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QUESTION #1: ACQUAINT

There’s much more to food than palate and preference. How does a go-to meal at your favorite hometown restaurant reveal the true you behind the web bio?

My cherished mealtime memories revolve around dinners at home, specifically on my screened-in porch overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains in Roanoke, Virginia, with my daughter and son during their childhood and teenage years.

After a prayer and some casual conversation over our meal, I would pose a question to everyone at the table: “What was the best and worst part of your day? Remember, you can’t use the same answer as someone else.” Despite initial moans and groans, they secretly enjoyed the ritual. I would playfully remind them, “You can’t claim that answering my question is the worst part of your day.” They would then share, leading to moments of laughter or sometimes tears. Interestingly, they now ask for this routine themselves.

Discovering their favorite and least favorite parts of the day was always surprising. The best moments often stemmed from simple occurrences, while the sad parts sometimes involved unnoticed events. This time became a comfortable space for open sharing without the pressure of providing details, with no right or wrong answers. It was a validating and enlightening experience, offering a snapshot of how we were all doing and how we perceived the world and ourselves at that moment.

QUESTION #2: REVEAL

We’ve all got quirky proclivities and out-of-the-way interests. So what are yours? What so-called “nonspiritual” activity (or activities) do you love engaging in, which also help you find essential spiritual renewal?

I have a passion for working out. Two years ago at 53, I started doing triathlons, specifically choosing a half Ironman with a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride and 13.1-mile run that was taking place in my hometown. Go big or go home.

I had to learn to swim, having only known how to float, never swam laps and never ran more than a 5k, which is 3.1 miles. While the triathlon world may not be Christian, I believe God uses all things for his glory. When training for and completing a triathlon, you learn a lot about faith. When exhausted and questioning how you can do this, that’s when faith steps in. I turn to God and have to rely on him. I cite Bible verses like Philippians 4:13, saying, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

During my training runs, I love listening to Christian music and praising God. I enjoy the fresh air, seeing animals, greeting people I pass and the beauty of nature. Feeling accomplished and exhausted allows me to release stress, inviting God into my being. All anxieties and worries fade away, allowing me to be fully present with God. I feel God’s presence wash over me. I’m sure I look strange, raising my hands, praising God while jamming to my music as I run. In those moments, I can’t be mad at the world but accept God’s grace and love as I call on his strength to finish my workout.

QUESTION #3: CONFESS

Every superhero has a weakness. Every human, too. We’re just good at faking it. But who are we kidding? We’re broken and in this thing together. So what’s your kryptonite, and how do you hide it?

Fear, self-doubt, anxiety, feeling unworthy, unloved, unvalued and worry are my kryptonite. I have to fight these emotions weekly, if not daily. I knew I would have to face a person who had triggered all these feelings and had been a bully in the past. The thought of seeing them brought back all these feelings I’ve fought so hard to overcome. The hurtful words I had been called — fat, unworthy, unloved and uncherished — crept back into my mind before I even saw them or spoke to them. Stress manifested in physical symptoms, resulting in an upset stomach.

I had to remind myself of what I wrote in my book, “Defying Fear,” and strategies to overcome fear. I recited Bible verses, repeated positive affirmations, worked out, prayed, got on my hands and knees, and surrendered control over to God. I ran 3.5 to five miles every day in anticipation of seeing this person. It’s amazing how Satan can get into your head and you can so easily self-doubt yourself. I finally saw the person after 11 years. The bully was no longer a bully over me. They had no control over me anymore. I have to fight those negative voices telling me I don’t measure up. I have to remind myself that I am beautifully and wonderfully made as I am a child of God.

QUESTION #4: FIRE UP

Tell us about your toil. How are you investing your professional time right now? What’s your current obsession? And why should it be ours?

I have a deep love for people born out of my own experiences of loneliness and feeling unloved, undervalued and uncherished. My mission is to spread the message that everyone deserves to feel loved, valued and cherished and that God has plans for them beyond their wildest dreams. We must avoid limiting God’s plan for our lives.

In my book, “Defying Fear,” a fictional story inspired by the real experiences of multiple women, I aim to inspire individuals to defy fear by embracing their unshakable self-worth through Christ. The narrative follows the main character, Lila, on her journey to discovering self-worth, recognizing an unhealthy relationship and learning to value herself enough to break free. Lila undergoes a transformation as she understands the qualities of a healthy relationship and the importance of allowing God to lead rather than being driven. Through her story, we learn to depend on God for more than we could ever dream. The book delves into the themes of overcoming challenges and learning to love ourselves and others.

I share these insights not only through my book but also in my speaking engagements and coaching sessions. Refusing to accept a stagnant life as I age, I believe in embracing happiness with enthusiasm. This weekend, I’m pushing my limits with a 20-mile trail run, finding joy in achieving new goals and witnessing God’s incredible capabilities. I encourage you to do the same — don’t restrict God’s power and settle for aging. Instead, live life to the fullest!

QUESTION #5: BOOST

Cashiers, CEOs, contractors, or customer service reps, we all need grace flowing into us and back out into the world. How does the Holy Spirit invigorate your work? And how do you know it’s God when it happens?

I believe God uses us to foster his kingdom. For example, while running, I passed a person sitting on a bench. I felt God prompting me to go back to her. I thought, Um, I’m busy. I’m running. I don’t have time for this. I have things to do. So I kept running and passed the young lady sitting alone on the bench. Then I felt a stronger presence of God telling me to give her a hug. I again thought, I’m busy.

The feeling would not go away. So I turned around. I went up to this stranger. I said, “Hi! God told me to tell you he loves you and he wants me to give you a hug. Can I give you a hug?” She said yes, and as I hugged her, she broke down and cried. We didn’t talk; I just hugged her. Then I reminded her God loves her and I resumed my run.

God has blessed me with the gift of encouragement. I’ve never met a stranger! So it’s easy for me, but I have to use what God gives me or he won’t continue to bless me with the gift. I don’t think we have to be in a ministry to help others. I think when God places someone on your heart, you should reach out to them. Call, text, write a note, email them and so on. Just don’t let it go. I think we all are in the ministry. And we can all encourage each other.

QUESTION #6: inspire

Scripture and tradition beckon us into the rich and varied habits that open our hearts to the presence of God. So let us in. Which spiritual practice is working best for you right now?

I have to intentionally slow down or stop. I remind myself to be still and acknowledge that he is God — truly, be still and know he is God. One of my favorite ways to reduce stress and anxiety, thus shifting my mind from fear to faith, is to pray and thank God for being in control. Knowing he’s in control and we don’t have to be is so comforting to me. It gives me so much peace. I can release all my concerns to him as he is the one in control, and I don’t have to be.

Listening to music is also soothing to me. It makes me feel connected to God. I can accomplish two things at once when I run and listen to music. Studies show exercise decreases anxiety and depression. It only takes 20 to 30 minutes of exercise to achieve this. When I listen to music and praise God while running, thanking him for all he does, I experience a feeling of peace.

As Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand” (NLT).

It works. Try it. There’s no other true peace except for the peace of knowing God is in control.

QUESTION #7: FOCUS

Looking backward, considering the full sweep of your unique faith journey and all you encountered along the way, what top-three resources stand out to you? What changed the game and changed your heart?

I love listening to songs. During my half Ironmans, I would choose a song to put on repeat to help me get through the races. I do that in life as well. Some of my top songs are:

“I’m So Blessed” by Cain:

On my best day, I am a child of God.
On my worst day, I am a child of God.

“Good God Almighty” by Crowder:

I hope you find me praising your name no matter what comes.
‘Cause I know where I’d be without your mercy.

“Let Go, Let God” by Jack Cassidy:

I’m learning to let go and let God.
Show me how to be free.

I also listened to Zig Ziglar’s old original podcasts and his affirmations. Additionally, I refer to what I’ve written in my book to fight and overcome fear and rely on faith in Jesus. Of course, reading the Bible can never be replaced, and it’s always wise to surround yourself with good, godly people who are there for you. The right friends aren’t just there during hard times; they’re also there and happy for you when things are going well.

We all have things we cling to to survive (or even thrive) in tough times — times like these! Name one resource you’re savoring and/or finding indispensable in this current season, and tell us what it’s doing for you.

I use the YouVersion Bible app, which is easily accessible and awards badges. Additionally, listening to Christian music serves as my escape from the pain of the world, helps end fear and brings me to faith.

QUESTION #8: dream

God is continually stirring new things in each of us. So give us the scoop! What’s beginning to stir in you but not yet fully awakened? What can we expect from you in the future?

In 2004, I sensed God telling me to write a book, speak and wear leather pants. I purchased the leather pants, no problem. I attended a women’s conference where everyone wore leather pants. However, it took 19 years to fulfill that call as my book was released last July. I was frustrated with the delay, but I later realized that God had yet to reveal my story to me. I encourage everyone to be patient and let God work in his time. I needed time before I was mentally ready to write my book.

I retired as a chiropractic physician to focus on my ministry, marked by my book’s launch last July. My current endeavors include speaking engagements, coaching and starting a podcast. Future plans involve expanding speaking engagements and coaching while enhancing my website with more self-worth education to help everyone realize their unshakable self-worth through Christ.

This career transition has been a leap of faith, challenging my take-charge personality and teaching me to rely on God while cultivating patience. Reflecting on the 19-year journey from God’s initial prompting to my book’s publication emphasizes the importance of stepping out when called and trusting in God’s timing.

Similar to preparing for a race, this journey involves trusting the system of training will prepare you for the race. Trusting in God’s system — his Word and prayer — requires surrendering control, embracing the patience needed for the journey and understanding that God is in control. I remind myself that perfection isn’t necessary, as God uses imperfection for his perfect work.

We hear the term “self-worth” a lot nowadays, but what does it actually mean? To put it simply, low self-worth is having a negative view of yourself. Practically, it looks like regularly criticizing yourself, having a hard time accepting compliments and obsessing over your mistakes.

If you struggle with low self-worth, health professionals will offer you several tips for dealing with it, like challenging negative thoughts, recognizing situations that trigger those thoughts, encouraging yourself with affirmations and focusing on the positive.

But as helpful as these may be, do they get to the root of the issue?

What if, instead of immediately trying to “fix” our low self-worth with our own efforts, we started by looking at Jesus and asking him what he thinks? After all, he has a lot to say about our value in him.

“Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Luke 12:7, ESV).

Dr. Nancy Meyer, a dynamic speaker and licensed chiropractic physician, empowers audiences with insights on defying fear, stress management and achieving true healthy living. As an accomplished mid-life Ironman triathlete, she guides individuals of all ages to confront fears, overcome anxieties and embrace victorious living. Offering courage coaching for individuals and businesses, Dr. Nancy understands the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and spiritual well-being with physical health. Her sessions blend guidance, practical exercises and a joyful spirit, fostering self-love and courage. Embrace your value, defy fear and discover a balanced, fulfilled life with Dr. Nancy’s coaching and speaking.

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