My “Gateway Drug”
We all have those experiences which we look back on and recognize as defining moments: times when life is never the same afterwards.
Maybe a birth or a death or a move.
Perhaps a relationship begins or we learn something new.
It could be a book you read that leaves you forever changed.
The phrase ‘gateway drug’ is commonly used with a negative connotation. I’d like to share a positive angle.
For me, some of these milestones in life include working at a local summer camp in my mid teens, going to college, marriage and parenting, and caring for my dad as he declined and passed.
Another more recent example would be my introduction to Plexus Worldwide. Before I partnered with this direct sales company 9 years ago, I was focused on weight loss and more than a little suspicious of network marketing. I was inwardly focused and very self conscious. I had a pretty solid faith in our medical system and saw health as the absence of disease rather than a vibrant way of life. If I got sick, I went to the doctor. If a new ‘health’ trend came by, I jumped on the bandwagon. If there was a new weight loss ‘miracle’ plan, I adopted it the best I could.
When I started using Plexus Triplex (for weight loss, of course!) I started rubbing elbows with people who saw things differently. They had an underlying mistrust of our medical system and were taking their health into their own hands. They took responsibility for their wellbeing. There was a wealth of knowledge for prevention of disease and more options than “go to the doctor” if something didn’t feel right.
More importantly, as my gut health improved, my mental health improved. The gut/brain connection is so strong! As I began to think more clearly, I had the ability to hear God’s heart on the subject of my body.
And, do you know what? I was wrong.
The Bible does NOT promote weight loss. Verses which I had heard explained as God expecting us all to have thin, flexible, strong, perfect bodies were taken out of context. I don’t have to lose weight for God to approve of me. I don’t have to be small to be valued.
AND,
I discovered that the world of direct sales is kinda cool. It’s a great way to have an additional stream of income. I have not paid full price for my Triplex since I started and now, I make enough to fully cover it as well as more for the family.
AND,
I see health as pursuing God and all that He has for me in this life. He is so good and he has good things in store for those who love him and are called according to His purposes. (Rom 8:28) That’s a fancy way to say that we are each created by our loving Father for a reason and joy comes when we fully pursue Him and press into the things He has for us.
I’ve been a Christian for a very long time. But the idol of weight loss had me distracted for almost as long. Thank you, Jesus, for your example and for patiently pursuing me in this area of my life.
I now have peace with food. I’m able to listen to my body. I have an increasing confidence in caring for my body. I see and hear others more. My purpose is to live as Jesus did more and more and more.
Plexus has truly changed my life. It has led me to learn and see health as much bigger than the number on the scale.
I am forever thankful that God used it to show me a better way.
