Sometimes it seems there is no better place to become obese than-- church. Church is a place of respite, a place for family and friends whom we value as family. It is a place to give and receive something spiritually. It can also become a place of conflict. We become involved in church gatherings and organizations and the routine becomes second nature. What happens when we step back and evaluate the benefits versus risks? Risks? At Church? Heathen. No.
This isn't about defying church doctrine, the sense of community, good will and support we go there to give or receive. Despite what pious garments we don, be they physical, spiritual or emotional, we are still 'natural men'. Natural men ten to think of natural things. One issue becomes maintaining our individualism and practicality while losing ourselves to religion and church culture.
Sometimes this causes inner conflict. And as with any other group, we give in to peer pressure although we can see things can be done differently. We go to church with our families because the family that prays together stays together. Strangely during service, we don't seem to have time to sit together. During the week one family member is in this meeting, another is in that and we become so busy with meetings and organizations we sometimes do not feel any closer. (But we are.)
We rely upon our faith to get us through difficult decisions, overcome weaknesses, battle what we cannot battle on our own. Maybe you pray to control your appetite. Then comes along the church banquet, the pastor's anniversary, a Women's Day repasse and the weight keeps piling on.
But admit it. This is the church culture we look forward to. We laud and esteem Sister Bertha's peach cobbler. Then there's Mrs. West's smothered chicken and Sis. Long makes such good dressing (but it's sooo fattening). We strategize ahead of time whose table we will visit at the church tea. We perhaps volunteer in the kitchen to get a few extra slices of pie, or a dinner plate to take home. It's a special occasion. But how many of them do we have during a month, a season or a year? It adds up.
Not participating for health's sake is not always an option. You could descent, but you would be battling years of tradition and stepping on too many toes. You are not simply battling with yourself, or the devil. This is a issue of church culture. You don't have to battle alone, if you get organized you can have a strong group behind you in a program designed for African American churches called, "Body and Soul. "
Body and Soul is " A Celebration of Healthy Eating and Living" and is founded on four constructs which they call 'Pillars.' Pillar One is a Pastor who has a commitment to the objectives of healthy lifestyle. Pillar Two is church activities that promote healthy eating. Pillar Three a church environment that promotes healthy eating. Peer Counseling that promotes members to adopt a healthy eating style. In Pillar One, it all begins with a pledge before the congregation, led by your pastor (click link to download, or copy and paste the url into your web browser)
•This is a commitment to good eating habits, which he along with individuals of the congregation will sign. •The pastor acts as role model. •He includes awareness of food and health in his sermon and uses biblical references that support good healthy habits. •Pastor establishes a healthy eating Sunday once per month, where healthy foods are served. •Pastor uses and supports peer counselors and gives recognition to participants.
