Meet Revenda

 

Biography Summary

Revenda Bannerman: A Journey of Faith, Fitness, and Transformation

Revenda Bannerman is a dedicated PraiseMoves Certified Instructor with a decade of experience sharing her passion for health, wellness, and the Word of God. In 2014, Revenda created PraiseMoves DeKalb, a local chapter of the PraiseMoves Ministry. This non-profit fitness ministry offers free Gospel Aerobics classes, nutrition education, and PraiseMoves gentle exercise—a Christian alternative to yoga and meditation—aimed at helping individuals become more fit in Spirit, Soul, and Body.

Having earned her PraiseMoves Instructor certification in February 2015, Revenda integrates her faith into her fitness journey, inspiring others with her story of perseverance. Once weighing 279 pounds and battling multiple health challenges, including depression, arthritis, and the aftermath of gastric bypass surgery, Revenda embarked on a path of healing, rooted in God’s Word. Her story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith and determination.

Beyond her fitness ministry, She has also had a successful career spanning over three decades as a Senior Technical Project Manager with AT&T. Through PraiseMoves, Revenda aims to carry forward the vision of Laurette Willis, the founder of PraiseMoves Ministry, by “attracting people to Christ through non-traditional means” and encouraging stewardship of the body as God’s temple. Revenda’s mission is to inspire her community to live healthier, more joyful lives by combining physical fitness with spiritual growth, fostering fellowship, and spreading the love of Jesus Christ.
 

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A Deeper Dive into My Journey 

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I Love TBN

For over three decades, I have been an avid viewer of TBN, which has been instrumental in nurturing my faith. The programs have provided a source of strength, comfort, and joy, accompanying me through numerous significant moments in my life. TBN has been a constant companion as I welcomed each New Year with prayer, found solace during times of pain, shared laughter, and created cherished memories with my family and friends.

 

I Love my Local Church Greenforest Community Baptist 

 

My local church provides unwavering support and training, equipping me to share my faith with others. It has become an extension of my family, offering the combined wisdom of its elders and the vibrant energy of its youth, which encourage me in my daily walk with Jesus. Through the teachings and fellowship of my local church, I have gained confidence and leadership skills.

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Corporate prayer and fellowship are essential elements of our lives, and my church is a place of acceptance and support. This nurturing environment is one of the many reasons I love volunteering and helping my community; it is my way of giving back some of the immense love and support I have received from my local church.

 

In the beginning…

Throughout my teenage years, I struggled with being slightly overweight. After the birth of my son, my weight increased significantly to 279 lbs. Despite my efforts to lose the weight, I consistently faced setbacks, largely due to improper dietary habits and inconsistent exercise routines. My weight eventually led to severe knee pain, making it impossible for me to take baths as I couldn't lift myself out of the tub.

Recognizing the need for a drastic change, I opted for gastric bypass surgery. Unfortunately, I encountered complications in the form of a leak. The situation was critical, and although I was expected to succumb within 36 hours, I remarkably survived due to a minor twist in my bowels.

 

6 Years in and out of the hospital

This resulted in over six years of frequent hospitalizations, ICU stays, and numerous surgeries, ultimately depleting my 401K due to the overwhelming medical expenses. During this period, I endured various infections, lost my gallbladder, suffered from kidney stones and a hernia, and experienced three years of chronic yeast infections. Additionally, I bled continuously for over a year—reminiscent of the biblical account of the woman with the issue of blood. I also had to undergo another surgery for a twisted bowel.

 

How much weight did I lose?

Despite all these challenges, I managed to lose only an estimated 50 pounds and soon started gaining the weight back. In desperation, I turned to prayer, asking God for a better solution and His divine intervention. Alongside this, I began taking communion daily, which marked the beginning of miraculous improvements in my health. I experienced the ability to sit up, use the bathroom independently, and other significant milestones in my daily healing journey.

 

Step One: Realize I was a Modern Day Pharisee

I did not smoke, drink, or use drugs, but I never considered gluttony as an issue for me. I had my own plans and excluded God from them. It became clear that I needed to involve God in my healing and lifestyle change. For me, this transformation required a connection between my spirit, soul, and body. I needed to reshape my thinking. I realized that Jesus did not die on the cross for me to remain in pain. He wanted me to be healed and whole.

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As I Corinthians 6:20 states, "For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's." When Jesus died on the cross and saved me, He provided everything I needed to change. I just had to learn how to access the power that was already within me.

 

Step Two: Back to Basics 

I began watching and learning from various sources, and Jesus guided me back to the basics.

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Genesis - I learned the importance of fasting and focusing on Jesus, addressing issues by turning to God first.

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Exodus - This book taught me about God's character, helping me to trust in Him always.

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Leviticus - I discovered the principles of healthy eating. If Jesus were to dine with me, I would want to serve Him food that is as pure and genuine as scripture itself—raw and real.

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My son introduced me to the Keto diet, and I realized that sugar was a significant contributor to the infections I was experiencing. Eliminating sugar felt like a weight had been lifted. I learned to stop overcooking my food, prioritize hydration, and embrace gentle exercises that I could maintain for a lifetime.

 

Overcoming sugar addiction, which is often more challenging than overcoming drug abuse, required a daily battle. I had to devise a plan to conquer my cravings, or they would conquer me. I managed my cravings through prayer and meditating on scriptures whenever I wasn't truly hungry.

 

Numbers - This was the most challenging book for me, teaching me accountability for my actions. I learned to confront my problems instead of hiding behind food.

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Deuteronomy - Reflecting on all the lessons I had learned, I was ready to enter the promised land, demonstrating my gratitude to God by helping others and sharing my story. Along this journey, I have made many friends and found joy in giving back.

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Scriptures for Comfort

• God comforts us (Isaiah 40:1-11)

• God promises to comfort those who mourn (Matthew 5:4)

• God’s Holy Spirit is our Comforter (John 14:16)

• Jesus has overcome the world’s troubles (John 16:33)

• God comforts those who are hurting (2 Corinthians 1:3 – 11)

• All pain will end (Revelation 21:3-4)

 

My Personal Prayer I use to fight cravings

Jesus, I need your help to make these changes in my life. With you anything is possible. I can do this, but only with the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Help me to change the image of myself, into the person you would have me to be. My body was brought at a price, my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in me, whom I have received from God. I am not my own. I don’t know how long it will take to change this image on the inside. It may take a week, a month, a year, or ten years, but I will change. 1 COR 10:13 states, you will not allow more temptation than I can bear, but when I am tested… YOU will also give me a way to escape that temptation. I only need to wait and watch patiently for your rescue. I will do what God called me to do. God, I gave you permission to do anything you wish to me, with me, in me, or through me that would glorify Your Holy Name. I once claimed these rights as mine, but now they belong to you Jesus, as my body belongs to you and are under Your control. God can do with them anything He pleases, in the name of Jesus and by the Blood of Jesus. Amen!

 

Step Three: Start Moving

I began walking with a friend and set up a gym in my garage. It was enjoyable to shop at Goodwill for exercise equipment and find items on sale. I experimented with various activities to find what I loved. While rock climbing wasn't for me, swimming was fun. Ultimately, walking became my favorite. I started walking at Six Flags and on local trails. On October 1st, 2016, I completed my first 5K for the Winship Cancer Institute in under 59 minutes.

 

Step Four: Deal with and Release the Pain

I also needed to address depression, stress-induced eating, and find a way to manage my sugar withdrawal symptoms. Despite my efforts, sugar cravings persisted, and I eventually discovered they were linked to low serotonin levels. To counteract this, I incorporated serotonin and dopamine-boosting foods and activities into my daily routine.

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For me, stress was a significant trigger, and I needed a way to curb emotional eating. I initially tried yoga, but due to my religious beliefs, I sought an alternative. That's when I discoveredPraiseMoves and was captivated by the concept. So much so, that I became a certified instructor in February 2015.

This change profoundly transformed my relationship with food, my mindset, and my body image. Amen!

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My goal is to maintain health and well-being as I age, while deepening my relationship with Jesus.

 

In a nutshell, this is my story. I pray that God will allow me to share it with you personally and to hear your story as well. Hope to see you soon. Be Blessed, Get Well, and Stay Fit - Amen!