As an African American woman, I already knew my hair would be an important part of my fitness journey.
Increased heart rate can lead to sweating out hairstyles, edges fighting for survival, wash days multiplying, and figuring out gym hairstyles that still look halfway decent afterward…
Especially now, as we head into the summer months.
Because nothing humbles you faster than walking out of the gym looking like your workout had a personal vendetta against your silk press.
But somewhere between the sweating, the increased heart rate, the weight training, the battle with sugar cravings, and working to become healthier mentally, spiritually, and physically… God started showing me something deeper:
Consistency matters more than my comfort!
And honestly, that lesson shows up in so many other areas of life too.
The last few days, I’ve been in Proverbs (chapters 1–7), and those chapters have been sitting on my heart as I write this week’s blog. Over and over, Solomon talks about wisdom, discipline, instruction, self-control, guarding your heart, staying focused, and not turning away from the right path.
And to me; that sounds a lot like what I have been experiencing in my fitness journey lately.
Breakdown:
Proverbs 1 reminds us that wisdom begins with reverence for God and the willingness to learn. Fitness will humble you the same way. You quickly realize growth requires instruction, patience, and being teachable.
Proverbs 2 talks about seeking wisdom like treasure. And honestly? Health is a lot like that. It requires intentional pursuit. Nobody accidentally becomes mentally, spiritually, or physically healthy.
Proverbs 3 reminds us to trust God, acknowledge Him in all our ways, and not lean solely on our own understanding. Some days the scale moves. Some days it doesn’t. Some days motivation is high. Other days it disappears completely. But discipline keeps showing up anyway.
Proverbs 4 talks about guarding your heart because everything flows from it. That scripture convicted me deeply because I realized what we feed ourselves spiritually matters just as much as what we feed ourselves physically.
Proverbs 5 warns against distractions that pull us away from wisdom. And if we’re honest, distractions come in many forms these days, inconsistency, emotional eating, negative self-talk, unhealthy habits, and even constantly quitting on ourselves.
Proverbs 6 speaks about diligence and avoiding laziness. That chapter reminded me that small daily choices matter more than occasional bursts of motivation.
- Choosing the walk.
- Choosing the workout.
- Choosing water over another soda.
- Choosing rest.
- Choosing prayer.
- Choosing consistency.
- Choosing to keep going when results are slow.
- Even choosing hairstyles that work WITH your fitness goals instead of against them.
Now THAT is wisdom.
And Proverbs 7? That chapter is all about discernment, recognizing what can pull you off course before it does. That applies spiritually, emotionally, physically, and mentally.
This journey requires intentionality, and I’m learning that it is not about perfection! It’s about awareness.
And remember that becoming healthier is not punishment — it’s stewardship.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for carrying us through every season, even the seasons where growth feels slow, uncomfortable, or unseen. As we enter the summer months, help us to walk in wisdom, discipline, joy, and balance. Teach us how to care for ourselves spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically without losing softness, femininity, or peace along the way.
Help us to stay consistent even when motivation fades. Give us strength to make healthier choices, grace for the days we fall short, and wisdom to keep getting back up. Protect our hearts, guide our minds, and remind us that true transformation begins within.
May this summer be filled with laughter, healing, confidence, freedom, growth, beautiful memories, deeper faith, and renewed strength.
And Lord… please help our hairstyles survive these workouts and this humidity.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Happy Summer, friends. Let’s keep growing anyway.
