My Personal Melanoma Miracle: Part Two

by Lisa Lynn, Fitness Expert and Melanoma Survivor

As I spoke about in Part One of “My Personal Melanoma Miracle,” I had a melanoma removed from my left calf in January of this year (2014). It was only through the grace of God that I insisted on the mole being removed as it showed no signs of change in shape or size.

Little did I know of the attack that was coming against my body from the inside out. But God knew and He led me with that still, small voice that I am convinced radically changed my life – for the better.

I told you in Part One that I wanted to talk about how honoring and respecting our bodies in a whole new way – Honoring God with your Bod – will not only change your body, but your whole life forever. But this way of thinking required a period of self-adjustment for me. A way of thinking, and acting, that was not instinctive. And it all began with my attitude …

In January 2014 when I had the melanoma removed from my left calf, my thought process changed from worry to a “grateful to be alive” attitude. I now want to honor my body and respect it in a whole new way.

This new phase of my “new” life includes more gratitude and self-love than ever before. I can hear some of you saying, “You Lisa? You struggle with the same everyday issues and problems that I face?” Yes I do, absolutely!

I’m human just like you and struggle the same way with the same issues that you do. I was also 40 pounds overweight at one time and know firsthand that seeing what’s in the mirror takes longer to make right than just losing the weight.

This lack of confidence is a driving force to helping others and stop the suffering we all feel when we struggle with weight and all the outside, and inside, issues that go along with it.

How to Honor God with your Bod

Today I choose to honor God with my Bod. After all, He gave this body to me, and us. Don’t we owe it to Him to take the best possible care of it that we can? What exactly does that mean?

I believe it’s crucial to stay physically fit but we also need to be spiritually fit. Fitness begins on the inside as I talk about in my book, “The Metabolism Solution” – God and Your Bod.

I’m going to say something that a lot of over-exercising (aka “exercise addicts”) may not like, but please bear with me for a second. When you learn that you have a deadly disease everything changes – instantly. You no longer want to kill and torture yourself in the gym, which is what we feel we need to do as that is something we have “control” over.

Our affliction or disease – not so much. Suddenly it’s not about perfect thighs or weight. It’s about being able to live to see your kids grow up!

Too often, the reason we “feel” we need to torture ourselves in the gym anyway is because we ate too much. Eating clean and exercising daily is the goal, not abusive types of workouts that leave us drained physically and emotionally.

God is not pleased when we abuse our bodies – in any way. Every abusive action, thought or belief affects us in some way or another. It’s critical that you are in touch with your inner self to learn what’s driving you and your desires.

Is it out of love? Out of fear? Here is a new way to begin thinking, if you don’t already. It applies to your feelings and how you treat your body, and others as well:

1 Corinthians 13: 4-7
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

I can tell you with certainty, love never fails! Especially when it comes to changing your body.

I still face lots of questions today about “my future”. And I’m sure you have questions about yourself and your future. That’s why I want to share with you my “bullet proof” plan.

Why do I call this time in my life “My Personal Melanoma Miracle”? It’s because I’ve seen first-hand that God can take a paralyzing fear and turn it into a faith so strong that nothing can stand against it.

So, here are a few spiritual exercises that will strengthen your faith muscles and radically transform your body:

Form a Miracle Prayer Network of at Least 8 People

Don’t have one? I didn’t either until now. This step is a necessity regardless of what you have to overcome.

I chose to initially only share my story with people who I knew would lift me up daily, versus allowing me to stay stuck in fear and negativity. People I could trust would pray daily for me without being asked.

Texting is a great way to send reminders daily. I send out a text message at 5am daily to my network to get the prayers going, and you know what – it works! Try it – you’ll see. What have you got to lose?

By the way, if you find it hard to find those 8 people it just might be an indicator that you need to surround yourself with more positive people who really care – for you.

Stop the Pity Parties

This is where I get stuck. I turned to my pastors and close prayer partners right away to help keep me off the pity party mentality.

Pity parties don’t work because they’re usually attended by others of the same mentality that enable you to feel sorry for yourself and allow fear to gain a stronghold.

Believe me, that’s the last thing you want.

Stop Complaining and Start Praising

One of my all-time favorite preachers, Joyce Meyer, has a saying: “If you complain you will remain.”

Remember that love and gratitude never fails. Love wins every time and will make you feel better instantly.

Gratitude shouldn’t be an every-know-and-then occurrence. It should be a way of life, no matter what you face.

Remember the old proverb, “I complained that I had no shoes, until I met someone who had no feet?”

Can’t think of anything to be grateful for? That’s proof you’re out of practice.

Exercise or Move Each Day – Your Life Depends On It

It’s crucial to keep your body in working order by moving them each day to stop blood clots form forming and to detox. Yet if you’re suffering from any disease, or you’re not feeling good, remember that you do need to move moderately.

Moderate exercise boosts immunity while over-exercising weakens it. There are plenty of exercises you can do when you’re sick. Bottom line – do something.

If you need a workout be sure to check out my DVDs or the workout in my book. It’s loaded with pictures and easy to follow. If you’re chair-bound you can sit while doing almost all of the exercises.

Let Go and Let God, or Be Dragged Down

Whatever is bugging you – give it to God. Living in fear – no matter what you’re facing is always full of stress.

Even in those situations where you have no control you must stay faithful and keep you faith muscles strong so you can handle what may come your way. And the best way to strengthen the faith muscles … by bending your knees!

I hope that my sharing the past couple of weeks inspires you in a whole new way to take care of your body – inside and out. Never take your health for granted. That includes physical and spiritual as both need to be fed and maintained. Stay in touch with your yourself so you know what “normal” is.

I urge each of you to consider donating to the Yale Plastic Surgery and Melanoma Research Fund. They are doing incredible research that will save lives. Please watch the video below to learn more:

But most of all …

Stay Strong, Live Fearlessly, and God Bless You All!

(published June 19, 2014)

Lisa Lynn is a fitness expert and a specialist in weight loss and metabolic disorders. Lisa’s approach to weight loss is based on personal experience, and her dedicated study of the metabolic effects of food, specific exercises and the smart use of supplements. Lisa is always available to help you become the fittest, healthiest person you can be, as well as for lectures and training. Visit Lisa’s website, lynfit.com, for information about her LynFIT Program, her great fitness and nutrition products, and much more.