The Transformation of Colin Brinson

At the first service at this year's feast in Stone Mountain, Georgia I looked across the hall and saw a tall young man that looked vaguely familiar but he had a lot less girth than the person I was thinking of. The next time I saw him chatting to some friends in the hallway, I went up to him and inquired if he was the same one I had met at PYC in 2012? Yes he was. "So what happened? How did you lose all that weight? I hardly recognized you!" I was inspired by his story and hope you will be too. 

Colin Brinson is 17 and hails from Sanford, FL which became newsworthy for the Trayvon Martin shooting case.  He lives with his grandparents and has been home-schooled up to this year. Colin attended  PYC again in 2013 and it was after camp that he decided he wanted to change how he looked and live a healthier lifestyle. Doing that at any age takes a lot of motivation; Colin's was basketball. He started playing 3hrs a day (made possible by his homeschool schedule), reduced his food intake and replaced the meals he did eat with healthy options such as vegetables (even with a side of fries!) and drank more water. He also walked 2 miles to the basketball court and back. In  addition, he cut out evening snacking by going to bed early! Two years ago Colin wore a size 4X and now he is a lean XL and is still aiming to get slimmer.   

Colin is now attending public school. He doesn't know yet what career path he wants to pursue but whatever it turns out to be, I'm sure he will have the determination to achieve it. 

Next time you see Colin be sure and give him hearty congratulations and encouragement to keep up the great example he has set.