At 31, JP faced a health scare that would change everything. He had to make a choice. Accept the labels that had defined him his whole life – “the smart kid,” “not the athletic type,” “the one who sits on the sidelines” or take a step outside of the identity he had given himself.
00:00 The Fear of Change
03:01 Defining Health and Identity
06:01 Comfort Food and Emotional Well-being
08:58 Catalyst for Transformation
12:08 Taking the First Step
14:59 Building Momentum and Small Wins
18:13 Overcoming Self-Doubt
20:59 From 5K to Marathons
23:58 The Journey to the New York City Marathon
27:24 Facing Challenges: A Father’s Cancer Diagnosis
32:41 The Importance of Health and Nutrition
37:48 The Role of Faith in Personal Transformation
40:51 Consistency Over Perfection in Habits
42:16 Finding Identity Beyond External Perceptions
45:08 Prayers for Persistence and Endurance
46:08 Running as a Metaphor for Life’s Journey
48:09 Tears of Gratitude and Future Goals
51:48 Family Pride and Shared Accomplishments
53:05 The Deeper Meaning of Running and Support
55:19 The Power of Small Steps in Change
JP’s story began with a prayer in a gym parking lot, but it didn’t end there.
The man who once believed he wasn’t “the athletic type” is now encouraging young people in his New Jersey congregation to lace up their running shoes. He’s showing them the same thing his father showed him in that hospital room… keep going, even when life gets tough. If you’re sitting in your own parking lot right now, maybe it’s time to pray, take a deep breath, and see what’s possible when you refuse to accept the limits others place on you.
If JP’s journey encouraged you, share this with someone who needs to hear that faith can grow even when life feels difficult. For more Making Changes podcasts, visit incmedia.org or find it anywhere you listen to podcasts. Thanks for listening, and may your change uplift you.
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