My Body My Temple

JUSTICE FOR TUPAC: 30 YEARS OF EMOTION TURNED INTO STRENGTH

When Tupac was murdered in 1996, I was a teenager who had just watched one of my heroes be cut down. I was angry, but I didn’t yet understand how to channel that pain. Today, I do.

When I’m hurt, stressed, or angry, I take that energy to the gym. Sometimes I train late at night. Sometimes I cry between sets. Sometimes every punch carries something I need to release. But I leave stronger, clearer, and closer to my peace.

Nearly 30 years later, seeing a man convicted for orchestrating Tupac’s murder brought that teenager back out of me. This time, I honored the moment by training. Fitness gave my emotions somewhere to go, and faith taught me how to transform them.

My body. My temple. You only get one. Fast or slow, as long as you get it done.

“Your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit… Therefore honor God with your bodies.” — 1 Corinthians 6:19–20

Your Body Follows Where Your Mind Leads

Physical fitness is not only about what you eat, how much weight you lift, or how long you stay in the gym. Your mindset is part of the transformation too.

Negativity drains your energy. Stress steals your focus. Doubt can make you quit before your body ever has the opportunity to change.

Protect your peace. Keep positive people, positive words, and positive energy around you. Speak life over yourself, especially when progress feels slow.

A positive attitude will not complete the workout for you, but it will give you the strength to keep showing up.

Your mind sets the direction. Your body follows.

My Body, My Temple. You only get one.

“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

Don’t Punish Yourself.

Had a burger? Pizza? Ice cream? Enjoyed yourself a little too much?

Good.

Now don’t punish yourself with guilt. Respond with discipline.

Another late-night workout. Another opportunity to choose progress over excuses.

Summer is meant to be enjoyed. Vacations happen. Cookouts happen. Life happens. The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is consistency.

One meal doesn’t define you.
One workout won’t define you either.

Keep showing up.
Keep moving.
Keep choosing your health.

My Body, My Temple. You only get one.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9

When Was the Last Time You Got Maintenance Done?

We get oil changes for our cars. We rotate our tires. We make sure everything is running properly.

But when was the last time you checked on YOU?

Every 90 days, I get my blood work done. Not because something is wrong, but because I want to know if what I’m doing is working. Is my weight loss on track? Am I improving my health? Is there something I can do better?

For me, one area I continue to monitor is my LDL (bad cholesterol). Even though I’m eating better, exercising, and taking care of myself, high cholesterol runs in my family. I wouldn’t have known that if I hadn’t gotten my blood work done.

Knowledge is power.

Talk to your primary care physician. Get your blood work done. Know your numbers. Don’t wait until a problem becomes a crisis.

Prevention is always better than treatment.

My Body, My Temple. You only get one.

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? Therefore honor God with your bodies.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

It’s my birthday, so…

Yes, I had cake. Yes, I had ice cream too. But years ago, one cheat day would turn into a cheat week… then a cheat month… and before I knew it, I was right back in unhealthy habits.

This time was different.

I enjoyed my birthday, drank water, went for a walk, then hit the gym. Incline treadmill. Sweat. Weights. More water. Now it’s time for rest and recovery.

One day of celebrating will not destroy your progress. The key is discipline, balance, and getting right back on track.

Enjoy your birthday. Celebrate life. Just don’t quit on yourself afterward.

My body, my temple, you only get one.

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you…? Therefore honor God with your bodies.” — 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV)

You’re working out? Who cares?

Most people walk into the gym thinking everyone’s watching them. They’re not. Everyone is focused on themselves, their goals, their struggles, their progress. You’re not competing with anyone in that room. The only competition that matters is who you were yesterday. Did you show up? Did you get better? That’s the win.

My body, my temple, you only get one.

This didn’t start in the gym… it started in my mind.

I was losing pieces of myself—
Epilepsy. Memory fading. Confidence gone.
Over 330 pounds. Tired. Uncertain.

Then came brain surgery.

Afterward, I couldn’t even walk across the house.
Walker. Staples in my head. Every step hurt.

But I made a decision…
I was not going to fail.

I leaned on God. I claimed my healing.
And every day—I moved.

Today, I’m nearly 2 years seizure-free.
Down over 70 pounds.
Stronger. Sharper. Disciplined.

The real transformation?
Mind first. Body follows.

This is a lifestyle. Not a quick fix.

If I can do it… so can you.

My body. My temple. You only get one.

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” — Romans 12:2

“Step Aside and Let God” — Son of a Preacher (S.O.A.P.)
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