinions or past failures get in the way of your yes. Say it out loud, YES! Begin some action steps. Get an accountability partner and move toward your goals. I sure don’t regret the yes. And I am convinced, neither will you!
With your yes, you can experience:
*Personal Growth
*Positive Mindset
*Empowerment
*Overcome Fear
*Joy and Fulfillment
It’s not about saying “yes” to everything, but rather about embracing opportunities that align with your values and contribute positively to your life! Go ahead and say it, YES!
