A Genuine Prayer to Glorify God

As someone born, raised, and raising my family in the same city, surrounded by people who have witnessed my journey to Christ, I realized my story couldn’t lead people to His immense love if I were 70 pounds overweight and constantly tired. “Sweet Father, help me glorify You with everything I am” became my prayer.

Looking back, I forgive myself for having reached this point. My four children were teens/young adults, my husband’s career had him on call 24/7, I cared for my two elderly and sick parents, and I worked at our local parish. It was all good stuff, and God showed Himself through all of it, but it was honestly too much. The only thing I could let go of was my parish work. 

The day before I would call a spiritual director for help, I heard Jackie speaking on the Poco a Poco podcast about glorifying God and living life abundantly. On the podcast, Fr. Mark-Mary said: “I feel like what you do is what we would start people within spiritual direction.” Our sweet Father showed Himself in my life yet again! I signed up for more information right there and then.

My Reform journey officially began on Ash Wednesday, 2021. I offered it all to God: I let go of sugar, bread, and pasta. I started drinking more water, prioritizing sleep, and getting up early for prayer. Every sacrifice had a prayer offering attached to it; there was meaning to my sacrifice. I wrote it down and re-read my “why” weekly. These are just parts of the wisdom of Reform, but they changed my world immediately.

As soon as I started to eat well, brain fog (that I didn’t even know I had) disappeared, and my prayer life improved. When my prayer life improved, I was better able to discern His will in my life with regard to my career vs. family time. When I felt I needed to resign from my work, the six hours of daily work time turned into two hours of daily adoration time, and the rest of my day is now devoted to better loving the people He has put in my life. This usually includes enough time to take care of myself through the pillars I have learned in Reform. Throughout this time, Jesus has become my companion in all I do.  

I love the phrase that is often used in Reform: Own your health. I had no concept of what that meant when I started. Now I completely own my health. I genuinely want to eat in ways that benefit my mind, body, and soul. The treats often look so good, but they’re nothing compared to how great I feel. In the 14 months I’ve been with Reform (I just weighed myself for the first time this Easter!), I’ve lost 60 pounds! My family is eating healthier, as well. I had no idea how I led the family into such poor habits. Now I can never roast enough vegetables for us all. We’ve been able to do so many more activities together now that I have more energy and focus.

My Reform journey was a gift from God, and, God-willing, I will never give up living life this way. I am still a Fully Alive member and continue to grow deeper in each pillar. I have learned the importance of the Reform pillars and how following this way of life- with Christ at the center- has resulted in better knowing the love our sweet Father has for me. I now find that I carry myself with the dignity that I know comes with being a beloved child of God; I play and laugh more often, and I continue to pray with a deeper passion that I will glorify Him with everything I am.

— Christy Wimberg