Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I am struggling with something and I dont really have anyone else to talk to about it so I am hoping that you have some words of wisdom for me. My sleeve is working great and I am following all of my doctors orders (except 64ounces of fluids-just cant get them in). So what is the problem...I am proud of my self. I am proud of how I look. Now keep in mind I still have a ways to go but from where I started I just feel like I look good. I do not want the devil to have a foot hole here you know what I am saying!!! I praise God that He has seen me through the surgery and recovery but I need to attribute my success to Him and I need to find a way to use this YES EVEN THIS, for His glory.

Would love your thoughts.

Blessings,

Annette

I've heard the best way to overcome self absorbed behavior and thoughts is to look to others who are needy and volunteer. If you are feeling so much better about yourself and have more energy what better thing to do with your gift of better health? Also, remember the people in your life who loved and supported you, even when you were overweight.

Congratulations on your weight loss and I hope you have continued success!!

I think that this is a definite blessing and it is okay to be proud of it.. I liked what the other person responded below and think that we too can help others in our prior state physically and others in general. Keep up the good work.

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I am struggling with something and I dont really have anyone else to talk to about it so I am hoping that you have some words of wisdom for me. My sleeve is working great and I am following all of my doctors orders (except 64ounces of fluids-just cant get them in). So what is the problem...I am proud of my self. I am proud of how I look. Now keep in mind I still have a ways to go but from where I started I just feel like I look good. I do not want the devil to have a foot hole here you know what I am saying!!! I praise God that He has seen me through the surgery and recovery but I need to attribute my success to Him and I need to find a way to use this YES EVEN THIS, for His glory.

Would love your thoughts.

Blessings,

Annette

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I am struggling with something and I dont really have anyone else to talk to about it so I am hoping that you have some words of wisdom for me. My sleeve is working great and I am following all of my doctors orders (except 64ounces of fluids-just cant get them in). So what is the problem...I am proud of my self. I am proud of how I look. Now keep in mind I still have a ways to go but from where I started I just feel like I look good. I do not want the devil to have a foot hole here you know what I am saying!!! I praise God that He has seen me through the surgery and recovery but I need to attribute my success to Him and I need to find a way to use this YES EVEN THIS, for His glory.

Would love your thoughts.

Blessings,

Annette

Good afternoon:

Yes, the enemy of our soul will use anything to take our eyes off of HIM.

When I first gave my heart to Jesus, an older missionary couple, warned me that s was going to throw the book at me and dredge up each and everything that I had done in my life and flaunt it in my face. They told me that when this kind of thing comes up just keep repeating: " It is under the blood."

Jesus, when He was being tempted, said: Get thee behind me satan.

It IS difficult and I truly understand where you are coming from.

In HIS name.

Annette,

When I read your post, it comes across to me that you are saying you feel really good about the outcomes you're experiencing as a result of getting the sleeve - you wanted those results and they are hard-earned. Feeling good about oneself is different from thinking that you are better than someone else as a result of your weight loss. The first is a sense of well-being and feeling excited. The other is being haughty and that is sinful. If we come from a place of gratitude, it can keep the pride in-check.

I agree with KabinKitty that volunteering is a good way to focus on others. I also believe that you can use your prior weight issues as a springboard for demonstrating compassion toward others regardless of their type of challenge(s). Most of my life I was thin and could not identify with those who were challenged by their weight. I never thought I could become overweight, much less obese. While I hate it, I also know that it has made me more compassionate and less judgemental/harsh in my thoughts toward others who have a variety of challenges in life. I choose compassion.

My mother was the most wonderful Christian woman and she used to tell me, "It doesn't matter what happens to you in life as much as what you do with it. We all can control our responses and reactions to what life gives us." In my book, she was right! My life is richer when I react with gratitude and respond to othes with compassion.

Since you are willing to use your experiences for good (being the clay), the opportunities to do so will come to you (from the Potter).

I hope this helps. :angel:

Thank you all for your kind and very thoughtful responses!

i feel proud of myself for the work that i have done. i dont feel guilty for feeling this way, for God is the one who gave us this ability to lose the weight to be healthier. i dont believe it is a sin to be proud of yourself doing well. you are proud of your children when they do something good arent you? do you feel guilty or sinful about feeling pride in your children? i would hope not. i agree with veda, this is a feeling of accomplishment, and not a feeling that you are better then others, there is a huge difference. as long as you arent being vain, i think you are doing wonderfully

You are honoring God by making light of where you are at.. my point is by you realizing this and not wanting to become vane, that is not pride that is accomplishment. Big difference.

Remember to stay humble and know that it is a gift, not to be taking lightly.

You look awesome. I can not wait to be sleeved!!!! Congrats!