Summer 2024 in Reflection: Words From Naomi Kim Thomas
Naomi Kim Thomas, First Lady of New Community Temple Church of God in Christ shares her health journey this summer, stating that if she were to have words with the early spring version of herself she would say, “Love yourself more.”
However, there was no better time than the summer of 2024 to make essential lifestyle shifts. Naomi shares what inspired her to embark on this journey was news from her doctor.
“I started not feeling like myself,” she said. “ From a physical standpoint, I was in a prehypertension stage. My blood pressure was elevated a bit, and it was a blessing because most people don’t have symptoms till it's too late.”
She was instructed to lose around 11 pounds, but Naomi went above and beyond losing over 30 pounds since March. She further states that her four sons encouraged such extraordinary results.
“ I want to be able to fully enjoy my sons and their families in the future,” Naomi said. Aside from her maternal instincts, she was motivated by her love for Christ. “I want to be able to do the work of the Lord and I can't do it sick.”
To end her list of inspirations she states humoursly, “The third motivation is being able to lose weight and go down a few dress sizes.”
“Being able to fit into dresses in the back of my closet was like a personal victory for me,” Naomi said. Naomi owes much of her results to the Sugar Ain't Sweet program created by Rochelle T. Parks.
“The program is by a Christian woman who has helped thousands lose weight. You learn about your body and its organ systems, the power of water, and healthy shopping tips,” said Naomi.
Naomi further explains, “For six weeks I learned about my body, and started taking my glucose before and after meals, which helped me realize how I physically react to certain foods. You can’t just follow one diet plan, you have to do what's best for you.”
In a message to women her age, Naomi states, “Start! Begin! Even if you are starting with exercise, or cutting out certain foods; start somewhere. Don’t get lost trying to formulate the perfect plan.”
Naomi’s story is a testimony to what she’s accomplished these past few months. Though she had to let go of some things, she is ending the summer stronger than ever.
My Story: Summer 2024 in Reflection
If I could speak to the spring version of myself I would say the same thing as Naomi Thomas: “Love yourself more.”
Three months ago I was terrified, overwhelmed, and confused about who I was. I spent a lot of time comparing myself to others my age, and for some reason was never enough in my head. Despite the storm, I’ve realized I am exactly where I am supposed to be, doing and creating the things I love.
This realization did not come effortlessly, and there were no traumatic or dramatic events that signaled my amygdala. I was overwhelmed because nothing felt familiar in life, and today I’ve realized this was simply my brain's reaction to change.
Though the losses I took felt so detrimental at the moment, time heals all, and I am now filled with gratitude despite what no longer exists in my life. Summer 2024 allowed me to ground myself and work towards self-discovery. Considering the insight it has given me, I am grateful for every moment of uncertainty.
Not everything is going to feel great to accept, and sometimes the hardest pills to swallow are what truly heal you; fear is almost always the first step to growth!
Goodbye Summer 2024
I’d like to say that my greatest lesson learned this summer is that everything happens for a reason, every obstacle is just a comma in the story of your life. Whether it is a physical triumph like Naomi's or a spiritual feat like my own, your story matters. Take into consideration what the summer has shown you and use August as a time of reflection.
Sources
Sugar Ain't Sweet Academy (thesasacademy.com)
Jurisdictional Elect Lady – Historic First Jurisdiction of Virginia (cogicva1.org)
Julianna Brown is a second-year student studying at Virginia Commonwealth University to become a professional journalist. In her free time, she enjoys exercising and spending time with those she loves. Herlifelong goal is to make a change in the world through storytelling.