Hey friends –
When was the last time one of your greatest fears became a reality in your life?
I’ve been thinking about this after a conversation with a friend on the phone yesterday. She wondered if I ever allowed my weight struggle to get in the way of my calling.
Filming an important invitation for YOU!
Interesting that we were talking about this right after I came back from filming a video at my publishing house (we have a Red Hot Faith surprise for you coming soon!)
I could honestly say to this friend I am 100% walking in freedom and victory today — thank You, God.
But true confession: you may recall, I had a situation happen this summer that could have been a horrible setback — physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Y’all know for many years I believed the lie that worth is equal to weight. One of my greatest fear was being called “fat” again after being bullied for many years as a young girl.
My fear and intense desire to be thin nearly cost me my life. Literally. (Recap here)
After years of eating disorders, drug & alcohol addiction, and overall “stinkin’ thinkin'” —I finally have been experiencing freedom and victory in the area of self esteem and body image issues.
And then…this past summer.
I bumped into a former friend I haven’t seen since 2008.
Her first words, I kid you not—
“Wow, Cindy, you’ve gained weight.”
Who says that?!
I couldn’t even believe what I had just heard.
I smiled and played it off and did the small talk thing, and when we were finished chatting I sheepishly hopped back in my truck and said to myself —
“OK, what ya gonna do, girlfriend?”
Yes, I talk to myself this way sometimes. It works, try it.
Friends, I had a choice.
We always have a choice. Always.
I could allow those words —“Wow, Cindy, you’ve gained weight”— to trigger years of pain, hurt, abuse, addiction, horrible self talk, self-defeating behaviors, you name it.
Truth be told: the “old me” probably would have gone home and thrown up and starved myself for days.
Sorry. Just being real. We do that here.
BUT NOT THIS TIME.
Instead, I remembered one of my favorite quotes from Kelly Minter’s No Other gods Bible Study.
“Satan will tell us what’s true, but he never tells us the Truth.”
And I thought to myself…
- Yes, it’s true I’ve gained weight.
- Yes, it true when this friend saw me last, I was 25 pounds thinner than I am now.
- But yes, it’s also true, during that time in 2008, I was going to the gym twice a day, wasn’t teaching God’s Word regularly or serving or writing a blog or a Bible study or a book, and truth be told, I wasn’t experiencing tons of freedom or joy.
Yes, it’s true I’ve gained weight—
but the TRUTH is my weight is not equal to be worth, and the TRUTH is I am accepted, beautiful, chosen, delievered, enough, and in Jesus’ Name, I am free!
Sweet friend, we are meant to live FREE!
Y’all, what Satan could have used for a setback, I used as a powerful comeback to remind myself of the Truth of who God says I am.
And you know the reason I was able to do so?
I had made the pre-determined decision to fill my heart and mind with God’s promises.
Have you, friend?
If not, TODAY is a perfect day to renew your mind with TRUTH!
Are you currently memorizing Scripture? If so, jot your verse on an index card and then please share God’s promise with us.
If you are not currently memorizing Scripture, yippee! Let’s do this together! Why not print off this free downloadable/printable set of Red Hot verse cards, and then pick one to memorize.
1 John 3:1 (verse 1) is one of my favorites. What a powerful reminder that we are lavishly loved —today.
Not will be loved, used to be loved, could be loved, will be loved if you work harder, lose weight, find a man or get a job.
Sweet sister, you are loved!
Need a fresh reminder? Sing along with Matthew West’s powerful (and catchy) “nametag” song. You’ll have 1 John 3:1 stuck in your head in no time.
In the comments section, please say “I’m in!” if you will join us in memorizing one of God’s promises this week, and share what verse you are memorizing.
Bonus challenge: take a picture of where you are memorizing your verse and post it on my FB page here.
Here’s some samples from Red Hot Faith friends around the nation–
from Erin in North Carolina
from Laura in Canada
Thanks so much for stopping by! I love journeying with you, dear friend! May His Word burn like a fire in our heart and soul, and may we live as lavishly loved women today!
Sweet blessings
Hi Cindy, this is such a good post, I’m sharing it today. I relate to your struggle and I know I’ve both said hurtful comments and received hurtful comments like the one your “friend” gave you. Good for you, that you bravely examined the truth but rested in God’s grace. I’m learning to do the same!
I also want to say I am working on practicing self-control when I speak. I grew up in an atmosphere of sharing blunt, off-the-cuff comments, but I don’t have to continue it now. On a mission toward no more hurtful comments!