When I was pregnant with my son, I was determined to have a natural delivery. If at all possible I didn’t want any drugs, no epidural, and no episiotomy. I can still remember it all. I did have to have a medication to stop from vomiting. Apparently, my body reacts to severe pain by vomiting. Who knew?!! I can still hear my mid-wife saying, both your heart rates are going down so if you don’t push him out this time, we will have to do an episiotomy. What?!! Oh no you didn’t just say that word!! I was once again filled with a fierce #determination this procedure would not be done. So I dug deep, pushed as hard as I could, and out came my baby boy. I was ever so relieved.
Once he was out, a new determination built inside me. If it was ever in my power, no one would hurt this child. It was the first time I ever felt and I ever said…if it comes between my life and his, take mine. Save him.
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends”—John 15:13
In doing the Bible study Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst I’ve had to stop and really think about my physical health. If my one statement of “save him” were true and it was in my means to “save him” or any other member of my family, would I be in shape to be able to medically save them? Would I be able to recover from a procedure in order to save a life? Would my blood tests warrant my being able to save a life?
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” —1 Corinthians 6-19-20
I’ve marked on my drivers license that I would like to donate my organs should I die. But, would my pieces and parts be donate-able? Or would they just be scrap heap and of no use to anyone? Folks say that those who take their own life commit the most selfish act. But, aren’t we also guilty of being selfish when we do whatever we want just to satiate an unhealthy life style? And if it came down to being able to save another’s life and we could not, what then can we say to our brother, sister, child, friend? I’m sorry but this cigarette, this alcohol, this life of gluttonous eating was way more important than saving your life. You are medically unfit to save them due to your own choices.
I can honestly say that choosing a healthy lifestyle has not been my priority. In an “I can have it all,” whenever I want it world, I am guilty of making a lot of poor choices. The truth is I don’t have the strength on my own because I focus my eyes on me and what I want. I have to fall on my knees and embrace the strength only God can give when my flesh cries out for the things of this world. We are called to be warriors and stand against the enemy. How can we do that if a jelly doughnut makes us weak in the knees? No, this is not what I want for this life. If needs be, if called, I want to be able to lay my life down for another.
So, I ask…is your life more important than another’s? Have you ever loved so much that you would lay your life down? Could you sacrifice your desires for the sake of another? Someone did that for you. His name is Jesus. Are you saying your life is worth more than His sacrifice?
With a new #determination, taking my eyes off of myself and my excuses, I am challenging myself daily to fight the good fight and become the warrior princess I was made to be and if it be that I am called to help another, I will be fit to do it!! And, I’m not just talking about laying my life down. If someone needs help moving and I’m outta shape how can I help? I could go on and on, but I think you get the big picture. We were made to help one another. How can we do that, if we can’t even help ourselves by making the right choices?
Blessed to be Broken 
Great words of inspiration for me. Thanks!
You’re welcome Shantay!! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
hmmmm…you just shed a whole new light on being fit…I never thought of the fact that if I am not healthy and it came down to helping someone, would I be able to…thanks for the gentle reprimand and reminder that it’s not about me…truth sister, truth…<3 ya!
Thanks Dianna!! With my mom’s impending knee surgery coming up I had to stop and ponder my own capabilities. 🙂 ❤ ya too!!
The turn you took with this topic Trisha is SO worthy of thought. I loved this line and it was a zinger: “But, aren’t we also guilty of being selfish when we do whatever we want just to satiate an unhealthy life style? ” AMEN AMEN!!!! Your perspective brings about a much needed mental shift over here. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
🙂 Missy (Blog Hop Team)
Not the turn I was intending to take that’s for sure!!! Working out today it hit me like a flying brick to my head when I wanted to quit and then, there it was. I needed it just as much for myself!! Thanks for your kind words Missy 🙂
YES!! Keep that determination and claim the victory! Thanks for your inspiring story. Miriam at http://cravingsconfidential.blogspot.com
Thanks for stopping by Miriam and thanks for the encouragement!! Be blessed sister!!
Trish, what an interesting and important spin on what it means to be fit and healthy enough to serve others! Thank you for sharing your heart and challenging me to think in an even more selfless way! God bless you sweet sister on your journey!
Thanks Kristin!! May God bless you on your journey as well. We’re all in this together and I’m honored you stopped by 🙂