Hi friends! I’ll share a “Life lately: Cambodia” blog soon, but today I wanted to share a bit about a different life update – veganism!
I have been following a vegan diet since September. Originally, my reason for choosing veganism was about self-control. I was recently healed of allergies, and I noticed that I was growing less careful about what I was putting in my body. The extent of my allergies was frustrating; however, one aspect I was grateful for was how mindful I had to be about what I consumed. Because so many foods caused harmful reactions, I was aware of nearly every ingredient in the snacks and meals I ate.
*Side note: I am grateful for how awareness of consumption seeped into other areas of life, such as mindfulness of how my role as a consumer can contribute to slavery around the world or how media consumption can contribute to the flourishment or destruction of my mind. I recognize this is a big jump for a side note, and I will probably write more on this another time.
During our time in Costa Rica, K-squad spent several mornings learning about health of the body, mind, and spirit. As we discussed the importance of taking care of our bodies, and how physical health largely impacts mental and spiritual health, several squad members chose to do a sugar fast. I knew something about my diet needed to change, but I didn’t feel the same pull toward a sugar fast that my squad-mates felt. Truthfully, considering how much I love dessert, I was a little confused about why I didn’t share the sugar fast conviction.
Later, as I was talking to Jesus about the shift that needed to happen in my diet, he revealed a shift that needed to happen in my heart and mind, too. I developed mindfulness because of my allergies but not healthy self-control. Sure, I learned how to avoid certain foods, but the reason I did not eat them was avoidance of pain and fear of potential harm. Jesus was telling me that he wanted to teach me self-control in the way of truly caring for the temple Holy Spirit resides in, not just how to not harm it.
And so, while Marah and I were talking with Emma, K-squad’s resident vegan (to be sure, there is so much more to Emma than her choice of diet), we decided to join her in veganism for 40+ days. My reason for veganism, in that moment, was because I thought it would be fun.
Soon after I made the decision, I started reading in Genesis and felt the Lord invite me to spend some time with him in the Garden.
Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.” (Gen. 1:29)
I spent some time in this verse and asked Father if he was asking me to commit to veganism long-term. I was uncertain of his answer but eager to experience life – at least, this aspect of it – as if we were still in Eden. In addition to cultivating self-control and engaging in a fun experiment, my reason for veganism became Garden-living. Living on that which God intended for me, taking in what is meant to give me life.
I committed to a year-long season of veganism – what God has shown me is that he is eternally committed to sustaining me. To being my truest, most constant source of strength and energy. To providing all that I need all the time. To showering me with his abundance and showing me his delight to surprise me with how good he is.
I have really enjoyed the last several months of veganism. Sure, some months have been harder than others, but it has been exciting to witness the Lord providing strength for me in a similar way that he provided strength for Daniel and his friends (Dan. 1:6-17). It has also been a time to welcome God’s cleansing spirit – his renewal – in my heart and mind as well. I find that as I choose discipline in food consumption, discipline in that which I consume elsewhere begins to come more naturally as well. Discipline to set my mind on things above, to be a better steward of money, to put guardrails on conversations I engage in so that the atmosphere I take in has a positive impact on my spirit.
I fall short often. I eat unhealthy foods, I allow my mind to dwell on toxic things, I buy unnecessary things, and I engage in conversations that are harmful to my spirit and to the Kingdom. I fall short, and God picks me up, reminds me that I am covered by his grace, and allows me to continue pursuing holiness in him. He invites me to walk with him in his garden of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control.
