Kristen Grossman Prose

Will you forgive me if I take a Bible verse out of context? Lately, I have been listening to passages from James on my Audio Bible on my morning walks. I always find verses that especially resonate with me, and today was no exception. This morning, the words that came through loud and clear to prick my conscience were these:

“You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.” James 5:5

In this circumstance, James was condemning those who amassed wealth by cheating and abusing others. However, my ears interpreted these words much more literally. I don’t know about slaughter, but I have definitely been fattening myself. I have attempted to escape the reality of a global pandemic and charged political climate by hiding in my recliner with stacks of reading material and bowls of ice cream.

I have had the luxury of staying in my comfortable home, keeping safe and healthy, and satisfying my food cravings.

And it shows.

When I looked at family photos from the Fourth of July, it became glaringly apparent that I needed to make a change. We are experiencing an extraordinary time of confusion and upheaval in our country. However, life brings many trials, transitions, and uncertainties. If part of my coping mechanism is to let my health go, I’ve got a rough road ahead of me. Of course, God wants me to fill my mind with the spiritual nourishment that comes from reading His Word and praying. But also, He reminds us in Scripture to care for our bodies:

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Today marks two weeks since I started buckling down on caring for this earthly vessel God has given me. I have exchanged comforting pasta dishes and nightly desserts for the nutrient-packed fruits, veggies, beans, whole grains, and fish of a Mediterranean-style diet.

Furthermore, hour-long walks three times a week weren’t cutting it. So, I have added daily workouts to my regimen. (Check out Fitness Blender’s free workout videos here!) I have finally reached the point where I crave the post-workout high enough to motivate me to move my body. And, while I still desire a bowl of ice cream, the thought of my favorite fast-food meal of an In-N-Out Burger double-double with a side of well-done fries makes me slightly nauseated.

My new favorite post-workout smoothie: Kayla Itsines’ Strawberry Banana Protein Blast.

I’ve heard it said that it takes two weeks to form a habit. So, I am praying that I am on my way to maintaining a new lifestyle. One in which I am honoring God in the way that I care for my body.

^“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”  1 Corinthians 10:31

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of a strong and healthy body. Please help me to care for my body the way You intended. May I use it to honor and glorify You. Amen.

Dear friend, how do you take care of your body during times of stress and uncertainty? I would love to hear your strategies in the comments section. 💕