“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. Philippians 4:13
These words have always been nothing more to me than a sweet reminder that Jesus is my biggest cheerleader! It wasn't until recently that I desperately needed to seek out the strength Jesus was offering. For the last few years, I have been on a wild rollercoaster to pursue a healthier lifestyle. As it turns out, specific health and lifestyle choices I have made in the past are the exact opposite of what I currently need to be doing!
The workout world has led women to believe that to fit into the image of being the ‘perfect’ woman, we are not really allowed to eat and we have to work out as hard as possible! If you, as a woman, do not feel comfortable wearing only a sports bra and a pair of leggings, you have more work to do at the gym! Women will take desperate measures to look their best even if they do not necessarily feel their best. Our culture has forgotten that skinny does not equal healthy.
Let me remind you that your self-worth is not contingent upon the number you see on the scale or what false image you see in the mirror.
I learned these truths the hard way. My reality consisted of pushing myself to run an extra mile or do a high-intensity workout every day of the week while simultaneously following an intermittent fasting eating schedule. This went on for over a year until one day I just could not do it anymore. I was unable to workout without feeling chronically fatigued and I was dizzy all the time which led to the discovery that my blood sugar was out of whack. My body felt like it was falling ‘out of shape’ and there was nothing I could do about it.
A doctor confirmed I was living with an adrenal crisis. My adrenal glands, the glands that regulate metabolism, immune system, blood pressure, and respond to stress, were completely worn out. I had to learn how to surrender going on long runs and completing HIIT workouts. I had to begin to repair my body with proper nutrition and rest.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. Philippians 4:13
This new reality was an extremely difficult transition. I was not ready to give up the workout methods I had grown to love. I spent day after day begging the Lord to give me some sort of direction and the endurance to continue. It has only been within the last few weeks that I have officially said goodbye to running. But He did not leave me high and dry. The Lord has led me to a new outlet that aligns with my husband's hobbies. Biking and weight training have been a fun way for me to move my body without over-exacerbating my ability.
These are hobbies that Dylan has loved for many years and now is something we partake in together. I truly believe the Lord has manifested His strength through Dylan. My wonderful husband has embraced this new lifestyle with open arms. He has been so willing to make the same nutritional changes, not because he has to, but because he wants to assist me on this healing journey. Dylan has been given the necessary endurance to carry me through this challenging situation. I am forever grateful the Lord has used this man to remind me that I can do all things through Him who strengthens me!
Until next time, sister in Christ,
Abby