The Most Undervalued Tool for Health: Community
One of the things I am passionate about is that many overweight and unhealthy people need to simply start their health journey. We are on a journey to become healthy, and it is a downright war sometimes to get through this difficult time.
We should never travel this road alone. Being in a community of like-minded people is critical.
Before I describe how I found community and why it meant so much to my health journey, I must first describe my life before.
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Alone. Every time I ever tried to lose weight I did it alone. Because I kept getting larger and larger, I was embarrassed, so I ended losing contact with all my high school and college friends. Then, as my years of ministry progressed, I cut myself off from former friends because I would go to battle with my obesity and lose 100+ pounds only to gain it back and get bigger.
At the age of 40, I found myself in a small group of people in my church who were loving and caring. We laughed together, cried together, and did life together. I still follow them on Facebook, see them occasionally and appreciate them for the part they played in the very beginning of my journey. It was from their friendships and encouragement that I felt the desire to try again to change my life. They were some of the leaders in my church who allowed me to take a leave of absence to go on Biggest Loser.
My need for others was one of the greatest and unexpected lessons I learned while I was on Biggest Loser. I was picked for a reality game show where 22 contestants were chosen to compete against each other to lose weight. I expected people to be cutthroat, competitive, and callous. Now I'm not suggesting that on our season of Biggest Loser there was no game play, and certainly it was competitive. But I can truthfully say that the contestants were crucial to my inner transformation. They became family and still are.
In an article entitled "The Best Way to Lose Weight: Strength in Numbers" published by Reader's Digest, it was stated from study after study that people involved in support groups are more successful at losing and maintaining their weight. They state, "Studies show that having support enhances self-control and self-esteem and provides motivation to keep going strong."1
Not only do studies support my experience but also in looking at God's Word, we find scripture sets forth the same premise. This passage from Ecclesiastes is one that I had read many times but only in the last few years realized the depth of its' meaning.
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Let's take a moment to unpack this very descriptive passage on why linking with others makes us stronger.
1. We help each other succeed.
I think most everyone can agree with this statement. They can help each other succeed (v.9). It does not matter what area of life we are trying to improve we can do better with the help of others. Whether it be marriage enrichment, grief recovery, alcoholism, drug addiction or an eating disorder, we have a much better chance of addressing the issue successfully when we have the support of a group.
2. We pick each other up when we fall.
One of the greatest truths I embraced the last four years is that there are times I'm going to fail. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble (v.10). The difference is that I used to fail every day to eat healthily, now most of the time I make good choices. When I'm struggling, I turn to the support of others that are around me who help me get back on track.
3. We battle and conquer together.
A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer (v.12a). This picture is simply one that makes you want to take up the fight for your health. I often speak of our struggle with weight as a "health journey" and truly it is. On our health journey, there are simply moments, hours and even days of fighting to get our lives back. It is a battle to change from unhealthy living to healthy living. Fighting this fight alone seems impossible at times and honestly I could not win alone. I tried and failed.
It didn't matter what program I tried; my mistake was trying to make this journey alone. I thought my answers were to be found in gastric bypass (twice), diets and even a gym membership, but I didn't partner with anyone else to help me overcome. From the Biggest Loser show until now I have a team of people around me that are helping me to succeed.
4. We are stronger and less likely to fail.
Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken (v.12b). When we stand together fighting for each other, encouraging one another and holding each other accountable for our actions, we find a sense of community that infuses the foundation of our life with hope and strength. I could introduce you to person after person who has worked with our ministry the last few years who have found the strength to change.
We can do this together.
Community is foundational for the Christian life. It is also one of the foundations of the RetroFit Challenges, Faith & Fitness Retreats and overall ministry.
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1The Best Way to Lose Weight: Strength in Numbers | Reader's .., http://www.rd.com/health/diet-weight-loss/the-best-way-to-lose-weight/ (accessed September 28, 2014).
