“Standing on the shore of decision, looking into the face of adventure. Desire to abandon all I know… Knowing that what I want to understand is not within my reach, so I ponder my escape. Not knowing what lies ahead.
Adventure in theory is, is full of excitement and bleeds with passion for life. Adventure in reality is full of breathless moments, silent nights, and wounds that leave scares of memory on a heart.
Can I go the distance? Can I give all my mind to get what the messenger is saying? Can I surrender my knowing? Will I survive the humility of ignorance to obtain a treasure that earthly gold cannot buy? Will I ask the question of honesty, even if the answer leads me to the land of repentance?”
Cageless Birds by Jonathan David & Melissa Helser
I can envision it. Standing on the edge of the cliffs of adventure and newness, my heart is beating rapidly with anticipation, excitement, and honestly some fear. I keep looking over my shoulder afraid of the initial free fall, afraid that I can’t go the distance, afraid that my wings won’t work to take me to the new heights that are promised to me.
But I already know the truth. I am a cageless bird, flying free through the sky led by the winds of the Spirit. So I’m going to push off the rocks under my feet and stretch out my arms to fly.
“You can only start a new season as well as you ended the last.”
During the previous two weeks I was helping out with the World Race Training Camps for H, I, J, K, L, and Gap A&B squads that launch in September and I kept hearing this phrase.
Initially I nodded my head in eager agreement before letting the words take root and form meaning in my own life. I looked at the hopeful wide eyes of these 18-35 year olds and recognized something. These racers were sitting on the edge of the same cliff that I was. The only difference for me was that I had already experienced my first free fall when leaving for my race. I already knew that my beloved would catch me in the midst of my fear. Because that’s what he has always done and in those times before he had taught me to fly on my own, just like he would teach these racers.
But in order to get to the edge of the cliff I myself needed to walk the path of this season to the end and allow the Lord to release me from this place.
So that’s what I have been doing. Reflecting, thanking, blessing, and releasing.
Making my list of things I needed to do before leaving Gainesville has been a beautiful time of looking back on what meant most to me in these 6-7 months of living here. Memories of tears, anxiety, and disappointment have been replaced and redeemed by what came after in the joy, laughter, and newness. Friendships and relationships that were built solely in the Lord’s blessing will not be forgotten but reshaped and reformed.
Days in the sun floating in the lake have replaced the cold and bitter winds of winter that once categorized this place. This truly has been a beautiful season and I can only thank God for the direction and adventures he is bringing to me.
And I am thankful for this bittersweet ending in Gainesville because it gives me hope for the next season and the great things that are to come.
Because you can only start the next season as well as you have ended the last and I am ending this one in well in fullness, abundance, and thanksgiving.
Financial Update:
I am currently in need of a few more monthly partners to be funded for my internship in Manchester. I leave on August 22 and would like to have $300 more of monthly commitments by then. So if you feel led to give $25, $50, $100 or any other amount a month please let me know at [email protected].
You can also donate to my “house-warming” fund so that when I arrive in Manchester I can purchase bedding and various furnishings I won’t be able to travel with over the pond via Paypal –> [email protected].
World Race Fusion Update:
– I will be attending the Jesus Culture Conference this weekend in Atlanta to work and promote the World Race! Pray for open hearts and great connections built.
– I am now going to be the World Race Mobilizer for the European applicants for World Race Fusion, which basically means I will be working with them after applying and being accepted to prepare them for their World Race.
– Lastly, I will be attending a 3-day worship event in West Sussex, England called David’s Tent to promote World Race Fusion, along with Kayla Dawnn, so please be praying for potential applicants and the relationships we build there!
