Waving the White Flag

Well, we finally did it. After years of trying to get our act together and figuring it all out on our own, us Conlees waved our white flag. We realized that, left to ourselves, we would never be able to get it right. If you’re a Highpointer, you know that Chris’s word for 2015 was health. At the beginning of the year, we were encouraged to choose one word and one habit to focus on for the year. Make it doable. Don’t try to fix all your shortcomings. Instead, narrow to one habit that could make an impact on improving your life.Chris’s habits were to journal his food and exercise four times a week. Right out of the gate, Chris knew that he needed a group of men to work out with to sustain his habit. I had been his workout partner for the last several years. Through a 5k, P90X, Shaun T and any other crazy person with a workout program, we did it together. In 2015, I got fired and replaced by a group of guys. Chris needed accountability and competition that was not from his wife. Now, he needs those other guys and they need him. Instead of carrying the tension of whether he worked out or not, I now enjoy hearing some of the jokes and laughs the guys have egging each other on.As the exercise discipline was solidified, it was time to tackle the food aspect. I have never been a chef, nor have I desired to be one… but I know how desperately Chris wanted to experience victory in his health. Our normal eating was relatively healthy, so I was stuck. It was time for me to throw in the flag of surrender. What was going to make this time any different from the last? An incredible woman who has walked through the same struggles as Chris – and had victory – offered to help. She had no idea what she was getting into! She has literally held my hand each step of the way, kept me from panicking over the thought of preparing one more healthy meal, and guided me through the landmines of eating while on vacation. I’m certain she regrets ever giving me her number, yet she never makes me feel that way. We never could’ve made it this far without her help and encouragement.We’re at the beginning of this journey, but I’ve already seen that the opportunity for sustained progress is possible this time because other people with gifts and skills we don’t have are helping us. Friends are sharing their talents with us. We didn’t join a gym or hire a cook. (There are many days I wish we could… especially the cook!) The body of Christ is working.I’m not sure what hurdle you’re trying to jump right now, but I encourage you to look around for people who have jumped that hurdle ahead of you and ask them for help. Needing to exit out of an unhealthy dating relationship? Don’t know how to tackle a parenting issue? Just received a health diagnosis and feel overwhelmed? God gave us the body of Christ for a reason. We each have a unique set of gifts for a reason. We’re called to be interdependent on one another. Look around and ask someone a step ahead of you for help.Let me know: How have you seen the body of Christ help you experience victory? Or, where are you stuck and need some help?