I had to share Keya‘s moving story that she posted to our Facebook page. She didn’t note how much she lost (you can see it in the photos) but I think the details of her story are far more important and inspiring. Here is what she shared (Update Oct 2013: See her updated photo and more info below the original post):
Many people don’t believe me when I tell them I got to 200 lbs. I was at a place of hopelessness and despair. My husband was in prison, I was raising 3 children as a single mother all while working 40+ hours a week and maintaining a 4.0 average in college. I had no time to take care of me and I had no time to love me. All the love that I could muster each day was distributed evenly amongst my 3 children. A life of pain including suicide attempts, miscarriages, infidelity, not being wanted by your mother, finding out at 26 that your biological father is in fact your mother’s step dad and SO much more…was a building volcano waiting to erupt. I am finally at a place where I am getting back to the basics! I found my voice and no longer allowed those things to hold me bondage. I use them to help others and that allowed the chains to break free.
We often time live life as though we are invincible, well, I had a mini stroke back in 2009.. It was one of the many times I had a brush with death and I just kept praying that God would help me to live because I was not ready to die. Finally, once again, I AM LIVING Y’ALL! Get your health right, you only got ONE life! I changed my eating habits and I workout with a trainer 4 times per week including electrifying cardio and Zumba classes. I also walk/run 5 miles on the 5th day. I hope to inspire someone, as I know what it feels like to have no inspiration or motivation in life. I love y’all to PEACES! ♥~Keya
Update – Keya has lost 40 pounds:Â “I just wanted to share a more updated picture, I’m still losing pounds and inches and wanted to reshare my story in hopes of helping another.”
James W. Lewis says
BIG CONGRATS for taking control of your life! You are an inspiration! As a trainer, I love reading stories like this. Keep it up!
Keya says
Thank you so much James! I thank God for life and I’m finally living!
Linda says
Congratulations you have a true testimony of overcoming adversity. May the lord continue to bless you and your family. Great job 🙂
Keya says
Thank you Linda! Blessings to you!
Molaye says
Sending you virtual hugs, my sister! I’m so very proud of you for choosing to let your problems be your foot stools. Stay Strong and Remain Blessed!
Keya says
Thank you Molaye! (Beautiful name) hugs received 🙂 Thank you for your encouragement!
Tonya says
You truly have a testimony and God’s favor shine upon you. It is not everyone who could live and overcome all those issues…You are immensely blessed. The after pictures show a glorious shine though you are the same woman who had the strength to overcome all the devil could attempt to throw at your feet…There were pauses in your life but you did not stop. For that, I am grateful to have the opportunity to share in your glory…Peace and love to you and yours!!!
Keya says
Tonya, thank you for your words! You have blessed my soul immensely! The trials, believe it or not, made me better.
Niki says
Wow many accomplishments May God continue to bless you. You truly deserve it. What type of eating plan did you follow. You look awesome !!
Keya says
Thank you Niki! I drink at least a gallon of water a day, I juice and make smoothies each day. Typically with frozen fruit and veggies. I eliminated whites (breads, rice, sugar) and replaced it with browns and wheat. I eat every 3 hrs and include fruits, veggies and proteins. Ex. Breakfast, egg whites with spinach and peppers. Lunch, salad with baked chicken and dinner, asparagus, zucchini and baked fish. I drink water with each meal. Snacks I usually make smoothies. Hope that helps 🙂
Katina Breaux says
YOU LOOK GREAT!! YOUR TESTIMONY GAVE ME CHILLS! MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY! THANKS FOR THE GREAT MOTIVATION!
Keya says
Aww, thanks Katina!
sharon says
Beautiful and very inspiring testimony, I know that GOD has put greater in each of us and it is solely up to us to tap into it and began to live the life HE has set for us.. I am soo glad you found you in the midst of all the devil tried to do to destroy you.
Blessings to you on your continued journey and in helping all the ones who think that it cant be done….
Sharon
Keya says
So true Sharon! Thank you for your kind words!
Charlotte says
I am move and inspired by your Journey. It brings an abundance of joy to my heart when people against all odds are undefeated I must thank you for sharing your story. Much love and many blessing 2 u.
Keya says
Thank you Charlotte! It’s funny I never thought of my trials as anything out of the ordinary. Until…I started sharing it and hearing it spoken..it made me say WOW. Thank you for reading!
Jennifer says
You look great girl!!! I’m trying to get there myself. Your testimony is very strong and inspiring. Thanks for sharing! God bless! 🙂
Lisa says
Keya,
Thank you for sharing this powerful testimony! Life brings it’s challenges, but GOD will sustain you! Thank you for making yourself a Priority! Finding your voice and pulling yourself back w/ the help of the Lord.
Sometimes we fail to see the “miracles” in front of us. You my sister are a “living testimony” to the goodness of God. Continue to share. Stay healthy and beautiful. May blessings abound for you and your children.
You are just what God created you to be: AMAZING!
keya says
I agree Lisa! I give all credit to God for allowing me not only the will to live but the determination to fight for better while living. Blessings to you!!
Tish says
Glory Be To God !!!!!! *tears* 🙂
mizzcarameldeluxe says
OMG girl, we have similar stories. So proud of what you’ve done. You look A-MAZING!!! Thanks for sharing your story with the BWLS community. I’m sure you’ve blessed many readers with your testimony.
Staci says
You are simply extraordinary ! You have gone through so much yet found the strength to love yourself and life again. You are a true inspiration. May God continue to bless you!
Barbara says
Your testimony reminds me of the phrase “My soul looks back and wonders how I got over”…God has truly brought you from a mighty long way, and with His grace, you persevered…congratulations, and bless you!
Daisy says
OMG your story is so moving and inspiring like you have no idea!! I have been feeling sorry for myself (many issues) but I havent been through nearly as much as you. GOD has really done amazing things in you, especially giving you the courage to take control of your life. Your story has moved more people than you know and inspired many of us to do more than get off our butts and lose weight/get healthy, you have reminded us that God can turn any situation into good for those who love him and are called according to his purpose – and that we can overcome any situation. Joining the other sisters in sending you virtual hugs!! you are a true inspiration. God bless you and your babies
MARY says
KEEP DOING YOUR BEST…..GOD DOES THE REST
Danielle says
Wow! You are definitely a chosen child! Gandhi says “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” And, you have certainly helped to change mine. Thank you so much for sharing.
Syltina Oates says
Congratulations Keya, you look great! There is nothing to hard for GOD!
Tanya says
Keya, you look fantastic!!! I must say my story is similar to yours and I have overcome weight challenges and yet I have slipped back. I had the weight loss surgery in 2009 lost 130 pounds in the midst of going to college and continuing to raise my beautiful daughters, I lost myself, my vision. Although in my journey which i can say was not a tough one because the surgery provided an avenue for the weight to roll off of me. I thank GOD for the procedure despite losing and gaining about 30 of the pounds back it has provided me with a vision of what I am. The health benefits of the weight lost is tremendous. After reading your inspiring story i today am vowing to getting back to loving and taking care of me. I will get this weight back off me and live healthier. Thank you sister and much success!!!
Valerie says
Keya, I enjoyed reading your story, it is very uplifting. I am struggling to lose weight, I am a 52yr old black female with diabetes and weight over 210 lbs. In 2010 I joined a gym and lost 35 to 40 lbs in a 10 week challenge, I kept the weight off for 16 months, and gained it back, I find it very hard this time to lose due to age and menopause, but I will not give up, I like the fact that you started counting calories, I am going to keep reading your story along with others to get my inspiration to lose my goal weight of 60 to 80 lbs.
LaTanya says
To finally see someone respond is awesome and so was your testimony it’s putting fire under my Nikes!!!
EJ says
Thank You for sharing this story very similiar to mines…It give hope to people that are going through a storm…May God Keep and Bless You!
Linda says
Your story is a true inspiration, the lord has given you a new life and the will to live it and you my sista are living it to the fullest each day. May the lord continue to bless you and your family. Great job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (HUGS)
Connie says
WOW!!!!!! Look at what GOD CAN and WILL do once we surrender ALL to Him!!! I’m soooooo HAPPY for you. You’re healing will continue to flourish as you continue to share your life with others and be a blessing and inspiration to them. Girl, you have taken away ALL of my excuses!!!!
Thank you for being so transparent 🙂