I had ruptured my achilles tendon for the second time in 2 and a half months. 6 weeks after the initial rupture and 2 weeks out of the cast, I reruptured the achilles tendon in my left leg. I laid on the couch, with my second non weight bearing cast, feeling sorry for myself and crying tears of frustration. I spoke out loud to God and asked Him why he felt compelled to punish me, what had I done that was so horrible He had to let this happen to me AGAIN. I flipped on the television and God's answer was spoken through the words of a critically injured professional football player. ( I would give anything to recall his name) This man was paralyzed and going to be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. He spoke words I will never forget, " I would rather be a better man than a better football player! This wheelchair has made me a better man." I cried some more, only this time tears of humility. I heard God's answer and realized as a result of this injury , I would be a better woman, if I would allow myself to be taught.

There is a saying, "when you're down to nothin, God is up to somethin" God had plans for me, and it took the injury to slow me down enough to "listen" to what He had to teach me.

If you find yourself struggling with injury or illness, take comfort in knowing you can turn the negative into a positive if you just be willing to strengthen and grow in a way that you may not have seen. I know it's not easy, but turn the physical setback into a spiritual springboard, you'll be amazed at the new altitude you rise to and the attitude you'll have that will sustain you.

Blessings,
Denise

Denise, I think the player you may be talking about is Kevin Everett of the Buffalo Bills in case you wanted to look it up. On the injury topic, I have done multiple body for life challenges and fallen off the wagon a few times. I have used injuries as excuses but now I realize that you can always do something. I sprained my ankle so severely I was in an aircast for 3 months immediately following a challenge, it was 8 months before I could run again. I couldn't do any exercise with my legs and that led to my poor eating and feeling sorry for myself. By the time I had rehabbed I was a sorry sight, terribly out of shape. Looking back I could have kept eating well, I could have done pool exercises to maintain some cardiovascular fitness, I could have gone to the gym on crutches and worked out upper body and core exercises in a circuit training area. Don't let injuries get you down like I did, there's usually something you can do to keep progressing, and you can always choose to eat well! Bob

I get the when you're down with injuries thing. I just completed my first challenge and wrote how much better my balance was. (Major car accident, crushed knee, etc) The next day I'm picking up my taxes and I trip over the cuff of my pants in heals( I know, I was feeling hot for losing 25lbs.) and fell into the wall and dislocated my finger. I was the maddest at knowing that I'd hurt myself again. And, I can now laugh at the irony of having such good balance.

A thought from my car accident. As my husband and I sat in the hospital (first time they'd let a man and woman in the same room) my husband sat and cried as he watched people walk. He'd say, "They don't know what they have." Appreciate the little setbacks and be stubborn enough to get back up again. I still have people that remember my broken body and ask how I am. Those that didn't know me then don't have a clue. I do appreciate being able to walk. My daughter loves to laugh as my weights don't work on my bad arm. I don't want to be lopsided. Still hot in Yuma, Loving life and BFL. kennie

And here I was, just whining around about how I hurt my knee and I am just 3 weeks in. Trying so hard to tell myself that I can still do it, I just have to be more creative. Thank you for giving me that perspective. I will get creative!

Isn't it amazing that there is always someone that you can find that has things worse than you. I remember when I was in the hospital with my accident injuries wondering if I'd ever walk again and having intense pain and then being grateful I was even alive and realizing I had 2 friends dying with 2 different fatal diseases. I was definitely humbled. Keep working. We all have our weakness they we WILL make strengths. I'm tired of being okay looking I'm ready for great things. From hot and sunny Yuma, kennie

I totally blew my arm out, i am still not sure what the heck happened but I am trying to take it easy keep my spirits up and get back on track. It always seems to happen right as you are trying to make a positive change too. there is always a trial before the change.

Dude

Denise,

Each day, I thank God for where he has brought this body of mine. I also actively think about what my game plan will be if I face a physical set back. My reasoning is that if I think actively about it now, have a game plan in place, than if or when it happens, I will be in the right mindset.
Now part of that mindset will be to keep my ears open to what God will teach me through that time.

Thank-you for sharing so much of your life with us here and on Tracker. God has done good works through your testimony...it has been so far reaching.

Amy

JRo - You can do it - I aggravated my arthritis at about week 4 had a little pity party got started back on phsyical therapy and am now on week 10. My results are not stellar but they are better than if I had quit I GET TO do my physical therapy instead of LBWO for now but it is getting my body back in shape.

a journey of 1,000 miles begins with the first step. always believe that you will heal, and be thankful for the amazing gift you have that is your body... and then close your eyes and give some time to imagining that FULLY healed feeling. do this everyday and God will see that great Faith. i have had a very bad back injury from a trampoline accident from when i was child that became re-injured when i started the BFL challenge, and after applying this exercise, my back is 100% better, i can even play trampoline basketball at the gym for my cardio workouts again!! i mean hey, what've you got to lose?

Wow, what a great time to find this forum. I've had numerous surgeries on my foot. I'm 46 years old and I began BFL a couple of months ago and then two weeks ago, the surgeon took the artificial joint out of my foot . In five more weeks, they'll take a bone out of my hip and fuse the area where the large joint at my big toe was and make it to where I won't be able to move my big toe at all. Oh yeah, they're also going to put a metal plate in it. The real bummer is I have a bone infection and could lose my foot. I need prayers, people. Anyway, I began BFL...again...yesterday and was psyched because it felt so good to exercise again. (The last three times I did BFL, they were all interrupted by surgeries in the past couple of years.) I tried cardio, but it didn't work out. I know it's going to take longer to complete this challenge since I'm not going to be able to do cardio but I can keep eating right and doing my UB and LBWO. What is keeping me going is a saying I read in a magazine a couple of years ago. "Don't let the length of time it takes to achieve your dream stand in your way. The time will pass anyway."
No more pity parties!!! To your health.

Laura2 I will lift you up in prayer as a matter of fact.............

My grace is enough for you. When you are weak, my power is made perfect in you 2 Corinthians 12:9

Lord I pray that you will touch my sister, she needs your peace and your strength to endure the trials she is going through. Lord Your Word says that if we ask anything in Your name You will bring it to pass. So Father I ask in Jesus mighty name I ask for healing in her body, I ask for peace your peace Lord. I ask in Your name Amen!
Anytime you need anything and if I can help I am there.
God bless
Jerome

Oh my goodness, Jerome. I had no idea the great blessing I would receive just by posting my whine. I feel lifted up and happy all of a sudden, thanks to you. Thank you so very much. I definitely will take you up on your prayers.
Thank you, again.
Laura

No problem I enjoy praying and encouraging others. That's why we are here right?! As for not able to do Cardio I know what you are going through. I have had numerous lower back surgeries and there are times when I can't even workout period, no cardio nor strength train because of my handicap but I push through one step at a time even if it takes me a year to get in shape it's okay because I know I am on the right path as long as I give it my all no one I mean NO ONE can take that away from me. So hang in there my friend, remember God will not give us any more than we can bear. That's His promise to us.

Jerome

Forget past mistakes. Forget failures. Forget everything except what you're going to do now and do it."

Laura,
My prayers are with you too (from one 46-year-old to another). Remember that eating right is probably 75-80% of the program (as far as physical results go), so you can make huge strides just by following the eating plan. Hopefully, though, you will recover quickly and be back at it and better than ever. Blessings to you!

I need these words today. I hurt, and I'm afraid of becoming the old Amy again.
Please pray for my back. I know that in God's timing I will be healed, and that he has something to teach me during this time of waiting...still, it is hard.

Amy I definitely know what you are going through. It's hard I know, there are times I just want to throw in the towel but then I remember what God's Word says.... "My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9 nlt).

When I feel I can't go on and my emotions are weak I pray Jehovah-rophe, the Lord who heals you, He is our great physican and He will heals us. Sometimes it's not when we want it but I assure you He will heal us. In the mean time I will stand with you in prayer that God will continue to touch you and gives you strength and peace to endure. I'm here for you.
Blessings~
Jerome

The suffering IS hard! Be encouraged, for God knows exactly what you are enduring. He will make certain you are rewarded for bearing cross you are carrying. This week it wasn't physical injury, but a broken heart that had me in tears. I recalled there are other mom's that are suffering worse pain. Some are fighting for their lives through illness. I'm not. My cross is a heavy one, but I continue to think of crosses that are heavier to get me into the state of gratefulness and out of the one of sorrow. You will be in my prayers and thought of during my offerings this week. Stay strong! This storm will pass!

Blessings,
Denise

Thank you, all of you. I so needed this today.
Love you,
Adriana

"comfort in knowing you can turn the negative into a positive if you just be willing to strengthen and grow in a way that you may not have seen." Thank you for this...most people seem to just focus on the horrible things that happen to them...and God will do anything for us to just be good listeners! Great reminder..thank you!

Aloha - My daughter keeps telling me "it's about what YOU CAN DO" not what you can't. I have Plantar Fasciitis, anyone who has this knows the pain. I have been focusing on doing the best I can for my ability at this time. I am making good progress - I am grateful every day for the health I have. This program will make me healthier - I have already seen the difference and so have others. Love Life!!!