Conversations with Nick Heyward

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nick Heyward.

Hi Nick, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My weight began to be a struggle for me in my late twenties. I worked all the time, never planned healthy meals, and I was a major stress eater. By my mid thirties I reached my largest point of 330 pounds. I tried a few fad diets, and I even began to go to the gym. I was focused on losing weight, but I wasn’t focused on changing the mindset and habits that allowed me to gain the weight. The journey was filled with a few victories, but many more defeats. In the past year, I decided to make yet another attempt at gaining control because I saw myself heading back down the path to where I once was. This time I had a different approach, I decided to go for a total change…..mind, body, and spirit. I began to work out daily, monitor what and who I allow in my circle, and pray for the discipline to hold strong to these life changes. Now I feel better, have improved my health conditions, and I look forward to sharing my story with anyone that will listen!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
This has not been an easy road to travel. Society shows us images of what is trendy, and for many years I was not built to fit the mold. I would go into stores and have a hard time finding clothes that fit or that I had an interest in buying. Strangers would see me and refer to me as “big guy” and that always irritated me. These scenarios were constant reminders that everyone was paying attention to the one thing I wanted to forget about….my appearance. Rather than push me to become better these interactions only pushed me into depression and caused me to overindulge in food and alcohol. As we know these vices are counterproductive to weight loss and a healthy lifestyle.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am the founder of Prophesied Legacy Ministries which has become the umbrella company for my endeavors. During the pandemic, I wrote a book of affirmations entitled “The Push Project”. The Push Project reminds of the power of positive affirmations and is centered around the affirming words “I am” thoughts you share with yourself, and “You are” thoughts that you share with others. There is power in positive affirmations.

Prophesied Legacy Ministries is also our outreach ministry that is referred to as “the community minded ministry.” We have attended workshops, participated in blanket drives, and spoken at church functions. Our biggest accomplishment thus far has been #RaceForTheGoal. This our where my wife and I run for a month to raise money to provide Christmas dinner and gifts to families in need. 2021 was our first year, and we set out to service two families in need, but through the generosity of others, we were able to provide dinner and gifts for four families in need!

PLM has grown in success and was the groundwork for Cornerstone Fellowship. Cornerstone is our church, located in Summerville, SC. I am the Senior Pastor, and I’m very excited about the opportunity to share God’s word and love with the community. Cornerstone Fellowship is not about myself or the founding members, but God and His grace which allows these things to be possible. The church stands as a recovery room for those that are hurting, not a monument to the saints. All are welcome at Cornerstone Fellowship.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
We all have a testimony and a voice that we should use. Everything in life that we go through and conquer gives us the ability to speak victory over that same situation into the lives of others. Never be embarrassed by the bruises you received in battle, but share the story to help others find their victory. At one point I thought the only place where people would listen to me would be if I had a glamourous stay that I told from the pulpit. Now I realize that my story may not take me to the pulpit, but it definitely gave me a platform. Use your platform to share your story!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Mistaheyward
• Facebook: Nick Heyward
• Twitter: NickHeyward1
• Youtube: PLM Cornerstone

Image Credits
Johannas J Photography