Changed from the Inside Out

This is the story of Mark Cornelison, a youth minister for 17 years, who was a contestant on the reality television show,  The Biggest Loser.  He was really motivated to try to be a contestant because of his son, Chism.  He didn’t have high expectations of actually being chosen, or if he was, that he would last very long on the show.  It was a pleasant surprise that both he and his son were chosen to be part of the program.

This book is less about losing weight, the process of it and being on the show, as it is about the changes that took place inside Mark.  He does state that he was a hundred pounds overweight and had health problems because of that.  Workouts were really difficult for him, especially at first, but he does not give all the fine points of exactly what was done.  Specific details are not given about what was or was not eaten.

For the author, an important thing to come out of this adventure was the self discovery and spiritual journey he had while being a contestant.  He shares a lot about that.  Another important aspect for him were the interpersonal relationships and friendships which he formed while he was part of the television program.

Some experiences, however, from the show were included in the book.  For instance, he recalls a really hilarious account about the time he went with the show as part of a group of special guests invited to The White House.  What happened that day, while in the van, was priceless.

He also relates that a difficult part about the television experience was homesickness, being away from his family and home was a big hardship for him.  Mark also tells in depth what it felt like the first time to go in front of the television cameras and weigh himself for all to see.

The author enjoys his life after the weight loss especially since he now has so much more energy.  He emphasizes that keeping the weight off is an on-going battle.   As a result of the changes he made both inside and outside of himself, he felt led to go a different direction in his career.  He believes his loss of weight lets him better live out the purpose God created him for.

The overriding theme of the book is very uplifting, it is the assurance of God’s love for each of us.  No matter what size we are, God will have the same amount of love for us all the time.   His love doesn’t change with our size.  The author clearly presents how to have a new life really experiencing God’s love by following Jesus Christ.  Anyone who enjoys true accounts of life-changing events will enjoy this 5-star book.

I’d like to thank the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/marktcor

Author’s Website:  http://sweatcor.com/