You need to lose some weight? Go on the World Race.
I’m partly kidding (even though I have lost about 12 pounds this year), but losing weight is more than just physical.
When we think of “body issues” we usually think of teen girls, anorexia, dieting… the list goes on. What most people don’t realize though (or at least don’t say out loud) is that these issues apply just as much to guys in today’s society, albeit on the opposite extreme as females.
For a good chunk of my life I followed and tried to conform to the world’s view of what I should look like. I had to have the biggest muscles, run the fastest, have the latest shoes, etc. and when I got to college it only got worse and played a part of the downward spiral that eventually led me to breaking (but then coming back to Christ).
In other words, this is something I dealt with for years, and I felt that I could never share my “issues” with anyone because at the same time, men “aren’t supposed to show emotion;” so, I kept it bottled up as insecurities. Not anymore.
This is something I’ve been working on in myself for years and am continuing to fight even now to some extent. I don’t know if these insecurities will ever 100% go away, but I do know that I can honestly say now that, as I sit here in a coffee shop with muddy pants, paint in my beard, and thinner than I’ve been in a long time, I’m fully secure in my identity in Christ; and that’s why the World Race is about weight loss.
Sure you can lose physical weight on the race (especially with eating sooooo much rice), but you even more so will lose spiritual weight. This past year has been vital in overcoming insecurities, overthinking/worry, and other issues I’ve dealt with. Through pouring into God, community and personal growth, this year has been so refreshing in renewing my mind, body and spirit.
The thing is though, that you don’t have to go on the World Race to take the next step in your own weight loss. There are so many opportunities around you and online and all it takes is for you to step out and say yes to stepping outside your comfort zone and shedding those few extra pounds whatever they may look like.
Jesus says in Luke 9:23, “…if anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.”
This is a daily process and won’t come easy; after all, we have to deny ourselves; but, I can tell you it’s worth it. Push yourself, even if that looks like baby steps for now.
I believe in you.
God Bless!
-Ben
P.S. There are so many resources online and in apps. One of the coolest is Soulcon, a fitness/community app for men. Post a comment or shoot me a facebook message if you’re looking for recommendations.
