Gayle Smith

FAITH FORWARD Wellness Tools for Creating Change Gayle Smith

Faith Forward is a true story that reads like a novel, sounds like a journal, and ends with wellness tools. It is a response to the question from numerous people who knew me before I lost 107 lbs.: "How did you do it?" They expect me to say I had surgery, used diet drugs, or perhaps went on a strict diet and lived at the gym. Looking at the finished product, friends-and even family-have forgotten about the severe illnesses I struggled with through most of my life along with the weight. When I reveal "how" I shed the weight and survived much sickness and disease, they all react as if it was only a personal success, or a fluke. My process was similar to any of the quality health and nutrition plans that are based on eating well, increasing physical activity, and making lifestyle changes. The difference was how I brought my struggle completely to God, in addition to the above. The unique element was-and continues to be-seeing God and His promises above the conditions of my situation. My story and the methods on the pages that follow illuminate the possibilities that can become realities through faith. Readers will identify with the tragedy in my life that evolved into surrender and a distinctive serenity through Jesus Christ. This surrender: "God, I cannot do anything about my condition. If you do not help me, I shall surely die," paved the way for growth, direction, and change. This serenity (the giving of self) is not based on a church experience or denominational membership. It is based on forming and maintaining a relationship with the Creator of the universe through His Son, Jesus Christ. My journey began about illness and weight and ended with wellness objectives-finding an unexpected cure for all types of issues in need of refreshment or renewal. The wellness tools documented in this book help create change that encourages women when life's circumstances are discouraging, inspires them when they feel too tired to try again, and provides them with a process for building individualized action plans. Faith Forward (a non-denominational, Christ-centered book) teaches readers how to celebrate their body, mind, and spirit connections for abundant life.