So my friend, David Price, emails me from England the other day to ask me if I’ve been laying off the KK’s. Perplexed, I asked him what in the world KK’s were and was reluctant to discover if there was something I was going to need to confess to my brother across the pond. How relieved I was to learn that he was referring to Krispy Kreme donuts, an indulgence I had introduced him to when he visited my family in the States. Boldly I rebutted his accusing interrogation of my eating habits, “Dost thou ask of ME if I’ve succumbed to such forbidden pleasures as deep fried, raspberry filled and sugar-glazed pastries?! Thou hast offended me to no end, suspicious brother! Away with thee! Leave me be!” That was a great moment for me as I had been engaged in three weeks of dieting and had shed close to twenty pounds in the process – sans KK’s and all other forbidden follies. Nonetheless, pride still goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall – you see, yesterday found me in weakness as I was presented with the 3rd cousin to KK donuts: the double chocolate brownie (look above & to the right and you will sympathize with my plight).
What is a man to do? Where is my reward for weeks of strenuous self-denial? Should I not look out for my own buds of taste, who then will take up their cause? I found myself in a quandary as my six pack abs of the future met my incessantly demanding gut of the present. My destiny hung in the air.
I think what I’m really wondering is whether or not forbidden things are really that worthy of our desires, or if it is the simple fact that they have been forbidden that makes us want them. Does telling us “Thou shalt not” double our commitment to “Oh yes, I shalt!”? If I eat the brownie, will it really be the best brownie ever in the history of fudgy fudgedomness or will it simply be the brownie I’m being presently denied which results in a strengthening of my desire for it? Is it my mind tricking me, my stomach…or is it the devil? Is not man more than brownies? Is not life greater than flour, sugar, cocoa, marbled frosting and shimmery coating?
I’m thinking no. No, it is not at all. Life actually IS all about brownies and I’m quite confident that I can prove that to be truth should I have the time to do the research. Yet, surely nothing can taste as good as skinny feels so why would I hazard my progress in slimming down for this peace of fatty-fatness on a yellow plate?
BECAUSE IT’S A CHOCOLATE BROWNIE, THAT’S WHY!
So I can’t divulge what I finally decided about the battle. Suffice it to say that I made the right decision and took the high road which served to make me more deeply appreciate life. It was a spiritual victory in one sense and I hope to help others who battle in this area like I do. Yes, the battle is no more! The war has ceased for me today! I share my own testimony of conquering forbidden temptations in order to edify you, my brethren. Be built up with courage, fellow warrior! Be resolute in your mind and do not waver as you galvanize your decision! Follow my lead and sleep well. You have the power and need not waffle in your resolve – step out in confidence and be confirmed in all ye do!
Jeff, you are so funny! This made my day. Be blessed!!!
While I do appreciate your last quote from Paul, I must say, that I, when dieting, will allow myselfto have a sweet thing or chocolate thing about once a week. That means I will enjoy just one…if I deny myself for a very long time, then I tend to overdo it when I am finished with the diet.. Just my opinion.
Congratulations on your weight loss. God continue to bless you and your heart!
While I do appreciate your last quote from Paul, I must say, that I, when dieting, will allow myselfto have a sweet thing or chocolate thing about once a week. That means I will enjoy just one…if I deny myself for a very long time, then I tend to overdo it when I am finished with the diet.. Just my opinion.
Congratulations on your weight loss. God continue to bless you and your heart!
As Paul said :-
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Must you always be so scripture-filled?! Can’t I have a brownie without the voice of conscience speaking to me in a British accent?