Reverend Rob

   

Food for thought...

 The meeting hall is full to capacity. Reverend Rob stands at the entry way welcoming members of his flock. He greets familiar faces and newcomers with warm smiles and hardy handshakes. He knows everyone in attendance by name. He can share personal anecdotes about each person in his audience. His followers show up religiously every week, through rain, sleet or snow. The congregation wouldn't miss this weekly gathering for the world. 

     Electricity fills the air as Reverend Rob steps up to the podium at the front of the room. The crowd murmurs while they fan themselves with their tiny booklets as they wait in anticipation for the evening sermon. Everyone in the group knows tonight will be important. Reverend Rob's weekly homily is always life-changing.

     Reverend Rob paces back and forth in the front of the room, a tell-tale sign that he is about to begin the night's service. He commands attention by suddenly bellowing a shockingly loud “How’s everybody doing?” It’s not really a question. Reverend Rob already knows the answer. The fact that people have chosen to sit in the audience means they are already doing well. 

     The crowd reacts with a rush of enthusiasm that would put Oprah’s studio audience to shame. Reverend Rob responds with, “Is that all you got?” The crowd cheers even louder – Gillette Stadium loud after a Tom Brady touchdown. “That’s more like it,” Reverend Rob says, smiling because he knows he has the crowd eating out of his hand.

     That food metaphor is appropriate because this is a Weight Watchers meeting and Rob is the group leader. His work is no less important than a preacher at Sunday service. Rob offers enlightenment to everyone under his guidance. 

     Rob understands the people in his audience. He has experienced the daily struggle of losing weight and keeping weight off. He knows what it’s like to stand in the background when group photos are taken. He can relate because he's been there, done that. 

     Rob’s “sermons” expound upon the success stories of members in attendance who stick to the plan. However, he knows weight loss is a personal thing. What works for one individual doesn’t necessarily work for the next. The plan is flexible and customizable. Success depends on how much you want it. Meeting with others who have similar experiences enables you to find inspiration. Rob knows how to inspire people from within.

     My wife and I attend weekly meetings together. These meetings are more than a diet program support group thanks to Rob. Every week we experience a night of live entertainment rivaling anything at the Stoneham Theatre. Rob's weekly pep talks help keep people on track with humor and pathos. His animated personality permeates the atmosphere leaving no room for negative thoughts. 

     “You lost a pound this week. Perfect! Keep moving in that direction and you’ll be at your goal in no time!”

     “You gained weight this week but you realize where you can improve? Great! That means you’ll do better next week!”

     The plan is all about doing something positive and moving forward from week to week without beating yourself up for any small indiscretion in the kitchen that sets you back. One bad week doesn't negate the previous 12 weeks of success.

     I learn more things at these meetings than just helpful tips to maintain my weight. Most nights there is laughter – gut-wrenching belly laughter – from a story Rob is telling or a quip from a member who has a personal story to share. On a few occasions, the group has been moved to tears after hearing about other member's success or failure, and the reason it happened. Some nights raw emotions are shared. After listening, you can’t help feeling something inside because, after all, we are all human, no matter how much we weigh.

     Rob brings a lightness to your soul no matter what your struggles were during the week. After all, your weight is just a number. And a number on a scale is not the total sum of who you are. We have Rob to thank for making us realize we are so much more than that. Can I get an amen?