This week is Race to Quit, a campaign to inspire, encourage, and bring awareness to the importance of being tobacco free. As I was considering what to write, I thought about a conversation I had over the weekend in one of the churches I was attending.
I was talking with my dear sister in the Lord. While we were chatting and exchanging prayer requests, I took off my socks and shoes and asked for prayer for my toes. After the laughter at the ridiculous prayer request, I said, “I’m serious. I have noticed a difference in my toenails and the skin on my feet after changing my diet to be more plant based and using coconut oil.”
To that, my friend added, “You know, after I quit smoking, I have noticed that my feet are more pink on the bottom, and not as ashy looking. I really do think it is because I quit smoking.” She is a beautiful friend who has recently completed being a year free of smoking. Who would have ever thought that smoking could be linked to what someone would notice about their feet?
We didn’t talk about the hundreds of toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke like ammonia, benzene, and arsenic. Many of them cause cancer. You can find out more facts from looking at the Faithfully Tobacco Free PHW handout.
I do want to encourage tobacco users that you can notice a difference in your health after you stop smoking. I have heard of the many struggles of trying to quit, and you are not alone. There are some resources that the Race to Quit Campaign has gathered just for you. I hope that these will help as you pursue your journey of faith and good health.
