Losing It on TV
Ruby Gettinger, a Sunday school teacher in Georgia who weighed 700 pounds, battles her obesity — and leans on God — on national television.
Interview by Rose Pacatte | posted 11/14/2008 09:10AM
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What is the link between God and your journey to weight loss and a healthy lifestyle?
At first I felt defeated. And then my faith said, "no." I felt God telling me that this change is possible, but that I [was] going to have to go down the hardest road of my life. Before it was quick fixes: now I need to find out why. What got me here and why? What strengthens me is that God sees our addictions and does not judge.
What specific aspects of your life do you want to change to reach your goal?
I am going to have to change the way I eat, I am going to have to exercise more, and even change the way I think!I am really still learning all of this.But this time, I am going to the experts and letting them tell me how to do all of this so I can learn and everyone else can learn along with me.
How is your diet and new lifestyle a spiritual journey?
Because I could never do this without God and the prayers of my family and friends.I have to get control spiritually of what has taken control of me.Only God truly knows my heart, soul, and mind.He is the only one who truly can direct me on my journey.
How have you experienced God in your life?
I am still alive. That I have not died [shows] the power of God.
How do you get your body to go with your spirit?
My spirit wants this change so much; it is about discipline. I am finding out for the first time how to make the body and spirit meet — the hardest thing to do. Like Paul says in Romans 7:25b: "Christ acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different" (The Message). The very thing I want in life is the very thing I stop myself from having because I can't get control of it; I have to find a way for the spirit to lead the body. This is the why of the television show.
What's your end goal for this journey?
This life that I have is not the dream I had for my life. I love being outside, I want to ride a bike, to sit on the ground, to take a bubble bath. So my end goal is to beat the beast once and for all! And to be able to look someone else in the eye and say, "You can do it!"
How do you see yourself a year from now?
Stronger and healthier and doing things I never ever have before.And my biggest dream is helping many others cross over to a healthy lifestyle.We will all be on this journey and we will be winners.
What would you share with fellow believers who are challenged with weight problems?
Do not give up no matter what.Trust God and believe again in the impossible. And no matter how many times you have failed, start over and try again.Live your life! Go out and enjoy times with your family and friends.Have people pray with you. Do not stay alone and do not keep your addiction to yourself, because that is when it becomes bigger and controls you.No matter what, there are people out there who care.
Sister Rose Pacatte
, FSP, is the founding director of the Pauline Center for Media Studies.
Copyright © 2008 Christianity Today.
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Related Elsewhere:
If you missed the premiere episode of Ruby, you can watch it online at mystyle.com. Follow Gettinger's journey at www.mystyle.com/ruby and www.Rubysjourney.com.
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