THIS STORY IS GOING TO BLOW YOUR MIND!
Social Media Handles: Facebook: Jasmine Brantley | Instagram: @JasmineBrantley313
Writer: Kamara Daughtry
(HOUSTON, TX) — Weight loss can be a very strenuous journey. Scratch that, it can be hard. A Houston woman changed that approach by combining ministry and exercise to get results.
Jasmine Brantley, 32, lost almost 200 pounds with a little secret she called “faith and works.” She also created her own 15-minute rule that sparked a challenge on social media for people to follow.
Jasmine explains what led her to the dramatic weight loss journey and how it impacts her daily routine.
“I was convicted by the Holy Spirit, on a different level than I had ever been before while fasting,” she said. “I exercised twice a day (morning and evening), six days a week, plus I prayed a lot, coupled with both spiritual and physical discipline.”
She developed a plan and blueprint that worked for her.
“I [did] NOT like working out! So I had to be intentional daily about doing something I would rather not do!
Social Media Handles: Facebook: Jasmine Brantley | Instagram: @JasmineBrantley313
Brantley is a graduate of Prairie View A&M University where she majored in Business Management. Her father passed away when she was 6, and she was raised by her mother. Her family is close-knit and God-centered, which played a role in her starting the Ladies of Inspire Me Jazzy women’s ministry Facebook group.
Jasmine’s Strategy
Hebrews 12:1 – Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us
Brantley explained that her plan was focused on physical and mental well-being. The night before she executed her plan, she wrote down her schedule and made it plain (Habakkuk 2:2). These are the strategies she used to be consistent in her weight loss journey:
- Prayer: (See her personal story below)
- Affirmations: In addition to prayer, she typed out words of encouragement and placed them in strategic places that would remind her of what was a priority read them on challenging days.
- Routine: She walked three times a week for 15 minutes.
- Comfortable: She chose a time that was suitable and comfortable for her. Since she’s not a morning person, she’d work out in the afternoon.
- Support System: She selected one friend to serve as her accountability partner.
- Motivation: She listened to a sermon by Pastor Steven Furtick called, “Choosing Your Chains” and those from other trusted pastors, especially those that related to discipline and obedience.
“The struggle was real, but so is the presence and power of GOD!” she said.
Galatians 6:9-10- Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest.
Spiritual Conviction
As a believer of Jesus Christ, Jasmine’s spiritual conviction led her to a detailed plan for her new, healthier life.
“The conviction I felt was REAL! I was a teacher of the Word of GOD, but the presence of so much excess weight was an indication of clear disobedience to the GOD I served! When I realized that it was MORE than a weight issue, but a sin issue, things switched mentally for me! I desired to obey God! I desired to live my best life! I desired to become a mother! I desired to do my part to break the cycle in my family! It became bigger than just me and I desired for my weight loss journey to serve as another aspect of my life where GOD gets the glory through my life!”
Social Media Handles: Facebook: Jasmine Brantley | Instagram: @JasmineBrantley313
LookWeAreIncluded.com: As a woman who weighs 184 pounds, what’s your approach to maintaining your weight?
Brantley: Healthy behaviors, physical workout (cardio and strength training with resistance bands) and spiritual accountability (remain obedient to the spirit of God).
LookWeAreIncluded.com: What advice do you want to share with people considering starting a business?
Brantley: Don’t make any moves without the presence and approval of God! I believe His provision is directly connected to our obedience! Keep in step with Him, because when we are in His will, we receive the privilege of seeing His hand all over everything He allows us to touch!
LookWeAreIncluded.com: If you could encourage or convince someone to lose weight, what would you tell them?
Brantley: I would encourage people to analyze their behavior. What decisions are you making that directly contradict what you say you desire and the life you say you want to live? I am a firm believer that we fail to live our best lives because for one reason or another, we are carrying weight, both physically and spiritually, that we were never meant to carry! It’s time to release the weight and run your race!
Social Media Handles: Facebook: Jasmine Brantley | Instagram: @JasmineBrantley313