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Dr. Ian recently shared Shay Thompson and Jesse Blackstone Challenge success stories on the Steve Harvey Morning Show. Read how The Challenge made a difference in their lives.
Shay Thompson believes in a lifestyle of change
I first learned about Dr. Ian listening to the Steve Harvey morning show on my ride into work. I thought it was very interesting and caught my attention. Although this man's vision was worldwide with great care and concern--it struck me as very motivational for my own self how he would reach out to others this way. One thing is for sure, this nation is in a crisis of many things and obesity is right at the top. 
I'm now 48 blessed to be here years old and healthier than I've been in years. I'm an ex-veteran, with serving in the U.S. Army for 10 years and now a Computer Engineer, but was always physically fit. But from the slow but sure erosion of life's struggles and pressure, I gained more than 75 lbs over a period of 25 years. Unhappy and miserable with it all, I took a stand in "prayer first" and then with myself and asked the Lord for a change in the way I thought. It all starts in the mind so that it can become a "lifestyle of change!" I had a physical exam and checked with my doctor for advice on becoming a healthier me. It was a blessing that at almost a size 24, I had no heart problems, cholesterol, high blood pressure or diabetes...but it still didn't mean that I wasn't a candidate for all of the above.
I had the power to change it all and within a realistic amount of time. I started out with working out at Curves for 2 1/2 years at first weighing 262 lbs., over a year now with Weight Watchers and I also swim 2 days a week. Now I've moved onto a bigger challenge in motivating my muscle group to burn more calories, so I'm 227 lbs (and fine too)! My goal is 70lbs total...so far I've lost 35lbs. and 32 inches....so I'm 1/2 way there!!!!!!
My main source of remaining tenacious is prayer! Once I acknowledged that I couldn't do it on my own is when change took place. I pray consistently for discipline, determination and consistency. There are a lot of things that will work, but seek healthy and wise counsel first because everyone's body is different. So you can set realistic goals for yourself and achieve them!
I'm also a very active member at The Potter's House in Dallas, Texas so if I can help anyone there or on Dr. Ian's website, I'm available to support, encourage and help carry the load...after all we're in this thing together!
Blessings to All,
"Shay"
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Jesse Blackstone is focused on helping himself, community 
I learned about the challenge last December while doing a photo shoot that was sponsored by State Farm. I later did my own research and discovered that The Challenge has been active over a year and the public still has not grasped Dr. Ian intentions especially minorities. Getting in the public’s consciousness may take a minute but it is well worth it. You shouldn’t put a price on your health, especially when the answer to it and long life is available to you. We parish because of lack of knowledge! My photo shoot went well and you can see it in Ebony, Jet, Essence and Vibe magazines to name a few. Since December 4, 2007 I have lost 35lbs. and have a peace of mind that comes with the total package of being physically, mentally and spiritually grounded!
I have a couple other projects that involve our youth’s education and existence. First, the Pie program which began in New Orleans but was put on hold because of the flood. The website is (pieinteractive.com) and it will inform you on everything you need to know about the program. Second, the Blair Holt Scholarship fund (located in Chicago, Illinois) began after Blair Holt (son of Ronald and Anette Holt), my fraternity brother and adopted nephew, was fatally shot on a public bus. Blair was riding with fellow students while headed to work at his grandmother’s store. He covered a fellow student with his own body and lost his life in the process. Now his father is a force and motivational speaker for parents against gun violence.
So this 50 million pound challenge falls right in line with the work that is before us! Thank you for the challenge!!!
Comments (7)
Hey, Jessie. You probably remember me from the 80s hanging with Dennis and Mary. I just want to say congratulations and continue towards your goal. I was surprised to see you on this site but you have inspired me to stop hesitating and get on board.
Posted by Yvonne Williams | October 25, 2008 11:29 AM
Posted on October 25, 2008 11:29
Congrats Jesse on your weight loss. I was thinking about you and typed your name in google and found this. We were friends at EIU. Not sure if you remember me. Glad to hear things are going well for you. I recently lost a bunch of weight too. I'm almost at my goal.
Louise A.
Posted by Louise | September 7, 2008 5:17 PM
Posted on September 7, 2008 17:17
Congratulations on defeating the temptations of life that can contribute to being overweight. Stay on task and keep up the good work of being heathly and living a long and prosperous lifestyle.
God bless you both.
Posted by Angela | September 2, 2008 10:54 AM
Posted on September 2, 2008 10:54
Thank you for sharing your story. You are absolutely right. There is strength in acknowledging I can't do it alone, I need the Lord. I CAN do all things through Christ which strengthens me. I live in Atlanta & I watch Bishop Jakes on tv. I also saw a minister on his program (I don't remember her name) who talked about "dipping down", meaning getting under God, submitting myself to him to acknowledge I need his help. I've started walking and when I feel I can't take another step, I start praying. When I lose motivation, I pray, when excuses present themselves, I pray. You are so encouraging, God Bless You!
Posted by Lisa | August 27, 2008 5:41 PM
Posted on August 27, 2008 17:41
Thanks so much for your story Shay. I am on my 1st day of my "new-me" lifestyle and I have a total of 50 lbs to lose.
Your story inspired me because you are an African American woman and a prayer warrior. You seem to be keeping it real throughout your story, with no shame in your game.
As I read your story, I just looked in your eyes and it was like I could just hear you talking to me. Please keep me in your prayers and all of us as we are in this together. I love Bishop Jakes and God bless you and keep you as we all strive towards our weight loss goals.
Posted by Linda East | August 11, 2008 10:39 PM
Posted on August 11, 2008 22:39
Praise God for Dr. Ian, The Challenge and both of you. First I would like to say to Sister Shay, everthing you said is soooo..... real and true. We are all in this together,and we need each other to survive. I would love to have you be apart of team Sisters Inspiring Sisters, I am the team leader and we could use another sister who is committed and interested in helping others. I am so happy and excited about what God is doing through Dr. Ian and people like you and all who have decided to take advantage of this opportunity. Please E-mail me at themrswilliams@yahoo.com I would love to hear from you. Congratulations on your weight loss and I will continue to pray for you and with you.
God Bless you and I hope to hear from you soon.
Brother Jesse, We need more brothers like you, who are out there making a difference in the lives of our youth. They need positive role models more than ever, thank you for sharing your story, goals and accomplishments with us. May God continue to bless you and keep you.
Lawana
You can also read my story I was a featured challenger in May.
Posted by Lawana Williams | August 8, 2008 10:26 AM
Posted on August 8, 2008 10:26
I am glad I am taking back my life and you guys are to keep up the good work and ride the wave to weigth lost.
Posted by tracey o | August 7, 2008 11:15 PM
Posted on August 7, 2008 23:15