The first picture was taken on July 18, 2008. The second was taken exactly one year later. Today, I’m in better shape, have more energy and confidence, and feel ready for just about anything life throws at me. One year ago I was burned out, depressed, and stuck in a coffin-sized rut.
What brought about these changes? Well, it was an anti-depressant that knocked me off high-center in May 2008. I hated the idea of going to a doctor and asking for a little white pill to help me with my mood, but my emotions finally got so unmanageable that I spoke with a psychiatrist friend who encouraged me to seek some help. I’m glad I did. I thank God for that little white pill.
In June 2008, I walked into Next Generation Crossfit to check it out. After one embarrassing workout I was hooked. Every workout nearly killed me, but I kept coming back. Notice how in this pic I look like I’m the only who has worked out!
In August 2008, I started to zone my diet. This helped me pick the right foods to eat and the correct portions in which to eat them. For whatever reason, The Zone diet clicked for me and I’ve found it very easy to follow. Once I got on The Zone, the weight melted off and I leaned out by October 2008.
Since then, I’ve continued to crossfit like crazy and follow the Zone. In March of this year I came off the anti-depressant and haven’t missed it. Crossfit has helped me to feel better physically, yes, but also emotionally and spiritually. God has used crossfit to make some huge changes in me. We wouldn’t be living in Austin trying to launch a church right now if the events I just described hadn’t occurred.
A special thanks goes out to Eric and Luila Barber at NextGen. They provided the environment, information, and encouragement I needed to make these changes.
All you preachers/church people who read my blog listen up! Here’s something I’ve been thinking about for months now and I’m still not sure what to do with it.
I’ve experienced more positive life change in myself and in others in the one year I’ve been doing crossfit than I’ve seen in twelve years of church work.
What do you think about this assertion? Assuming it’s true, why do you think it is so?
Telling Stories, Asking Questions, Learning Lessons
Regardless of what some might say, our physiology plays heavily into our psychology. I sensed the same, too, when I dropped 50 pounds a few years ago.
With my recent move, I’ve slacked of late. But your post today has given me a shot in the arm to get back into the swing of things.
Thanks bro!
I’ve received a shot in the arm as well. And having recently started running again I’ve been reminded of the natural SRI that physical exertion plays. The little white pill hasn’t been around for a few weeks now – nothing wrong with it but it does say a heck of a lot for the importance of physical health and the call to excellence in our spiritual, emotional and physical life. Thanks friend for being an inspiration – its exciting to see what God’s doing through Crossfit. All glory to Him!
I’ve seen these changes in you first hand as we worked together and you shared your journey, your WOD, and showed me your lunches. That was annoying (except when you shared it, which you always did if I wanted any) but at the same time one of your gifts is sharing knowledge, and you introduced me to the Zone diet first by showing me what you were eating, then walking me through the blocks. You helped me lose 20 pounds. I have not leaned out yet and I did not join Crossfit, though I did finally go with you for a workout and have used some of the principles I’ve learned, but I know I could benefit from a more regimented exercise routine. Another big thing you helped me break through was to stop making excuses for my two ACL-oped knees and realize squats are the best thing for them and to learn a new squat method. This has helped my legs and knees greatly. I said all this to say that when you act and make changes, it changes people around you. You changed me in many ways for good. I said all that so your readers will know what your life and transformation means to me and they’ll know I’m just joking in the next line . . . Now, for your comparison to ministry and the punchline. If you’d spent your ministry climbing mountains to pray like Jesus, walking everyday, 100 squats a day to throw children in the air, fishing with your disciples pulling and cleaning nets, and carrying crosses, you wouldn’t have needed to join Crossfit . . . but I’m really glad you did.
Greg—are you still wearing my pants? How do they fit now?
(inside joke: When I lost my weight I gave Greg a pair of my pants.)
Thanks for the encouraging post, and congrats on the life change.
You’re looking good Wade.
I quit just about everything 6-7 months ago. Stopped writing. Quit church. Now I’m gradually getting back on track. No crossfit (not familiar with it)
I was never a big guy but after 60 years of living weight had creeped up–15-20 lbs overweight. But 4 months ago I decided I had to make some changes and began working out 4 times. I’ve loss 10 lbs. feel so much better. Wife is a dietitian–she’s trained me for the last 35 years. The biggest difference in my diet now is that I don’t eat second helpings nor do I indulge in between meals. I’m slowly moving back into life again.
Should have said “working out 4x a week”
Wade,
I just gotta say, WAY TO GO! That is such a powerful testimony and may have some really deep Biblical stuff about who we are and how God made us. Me? I am too chicken to attempt to do something this physical.
You look mahvelous!
Wade – WTG! Exercise is the very best way to “treat” depression. I have family testimonies to vouch for that. The church needs to address how some of us take woeful care of our bodies. How can we serve the kingdom is we aren’t functioning well or worse still barely coping?
Wade,
Obviously, lots of folks in our world take their obsession with physical appearance to an unhealthy extreme, but too many Christians (especially those in Christian ministry) go to the opposite and equally unhealthy extreme of completely neglecting their physical health.
Congrats to you. You do look great!
Obviously, you’re looking at this from a perspective of good stewardship, but here’s what I’m wondering: Do you think physical appearance is also a cultural apologetics issue? In other words, could it be that people are less willing to listen to what Christians say if they’re woefully out of shape?
Yes–I think there is a cultural apologetics issue at play here, with some people and in some areas.
Many people in Austin tend to be very active and health conscious. I have more credibility down here now than I would have had a year ago.
Wade, it is expensive to eat properly. Buying fresh fruit and vegetables is costly. But the benefits out weigh the expense.
Now if we could just do something with that hair cut.
Wade — I am deeply impressed by your commitment to do the right thing, not only about your body, but also about your psyche. I, too, must exercise and eat right on a regular basis or I will find myself slipping into depression. Thank you for being so honest and for sharing what has worked for you. God bless!
Wade my man!
I love the way you talk and open up. You share deep personal things that most work hard to hide. What a great example. You are definitely groomed to be a church planter. I sense it. It’s obvious. Your energy will be contagious. Your zest for Jesus will get people’s attention. Just keep relying on the Lord.
Where is the church plant? We live in Waco. We would like to worship with your church community.