It's been over 2 years now since I've known about the World Race. Around February of 2010, I followed a link to simply listen to a new Sho Baraka song on a website I'd never heard of called The Lid. I browsed some of the content, watched a few of the sermon jams they'd posted, and for the next several weeks, checked the blog for new content.
Then one day in March, there was a different kind of post. This one was written by a young lady named Emily Milroy that was on an adventure. I was absolutely captivated – the way she spoke of Jesus, her compassion for others, and the fact that she had put her life on hold to serve others around the world. I read through her past posts and signed up to receive updates. From her page I began to peruse the blogs of her teammates as well, and, over time, read hundreds of blogs from several different squads.
I felt a tug, but somehow knew that was never something I could do…
Sometime later, I was scanning some of the recent blogs posted. One in particular caught my eye simply because of the racer's name. I listened to a myriad of bands in high school, one of which had a lead singer named Brandon Boyd. On the list that day, someone by the same name posted a pre-race blog. I read it, but gave little thought to it again.
In October of 2011, I took a birthday trip to attend the Catalyst conference in Atlanta. Though expecting to be challenged and stretched, I didn’t truly understand the way God would use this event to completely change the trajectory of my life. Day 1 included registration at a horribly early time. As I collected my registration packet and secured my spot in line, I began enjoying some of the events going on at the outdoor stage meant to get us all pumped before the doors opened. There was a band playing, a couple of hosts getting some of the crowd involved in some silly games, and then from the stage…
“Ladies and gentlemen, this year Catalyst has partnered with The World Race and we have with us today the Catalyst racer… Brandon Boyd.”
Up on stage walks this guy with a huge pack on his back, speaking to these folks about the journey he would be embarking upon the following day. At this point, he had been transported to the conference, but had no arrangements for lodging that evening or a way to the airport the following morning to catch his flight to Guatemala.
Again, I felt that familiar tug. And again, I pressed it down.
After getting settled into my seat and listening to a few of the opening speakers, I continued to have dialog with God. In reality, it was simply me listing out my excuses of why I couldn’t possibly trust Him in what He was leading me to do.
To appease this nagging, I dropped by the World Race table, talked with one of the sweet ladies working there, and filled out an information card. When asked what would hold me back from taking the next step, I listed what I suspect is the norm: I have a semi-stable job, I have some student loans, fundraising scares the crap out of me, etc.
Her response was perfect: “You know if this is what God is calling you to do, He will provide.”
I continued listing my excuses to God while making my way back to my seat. The next speaker was Mark Driscoll. As he began speaking, he listed the multitude of times God spoke to His people saying “Fear not. I’m with you.”
I literally looked up, smiled, and said, “OK, I got it…”
He closed out his session telling the story of his son being upset and scared to go on a trip because he’d gotten it into his mind that he would have to go alone. When Pastor Mark figured out that this was the root of his fear and assured his son he’d be with him on this trip. He closed simply by saying, “Fear not, your Daddy’s with you.”
This isn’t the path I thought I’d be on at 27. I always saw myself married with a house full of kids, serving my family and making a home for them. Most days, I still hope for that, but I know this is the journey He has prepared for me now. I know and am learning daily to trust that He is always working for His glory and for my good.
And I don’t have to fear. My Daddy’s with me.
