I opted not to buy myself souvenirs during this journey. God still made sure I had something to take, keep, and remember from each month I've spent with Him.
I researched the symbolic (spiritual & psychological) meanings of my gifts (Each item itself, colors, materials etc.) I also had guidance from above in finding the purpose for each item's placement in my life at the time it was placed.
My first month on the race. A lady and her little girl who lived in the dump (Tondo, Philippines) made this bracelet for me. Incase you can't tell … it was made from soda can tabs.
METAPHORIC MEANINGS
BRACELET-Deep passion and fire. A sign that you need to rekindle a relationship (someone you haven't heard from in a while) A tendency to sacrifice your own happiness and comfort for others.
TIN – Perseverance (the secret of all endeavors) , Longevity, Endurance
SILVER (color) – the moon, intuition, femininity, tranquility, understated confidence, justice, and purity.
SCRIPTURE I adorned you with jewelry: I put bracelets on your arms and a necklace around your neck, (Ezekiel 16:11)
There are 11 places in the bible where "bracelet" is mentioned. – It's 2011 and I declared this year and the number 11 to represent LOVE (Growing in God)
PERSONAL MEANINGS
Deep Passion and Fire – There is no doubt that I'm a highly emotional creature. My passions control me. Like fire it can grow out of control if not properly maintained. I was in a "not myself" slump and I prayed three years for "Passion!" I wanted to be on fire and excited about life. The World Race was the beginning to answering this prayer.
A sign you need to rekindle a relationship (someone you haven't heard from in a while) – I joined the World Race to become closer to God. I was most definitely not hearing Him (often enough or clearly enough) before. I desired true communication and to know His purpose and plans for me. To make everything about Him, and see the truth and light revealed in my life.
Sacrifice (comfort & happiness) for others – I knew this was my complicated blessing. I had been misapplying this gift. The thought of being able to take my true nature and put it to good use around the world was a dream come true. I felt called and convicted! I am my most happy when I am needed. When I can see that I'm truly helping and invoking change in big ways. I am passionate about making a difference in people, the world, and knowing I have His approval.
Moon – I've always held a special appreciation for the moon, it's phases (changes), lights the dark, controls the tides, has feminine beauty. My birthdate connects me to the moon. I wrote my daughter a poem once where she was the sun and I was the moon. My boyfriend declared the moon to be our romantic connection during my travels. I was touched, it held more meaning in my life than he knew. Like the moon reflects the sun's light on earth. I pray I can reflect & shine, as brightly, with the Light of the Lord as I enter dark places. The Moon happens to be full my first night in every country. So cool!
Intuition, tranquility, justice, purity, understated confidence .. All Christ like qualities I desire to strengthen with Him!!!
I received 3 bracelets this month actually. A little girl in the dump took her bracelet off and gave it to me during a worship service. I also got a "threads of hope bracelet" from a fellow racer (Ann) I focussed on the most profound bracelet for this blog.
3 – Holy Trinity … Father, Son, & Holy Spirit
