Me, A Cover Girl?

Surreal. It is the only way to explain it. This experience was completely unexpected. All those years of being morbidly overweight and I never, ever envisioned myself being photographed and featured in a popular international women’s magazine.  In fact, I used to despise having my picture taken.  But, in a few short days, I will be spotlighted in an article about my weight loss journey in Women’s World magazine in both the US and Canada.

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I thoroughly enjoyed sharing my story with the journalist.  We had several friendly and thought-provoking conversations. When it came time for the photoshoot – I was terrified!  These were not just snapshots at a Christmas party or even family photos.  Paul and Steve came with lots of equipment, expertise, and thankfully personalities that set me at ease.  As the photoshoot progressed, I relaxed and laughed and did what I was told – enjoy the day.  I really did.  My smile was big, but not plastered on for the camera, but completely genuine.  When I look in the mirror, I don’t see a cover girl – but on the inside I felt like one for a few hours!

Paul asked me who I had told about the article, and honestly I had not told many – very few family members and a couple of friends.  It felt weird to me to bring it up.  I imagined a conversation where I ask my friend: “Hey, what have you been up to lately?”  They say, “Not much” (because these are Covid times and who is doing much of anything), “How about you?” Then I casually tell them, “Oh, not a lot, just being photographed for a magazine article.” It sounded like bragging, no matter how I tried to work it out in my mind. 

Then I realized, this event was part of God’s plan for my life and my ministry to encourage women.  How could I walk alongside others in their journey if I was never introduced to them?  What better way to jumpstart the introductions than to have my story told?  This is just another part of the work that God continues to do in my life.  Yes, I portioned the food and did the exercise, but God taught me how to change my mindset.  As changes came in my life, a dream was born.  God gave me a passion to write and speak to women about thriving in life and how achieving a healthy body and mind promotes fulfillment of the purpose God has for each one of us.  I have prayed for opportunities, so why keep it to myself once it has arrived? In actuality, I’m bragging on God, not myself.  So now, I tell you, my friends – look what God has done!

I am doing something brand new, something unheard of. Even now it sprouts and grows and matures. Don’t you perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and open up flowing streams in the desert. (Isaiah 43:19 TPT)

The magazine feature will be available for one week in stores from May 27 to June 2, 2021 in Women’s World magazine in Canada and the US.  If you pick up a copy, or even just see it on the rack at the grocery store checkout – rejoice with me in this opportunity to inspire and motivate others. If you are desiring to live a healthier life, physically, emotionally or spiritually – reach out! I’d be honoured to journey with you.

I’m preparing a new way to reach out and encourage women, so stay tuned for a way to join me – and the chance to win some cool prizes too!