The Photo I Never Turned In

Sometimes overeating costs us more than our health.

Years ago, our church was putting together a church directory and families were invited to have professional photos taken. We had ours done, and the photographer did a good job. But when I saw the pictures, all I could see was my weight.

At the time, I was nearly 100 pounds overweight. I hated how my face looked in the photos. The photographer kindly offered to adjust the lighting, but there was no changing the fact that I was carrying far more weight than I wanted to be.

I was so embarrassed that I never submitted the photo.

At the time, I couldn't imagine putting that picture in a church directory for everyone to see.

Looking back, I don't regret not submitting the photo. What I regret is not doing something about my weight sooner. I wish I had gotten help before the shame became so overwhelming.

It was a loss not to have that photo as a memory of our family during that season of life. But the bigger loss was living with so much shame that I felt I needed to hide.

Maybe you can relate.

If your struggle with food or weight has left you feeling discouraged, embarrassed, or stuck, please don't wait as long as I did. There is no shame in asking for help. In fact, asking for help may be one of the bravest things you'll ever do.

❤️ Julie

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