During training camp in Gainsville, Georgia, I met a lot of August 2009 World Racers who have amazing stories and testimonies of the work the Lord has been doing in their lives as He has transformed and turned their lives around. We spent the first couple days of training camp grieving the seasons of our life, submitting challenging expectations and “rights” to God, exploring the work of the Holy Spirit and the giftings He has for each of us.
In the midst of these conversations, I began to doubt the significance and blessing of my own story, since my story is not one of overcoming traumatic or violent seasons in my life. I began to internalize untruths I heard in my childhood telling me my story wasn’t worth telling because it wasn’t dramatic or defined by a significant change in my lifestyle or decision making. Rather than allowing these thoughts to take a foothold and become a stronghold, I spoke with a counselor Caroline (our squad leader) who spoke truth into my life about my identity as a daughter of God and the blessing of my tesimony. My testimony is a picture of God’s grace and unwarranted favor and protection over me and my family. I have been shielded from the hurt, trials, traumas, and mom and dad wounds, not because of my own accomplishments, but by God’s grace alone. I also began to understand that God’s hand of protection is a testament to His constant presence and unmerited faithfulness.
I also began to see my relationship with God as relationally bi-directional. I have been pursuing God and seeking to know Him more, but neglected to desire to be known by Him. I took to heart God’s command to “be still and know that I am God” Ps.46 (a reminder from a t
eammate) and began to process a shift in how I experience God. Instead of a triaging God, who cares first for the severely oppressed, God is doing a mighty miracle of healing and growth in each of us simultaneously. God has blessed my life so incredibly, but I neglected to acknowledge His presence. Throughout training camp, I have grown in seeking the Lord for His wisdom and listening to the voice of God through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in me.
eammate) and began to process a shift in how I experience God. Instead of a triaging God, who cares first for the severely oppressed, God is doing a mighty miracle of healing and growth in each of us simultaneously. God has blessed my life so incredibly, but I neglected to acknowledge His presence. Throughout training camp, I have grown in seeking the Lord for His wisdom and listening to the voice of God through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in me.
