Almost a year into the adventure that is Chase Your Lion dot com and I am bursting with excitement about what the future holds.  The past year has truly been an adventure.  So, now that I’ve let you know that I’m doing great and life is awesome, I do have something to get off my chest.

When I was growing up I was the skinniest kid around.  My grandmothers thought I was unhealthy.  One made me take honey bee pollen which I had an allergic reaction to.  Through high school and college I was in great shape.  Then, something happened(I realize that many of you know what’s coming next because it happened to you).  I started putting on weight.

I shouldn’t be surprised as:

1. I lived next to a pizza place where I was on a first name basis with the owner.  “Jerry, this is Heath.  Ok, give me 15 minutes.”  He knew what we ordered…every….single…..night.
2. I once cleaned 23 Mountain Dew bottles out of my car which means I was drinking a LOT of Dew and being a slob.
3. There are rumors that I ate anywhere from 10-35 ice cream sandwiches in one night.  It was a prank.  I was only supposed to finish one box, but ….oh, never mind.
4. Every youth ministry outing consisted of fast food or pizza and soda.
5. I forgot the taste of water like Gollum forgot the taste of bread.

It hit when I got on the scale for my pre-shoulder surgery exam that I had crossed the 200 lb plateau.  Since then, I have run, gone to the gym, Power 90’d, bought a punching bag, met with a trainer, ate salad, given up soda, and, and, and….nothing.  Every time, I have hit the proverbial wall like an NBA rookie after 45 games. 

I sit here typing, weight unknown, knowing that this is a matter of life and death.

The weight gain has lead to snoring and sleep apnea(undiagnosed).  Since our move to SC, I have not once felt rested even though I have vegged out and slept in accordingly.  I have been extremely ill tempered at home.  I think my kids are calling me Oscar the Grouch behind my back. It’s frustrated because God has been doing such a new work in my heart and the NewSpring Leadership Conference(which I’m still unpacking in my mind) was a great challenge and encouragement to get closer to God.  I have been seeking Him and begging Him to do something amazing in our church.  I have been praying Sun Stand Still prayers.  Today(Wednesday), was breakthrough/eureka/lightbulb going on day.  I pulled up to the church praying for new people to come to our church and I just felt His Spirit say,

“I can’t transform your church until I transform you.”

I knew what He meant:  mind, soul, and body.  I told my wife about 10 minutes later.  I told one of my best friends at lunch(where I traded sweet tea for water.  Hey, it’s a start.).  I know many of you have heard this song and dance from me before, and I’m still Jolly Old Heath.  I guess the weight of it hit me today(seriously, no pun intended).  That it’s not about me.  It’s about someone who won’t be convicted by a message on holiness coming from a punk overweight gluttonous preacher.  But, if I can lay down what God’s calling me to lay down(the fork and excuses) then maybe they will lay down what God is calling them to(their life).  I don’t know, but it’s a start.

What’s holding you back?  Are you overweight like me?  Has your poor health(like mine) turned you into an ogre?  You’re not alone.  Join me.  Let’s do this.  Let’s believe that God can bless our exercise.  Let’s believe that God can restore our health.  Let’s believe that God can change a pastor and a city.  One pound and one person at a time.  You can’t chase a lion if you’re too fat to tie your shoes.  You can’t walk your daughters down the aisle if you’re not around.  Would love to hear your comments, thoughts, and encouragements.  Let’s get connected and do this thing!