For many years, I have personified the stereotypical man, not going to the doctor, continuing to ignore my overall health. The last time I made an appointment to see a doctor—1989. The rude awakening came to me when I went to my niece’s wedding in mid-November. I had no stamina and could only walk about 900 feet before I was completely out of breath and had to stop to rest. I even had to rent an electric cart to get around the San Antonio Zoo. I am only 57 years old. I should not be in such a diminished state of health.
Something had to be done, changes had to be made, hard changes to redeem my health. I was given the opportunity to attend a lifestyle center near Chattanooga, Tennessee.
While there, I was given a wholly plant-based diet, received hydrotherapy treatments, and exercised regularly. I was only there for 25 days, but what a difference. My insulin was reduced from 300 units a day to 15. Yes, fifteen! I lost 22lbs. I was able to get off all my blood pressure medications and greatly reduce other medications. Even more, I was finally able to walk 5,000-7,000 steps a day without being short of breath.
This experience has been hard: committing to a plant-based diet, regular exercise and fasting once a week.
Likewise, in planned giving, we often must make drastic changes and do the hard things—things we often do not want to think about—like completing estate plans. Perhaps you have not looked at yours for years, but if you start, God will richly bless your efforts.
For help in doing the hard things, please contact James Petty at jpetty@afmonline.org or by phone at (269) 473-5001.
