Wellness Journey Update

 

In early April 2020, I decided to take better care of my health.

Actually, the decision was made on January 1st, 2020. It just took me time and a month of lockdown in my basement to get me to do something about it.

My focus was to care for myself physically, emotionally/mentally, and spiritually. In the first year of the journey, I saw some significant changes. I dropped nearly 60 pounds of weight, reduced back pain, and began sleeping through the night for the first time in my adult life!

I also did some great work with my Christian therapist to strengthen my mental health. I began deepening my walk with Christ through strengthening devotions and intentional mentoring.

As I experienced these blessings, my hope was to pass along these blessings to others. I became certified as a DDPY Fitness Level 1 Instructor and a FastTrack coach. 

While there were blessings, there were also challenges. Particularly in the area of whether my involvement in particular exercise programs was appropriate as a follower of Jesus, due to its similarities to yoga.

I would be drawn into the debate, both in person and online. As a Christian leader, my deepest desire is for church unity around the message and mission of Jesus and to not become distracted or resentful of brothers and sisters in the Lord over disagreements.

In early October I made the decision to step away from DDPY Fitness, both in an official capacity and as my personal workout program.

My decision came as I was studying the pastoral letter of 2 Timothy:

'Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. '

I met with the leadership of the DDPY certification program. While they were sad to see me go, they were incredibly respectful of my decision. I am grateful for their understanding. I have notified my church elders and other leaders about this decision. They were grateful for my commitment to pursuing love and unity in the church.

As a pastor, I live my life on display. I always hope to be able to echo the words of the apostle Paul, "Follow my example, as I follow Christ."

As I've prayed about the next steps of my personal wellness journey I was led to start with an apology.

If I have caused any arguments or quarrels over my choice of exercise, I am truly sorry and ask your forgiveness.

If I have caused any Christian to stumble and become involved in a traditional version of yoga, I am truly sorry and ask for your forgiveness.

I am truly sorry for any resentment that I have allowed into my heart over the arguments of my exercise and ask for your forgiveness.

I want to start the next phase of my wellness journey fresh and renewed. I want nothing between any brother or sister in Christ!

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." James 5:16

What's Next?

I've been checking out different workout programs that I can still do from home, at the gym, or on the road. I believe I have landed on the one that I'll be using. I signed up for an app called MuscleBooster. It builds a custom program based on goals and current activity levels. It combines High-Intensity Interval Training with weights and other equipment. It has a lot of movement to get the heart rate up to burn calories. In the few workouts I've tried, I have really worked up a good sweat!

I will also be updating my REV IT UP Facebook page to reflect my new wellness journey. It will take a few days to get it up-to-date, but I hope you'll join me there as I continue to share about physical, mental, and spiritual wellness.