Be Still

Recently, I completed a Whole30. If you have never heard of Whole30 you can read more about it here: Whole30. The reason I chose to do the Whole30 was because I had developed some health issues which needed to be addressed. The Whole30 is a 30-day nutritional reset for your body during which you abstain from all types of sugar and sugar substitutes, grains, legumes, soy and dairy. For a person like myself who is a carboholic this was huge! Actually, it was almost overwhelming to think about how new and different my eating habits would be. I knew I needed to do something because I had reached the point where I was not feeling well, battling brain fog to where I felt like I couldn’t put complete sentences together, feeling nauseated every morning, and lethargic because of not sleeping well.

One of my other drivers in doing the Whole30 was the intended result of weight loss. As I have shared before, I have struggled with weight all my life. I have tried various diets, programs, prescriptions and I would have good results for about the first two weeks and then fall off the wagon. While the Whole30 is not designed as a weight loss program, many people find they lose a significant amount of weight on the plan.

I also decided to visit a doctor that my cousin recommended, because I have seen the incredible results she has achieved by working with him. Before I went to see the doctor, I had already planned to do a Whole30 and had even recruited my family to join me. On my first visit to see the doctor I knew he wasn’t just an ordinary doctor. After taking some tests and sharing some history he asked me if I would try something for thirty days. My response was “As long as it is legal.” (My sense of humor) He assured me it was and asked if I ever heard of Whole30. Imagine that! I shared with him that whatever he told me today, I planned on incorporating the Whole30 into my lifestyle.

In reality, God was already preparing my heart for this journey with Him. One of my complaints for years has been that I don’t know when I am full. I don’t feel that sensation people get when they have eaten a full meal, so I just keep eating. Dr. John went on to explain that it made perfect sense because I had my gallbladder removed twenty-nine years ago, and I don’t digest food in the same way as those who have a functioning gallbladder. My brain doesn’t receive the signal. Wow! It was like a party going off in my head! For all these years when I have tried to explain this to various other doctors, they shrugged me off and told me I needed more will power, or they pawned a prescription on me. Now I had an answer as to why I felt this way. Dr. John recommended some organic supplements and doing the Whole30. I’m not going to say I wasn’t a little skeptical, but I knew I had to do something different.

I began my Whole30 on September 17^th. Two weeks prior, I had started the organic supplements. One of the first things I learned about myself was how addicted I was to carbs. I was a grumpy girl at first, and not a whole lot of fun to be around. I would find myself spending tons of time in prayer, reading scriptures, journaling and being by myself because I didn’t want to be around anybody. I knew Hubs loved me no matter what, and he has been so incredible on this journey showering me with love and encouragement. I was in a place, however, where God needed to deal with me one on one and could begin to unwind my vulnerable heart.

It was in this place I learned the Whole30 begins with food, but leads you to a place that is deeper than you can imagine. God doesn’t want part of us, He wants all of us. We are created to be physically, emotionally and spiritually well. When we are hurting in any one of these areas, we can function but it doesn’t mean we are well. This year continues to be a journey as God works on these areas in my life, but I am grateful for such an attentive God. God is a personal God who knows our personal needs.

I don’t claim to have it all together or to have all the answers, but I know who does. God! God has been fighting for me for a long time. God is fighting for you! One of the first scriptures God led me to as I was searching for peace was Psalm 46:10: “Be Still, and Know that I am God.” (Yes, I realize this isn’t the whole scripture) I’m not a Bible scholar nor do I pretend to be, but I love the fact that “Be Still” comes from the Hebrew word raphah and means: to be weak, let go, release, surrender.  Isn’t this where every victory begins? Our victory comes from allowing ourselves to be vulnerable to God, releasing our power and obtaining God’s power, and surrendering our hearts to Him.

Is there an area in your own life God wants you to give over to Him? It may not be a struggle with food, but maybe it is about your job, kids, money, fears or your future. Over the next few weeks, I will continue to share my journey and the results of what God is doing in my life. I would love to hear about your journey as we all learn to “Be Still”.