Finding Healing and Faith Through Delay and Pray®: Shirley’s Story

In this heartfelt episode of the Delay and Pray® podcast, Beth chats with her client Shirley, a 76-year-old retired teacher whose journey of faith, health struggles, and perseverance is truly inspiring. From battling lifelong gastrointestinal issues to caring for two ailing husbands, Shirley’s testimony is a powerful example of how faith and discipline can lead to healing and transformation.

A Lifetime of Struggles and Lessons

Shirley’s health challenges began in childhood, though she didn’t realize at the time that they weren’t normal. From an inability to burp or pass gas to debilitating gastrointestinal pain, food was never a source of comfort for her. As she grew older, her digestive issues worsened, leading to further complications, including esophageal erosions and food sensitivities.

Yet, despite these hardships, Shirley maintained a deep connection to her Catholic faith. She recalls fondly her early years attending Catholic school and cleaning the sacristy, where she found solace and joy in serving the Lord.

Love, Loss, and Perseverance

Shirley’s first husband, Richard, was a Vietnam veteran who developed cancer due to Agent Orange exposure. His health declined rapidly, and Shirley became his full-time caregiver for nearly a decade. During this time, she turned to stress eating, seeking solace in food amidst the emotional toll of watching her beloved husband suffer. After his passing, she felt lost but remained anchored in her faith.

Years later, Shirley reunited with Jack, a college sweetheart. Though they found happiness together, Jack faced severe health issues, including diabetes and peripheral artery disease, which led to both of his legs being amputated. Once again, Shirley took on the role of caregiver, leaning on her faith to endure the hardships.

Discovering Delay and Pray®

It wasn’t until after Jack’s passing that Shirley found the Delay and Pray® program. Initially, she thought she would get guidance on navigating her dietary restrictions, but she soon realized that her journey was about much more than food. Through coaching, she uncovered deep-seated emotional wounds and patterns of stress eating that had developed over the years.

By integrating spiritual fasting, prayer, and a commitment to a healthier lifestyle, Shirley found renewed strength. She embraced the Delay and Pray® principles, eliminating sugar, flour, and alcohol while deepening her prayer life. The transformation was astounding — both physically and spiritually. She has lost nearly 60 pounds and, more importantly, cultivated an even stronger relationship with the Lord.

Faith and Health Go Hand in Hand

Shirley’s story is a testament to the power of merging faith with health. She emphasizes that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and taking care of them is not just about physical well-being but about honoring God. Through prayer, fasting, and disciplined eating, she experienced healing that no doctor or medication had ever provided.

One of the most profound takeaways from her journey is that true transformation isn’t about deprivation—it’s about abundance. By shifting her mindset from scarcity (“I can’t have this”) to gratitude (“Look at all the nourishing foods I can have”), Shirley found peace and fulfillment.

Final Words of Encouragement

Shirley’s message to others struggling with their health or faith is clear: surrender to the Lord, trust in His guidance, and take the journey one step at a time. Whether you’re facing weight struggles, emotional eating, or chronic illness, inviting Jesus into the process will bring clarity and healing.

Her story reminds us that no matter our age or past struggles, it’s never too late to prioritize our health, deepen our faith, and embrace the life God has planned for us.

Hear the full conversation and be inspired by Shirley’s incredible journey! 

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