06/03/2026
**The Photo I Never Turned In**
Sometimes overeating costs us more than our health.
Years ago, our church was putting together a church directory and families were invited to have professional photos taken. We had ours done, and the photographer did a good job. But when I saw the pictures, all I could see was my weight.
At the time, I was nearly 100 pounds overweight. I hated how my face looked in the photos. The photographer kindly offered to adjust the lighting, but there was no changing the fact that I was carrying far more weight than I wanted to be.
I was so embarrassed that I never submitted the photo.
At the time, I couldn't imagine putting that picture in a church directory for everyone to see.
Looking back, I don't regret not submitting the photo. What I regret is not doing something about my weight sooner. I wish I had gotten help before the shame became so overwhelming.
It was a loss not to have that photo as a memory of our family during that season of life. But the bigger loss was living with so much shame that I felt I needed to hide.
Maybe you can relate.
If your struggle with food or weight has left you feeling discouraged, embarrassed, or stuck, please don't wait as long as I did. There is no shame in asking for help. In fact, asking for help may be one of the bravest things you'll ever do.
❤️ Julie
