''Each of us is living out a story.''
I said those words to an old friend I had breakfast with this morning. I hadn't seen her in a while, but about 14 years ago, after I'd lost the majority of my excess weight, she decided that she wanted to lose weight too.
So she went on a diet and lost about 70 pounds. She looked great. But she kept on calling herself the same name she did when she was still overweight: ''Fat Butt.''
I warned her to stop doing that. ''Don't call yourself a name you don't want to answer to.''
She ignored me and kept on doing it.
So here we were...14 years later.
My friend gained all her weight back and then some. Her doctor has told her that she is pre-diabetic now. Still, she's talking to me about going on another diet.
As I listened to her story, I realize there was a profound difference in how my friend approached weight loss and I did back then.
She decided to go on a diet. However, I decided to become a fit, healthy PERSON.
The Lord showed me that your actions are anchored to your identity. You'll never grow beyond the person you believe that you are.
You see, my transformation wasn't about a diet; it was about me wanting to live differently.
I wanted to live a new story.
My friend, on the other hand, still saw herself as ''Fat Butt'' even when she was slim outwardly. Eventually, her actions returned to that identity.
She was still living the same old story - 14 years later.
I explained this revelation to my friend today. I said:
''The doctor has already told you what your story could become. But you don't have to live 'The Diabetic Story.'
With each choice you make, you write a new line in your story. With the next choice, you can move your story in a different direction.
Whether you are slim or overweight, you still have to make your next move, take your next shot. That truth does not change no matter what size you are. What story do you want to live next?''
She stared at me. I could tell the truth was starting to sink in. We hugged and departed.
When I got home, my friend sent me a text. She wrote: ''I am writing a new story.''
With that, she sent me a video of herself stomping on a box of apple fritters, destroying them.
I laughed with delight. I am praying for my friend to become a fit and healthy person.
I believe the next chapter of her story is going to be a good one with God's help.
Now, it's your turn. What story are you living?
Do you want a new one? If so, what is your next line?