Every World Racer has decided to surrender their rights, leave behind their family and friends, and give 11-months to the service of the Lord, as He leads. Throughout my decision and preparation process for the World Race, I considered what I would be asked to give up. I considered the possibility that I would be missing my best friends’ weddings, countless engagements, maybe a couple babies, and many work and location transitions, since this is a particularly transitional time in our young lives. However, I secretly hoped that this would not be true.
Even before I was accepted on the World Race, I knew I would almost certainly be missing Kristin’s wedding. Kristin has been my best friend since before I can remember and I have been excitedly anticipating her big day and secretly planning all the fun things we’d do for her as a bridal party, especially since one of the first things Thomas said to me when we first met in 2004 was that I had to throw Kristin a killer bachelorette party!
I most definitely will be thinking of her on her wedding day and can’t wait to see the pictures when I return!
This morning, my cousin Vivian called with exciting news of her engagement and of course, she’ll be getting married while I’m on the World Race. I feel as though I’ve travelled the dating journey with her and shared in her growth in relationships over the years. While I’m really happy for her and can’t wait to meet her fiance in a couple of weeks, I also have mixed feelings about missing yet another best friend’s wedding and not being there for the beginnings of her marital relationship.
For some, weddings may not be big deal, but for me it represents so much more than just another event and my presence or lack of presence holds much more meaning as a representation of my support and prayers. I became frustrated with God and needed to hear a good word from Him confirming His calling on my life for the World Race. As I was sitting in church, I openned my Bible and red letters in Luke caught my attention.
At the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, He proclaimed Isaiah 61:1-2:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
and recovering of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
and recovering of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Today, I’m learning to hold on to this proclamation and own it for myself. Rather than focusing on what I will be missing while I’m away from home, I am prayerfully being challenged to remember God’s anointing and purpose for me. He is sovereign and He will provide a reminder to refocus, pursue and proclaim Him!
Please pray for me as I will continue to struggle with focusing on God’s anointing and celebrating His love for my friends and family!
