fighting my way through darkness and depression.
The message of GirlTrek was not, “Hey you fat Black woman, workout to lose weight and get thin.” The words that the founders Vanessa and Morgan spoke were, “Walk yourself to FREEDOM.”
They did not ask me to record my food intake nor count my steps. They simply said, “Sister, we love you. We believe in you. We need you to love yourself enough to commit to walking 30 minutes a day.” THIS I could do. THIS I could commit to. On Sunday, March 10, 2013, I chose freedom.
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As GirlTrek celebrates the life and legacy of Harriet Tubman, I too celebrate my own freedom. GirlTrek and Mother Harriet have taught me that freedom of spirit, mind and body is possible now in this earthen vessel. I learned to walk and pray. I learned to walk and surrender. I learned to walk and listen to God’s great dream for my life. I walked my way to freedom from depression, stress and that vicious cycle. I walked and walked until 230 lbs of burdens lifted from my body. In choosing freedom, I walked into the fullness of God’s love, grace and power. However, my freedom and healing is not enough.
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Harriet Tubman once said, “I freed a thousand slaves I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves.” When I trek and workout in my GirlTrek gear, I am making a statement and declaring a mission to model healing, health, self-care, and freedom to women and girls that look like me. GirlTrek is a beautiful sister full of hope in midst of despair, joy in the midst of pain, and love in a world of hate. Join the sisterhood. Get a taste of freedom and be forever changed. Get free.
BlackDoctor.org is excited for this content partnership with GirlTrek to feature #BlackGirlHealing, an initiative created to document the narratives, struggles and successes of Black women on the journey to living their healthiest, most fulfilled lives through the habit of daily walking. This initiative will further the mission of decreasing health disparities and stigma among women and girls, and further the conversation that self care is a revolutionary act of love. Join the movement at www.girltrek.org.
See #BlackGirlHealing in action!
The Rev. Dr. Theresa S. Thames is the Associate Dean of Religious Life and the Chapel at Princeton University. As an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church, Theresa served as a local pastor in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area for nine years. She received her undergraduate degree from Howard University, a Master of Divinity with a concentration in Gender Studies from Duke University Divinity School, and is pursuing her doctorate from Wesley Seminary with an emphasis in Leadership Excellence. Theresa is passionate about the intersections of theology, gender, interfaith discourse, and social justice. She is a challenging preacher, thoughtful theologian, and devoted friend. Theresa is a lover of life who prioritizes Sabbath-keeping, self-care, and radical joy.