Shift 2012
I’m making a big shift in 2012. It is out of my comfort zone, but I’m doing it anyway. Some of best things we can do for ourselves are tough, but we still press through.
About three months ago I started thinking about my genetics. I’m not sure exactly why, but I started looking at the diseases that my family members are most susceptible to. Hands-down, it was heart disease. As a matter of fact, both of my grandfathers died of heart disease and coronary artery disease is a very common ailment in the ones still living.
Around that same time, I watched a documentary called Forks Over Knives. The documentary suggested that if Americans switched to a mainly plant-based diet, that many of our common disease processes would be eradicated. Heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes could be things of the past.
After doing several months of studying, I’ve decided to become a vegetarian. I believe that it is the most responsible thing that I can do for the genetic hand I’ve been dealt. As I thought about the things that I’d be missing (like Portillo’s burgers) I had the sense that God was asking me if I wanted to choose health or tasty burgers. I knew that God wanted me to love the life He gave me more than the taste of any food.
So here’s what I’m NOT doing:
~I’ll never condemn you for eating meat. I’m all “for” humane choices, but I don’t think it is wrong to eat meat.
In all of this, I ask for your respect and support. It is something that I strongly feel that I’m supposed to do. I’ve researched this thoroughly, and I’m confident in my decision. So thanks in advance for your help and encouragement in my new way of eating!
How can I help YOU reach your goals in 2012?
Peace,
Neil
Neil… It’s awesome seeing you stepping and making this decision. I’ve thought about becoming a vegetarian. At the moment, I don’t feel it’s for me, but I have all the respect in the world for anybody who does. You are doing the right thing.
There is something beautiful about self-discipline. I love seeing Hasidic Jews. Although I do not feel called to live by literal law of the Torah, I am greatly blessed by the dedication of those who do. Ironically, there is something very Christlike about their self-denial.
As for my 2012 shift… I feel called to step out of my comfort zone. I feel God calling me to engage with other cultures. There are so many out there that the church has reduced to a stereotype. (Muslims, gays, atheists, homeless, etc.) I want to reverse that. I want to get to know individuals in each of these groups. I want to have friends … friends who are different from me.
I am beginning the process of contacting people, asking them to have coffee with me. As I continue on this journey, I hope to be able to share my experiences with others. I want to share the world that we have a lot to learn from our fellow human beings, even when those human beings don’t agree with us. I would to know that you are praying for me as I set out on their adventure.
If you get bored, I wrote a little bit about this topic on my blog yesterday. Feel free to drop by. http://caffeinatedramblings.posterous.com/
As always, thanks for being an amazing pastor … to both your church and those of us who follow you online!
Chris~
You’ve blessed me with your reply! And, I actually did read your post yesterday. I LOVE IT! That is important work you are doing and I will pray for your mind and heart to be SO open.
You will see God when you do this, bro! Thanks for your encouragement. I wish you were still in IL
So do we still get to take you guys to my favorite hot dog joint in Plainfield?
Dad