Sorry about the lateness of this post. I had said I would post once a week and I did not do it. Its been one heck of a week. I have had a thousand drafts of this week’s blog post go through my head. I just don’t really know how to put it all into words, *DISCLAIMER* it got a little lengthy, but bear with me. It is worth it. (p.s. better grab your tissues…)
First of all, let me just say this….
I HATE CANCER. It is a horrible, mean, ugly, unforgiving, non discriminating disease. It has taken way too many people from me. And it’s done it again.
This past Wednesday morning I lost a man who was like a second father to me. He was one of my Dad’s best friends, but the thing is “friends” does not cover how close this family is to mine. They, along with one other family, are way more than friends. They are our family. No matter how far away we are from one another, how long it has been since we have seen each other, or what has happened in between we will always have a place in each other’s lives. No matter what. It is absolutely heartbreaking now that there is a huge hole where Joe used to be. I will miss him every day from now until forever. I know how much this is hurting me right now, so I can’t even imagine the pain his wife, children, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, (I.E. actual family) is going through right now.
The past 8 months have been brutal. Have I been absolutely outraged that this was happening. I asked God “why him” way too many times to count. I don’t understand it. And I am being completely selfish.
It is extremely difficult to keep your faith in God through troubling times. It is impossible not to question His actions, doubt His will, and want to try anything you can to make things go your way. No matter how hard you try to fight it, all you can do is trust that God has everything under control, hand hand him the reigns. This past 8 months have been a huge test of faith for me. I might not like everything He has planned for me, but I just have to trust that He can handle it.
Jesus is no stranger to suffering. He knows exactly what we are all going through. He humbled himself to become a flesh and blood man. He knowingly suffered a death more horrible than anything I could ever imagine, and I have seen a lot of suffering first hand. He took the shame for all of our sins. Not just the sins of Christians, but the sins of the WORLD. He did this because of the unconditional love he has for each and every one of us. Every time you have ever done something wrong or bad, Jesus had to take the blame for it. He marched up to Jerusalem knowing full and well what was about to happen to him, and he did it anyway. A lot of people that I love have unwillingly suffered horrible things… there is no denying that.
Jesus, on the other hand, was perfect. He was tempted just as we mere weaklings are every day, but he did not give in. He was the only human being who never, and I mean never ever, sinned. He. Is. Faultless. Despite all of this, he took on our shame willingly and paid the price for us so that we could have eternal life in heaven, and he is willing to forgive us for doing it to him. THIS gives me hope. THIS lets me know, without a doubt, that I will see all of my lost loved ones again one day. THIS lets me know that anyone who is lost can be found. THIS is the thread that I stitch my broken heart back together again with. PRAISE GOD! My squad of fellow World Racers (shout out to all you TUFFies) have been so extremely supportive this past week. I thank God every day for each and every one of them (and all of my friends and family).
I now get the amazing privilege to travel all over the world to share my story, my newly re-strengthened faith in Jesus Christ, the love he has for us, and the hope that this good news brings.
My biggest hurdle right now in my quest to seek out God and his will for me is definitely financial. It is going to take a lot to make this happen, and I cannot do it alone. I humbly ask for your help. If you feel like this is something you are called to do, please consider clicking the *support me* tab on the left side of the page. If not, your prayers are going to be an amazing source of support. Feel free to share this page with anyone and everyone you know. I won’t be able to do this with out you guys! Also if you have any questions, either comment below or click the *contact me* tab (also on the left side of the page.)
Please keep me, my journey, and most importantly the Wohlwend family and their friends in your prayers.
“Then Jesus said, Come to me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
