So, I have had a few fundraising events recently that you could pretty much sum up to epic fails- if you're looking at it from the angle I had been. I had invited a few hundred people, and had tried really hard to spread the word about the events. I advertised on social media, sent texts, called, and advertised some more. Then, I went to my events and left feeling, to put it blatantly, irritated. I was dissapointed at the small numbers of people showing up, and that people who I consider close friends didn't show up. I was upset that I was pouring my time and effort into the events and they were ending up complete flops.
After the first event wasn't as ssuccessful as I had hoped for it to be, I started praying differently, and God began to change my heart. At first, He helped me realize that the success of my fundraising events is not based on the number of dollars deposited into my account or the number of people that show up. The money shouldn't even be my main focus; I am not supposed to worry about where the money will come from, but trust comopletely in Him that He will provide. He has helped me to realize that this fundraising thing really is the start of my journey:
It's the beginning of stepping out of my comfort zone; it is NOT easy for me to write these support letters asking people (some I don't even know very well) for money.
It's learning to be bold in proclaiming Jesus; I am not always the greatest at talking about Jesus with strangers. I get nervous that I'm going to say the wrong thing, and I sometimes let my nerves stifle what I could be sharing.
It's learning how to lean on Him; raising all the money is not up to me alone. I could never raise $15,500 on my own! I have already seen how trusting in Him will bless me beyond what I can imagine.
Now, instead of looking at these fundraising events as flops, I am able to see them as successes. I was given the opportunity to see people who I hadn't seen in a while and catch up and share some of my story. I was able to talk to not only the people who came in for my fundraisers, but the staff at the locations of the events as well. Not to mention the money I did end up raising; the sales at two of the events weren't that high and while I was only supposed to receive 10% of the sales, both of these places donated extra on top of what I actually raised. God continually showers me with blessings, even when I doubt.
In other news, I got to meet another girl on my squad- Haleigh! I ordered my backpack for the race on a serious sale. And after I send in the check from my McDonald's fundraiser, I will officially be at $3,000, only $12,500 to go! I wish there were better, bigger words, but thank you everyone who is praying, has donated, or has shown up to/helped with/hosted my fundraisers. Thank you so much.
