A switch in my brain instantly flipped. Holy stromboli, did the God of the universe just SPEAK to me?
He sure did.
Sometimes I get so caught up in my emotions that I forget that none of this is about me. This minute, this day, this life, is not mine. This trip isn’t about me at all. I surrendered it all to this savior, this lover and pursuer of my soul, last summer when I realized that a better life was waiting for me. All I had to do was say yes to his pulling on the strings of my heart, and stop running in the other direction that continued to destroy me.
Up until that point at training camp, I had (once again) turned and began to run in the other direction, trying to regain control of my life. When he abruptly spoke to me, though, I turned around and fell back into his arms. Because that’s what he wants, right? He is our comforter, our protector. He tends his flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart (Isaiah 40:11). In that moment, the weight of his love fell heavy on me, and my entire approach to training camp shifted.
I marched up the hill where my squad was, and the next few days were filled with freedom. My spirit was lifted high in our squad dance-off, when all 50 of us slept under a tarp in the woods, and when I ran and jumped in the lake with all of my clothes on.
Was the rest of the week a piece of cake? No, it wasn’t. The days to come were filled with tears as healing over past issues took place and any facades that I hid behind were broken down. I couldn’t style my signature bang-swoop or cover my face in makeup to hide any blemishes. I felt exposed. Turns out that’s exactly where the Lord wanted me, because for every tear I cried, he whispered “daughter, you are mine.” Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine (Isaiah 43:1).
The week came to an end with a glorious gift from my Father… the 6 others who I’ll be spending the 11 months on the World Race serving beside: team Let’s Get Weird. When we were placed in our team together, my excitement for the year was amplified. I know that this team will challenge me and pull me closer to Jesus, even in the times when I want to run away in the other direction just because it feels easier.
So, what’s up with the strange team name, you may ask? It means something different to each one of us on the team. For me, it signifies stepping out of my comfort zone; turning away from the “comfortable” or “easy” way for a life more abundant. I want to walk up to the girl who is a victim of sex trafficking and speak into her soul. I want to stand in front of a village in Nepal and tell them about the freedom I’ve received through Jesus Christ. I want to see miracles happen before my eyes as I pray for the sick in Africa. None of this is within my comfort zone. I want to step out of the world that I’ve known. I want to walk in the Spirit. I want to get weird.
Ladies and gentlemen, team Let’s Get Weird: Phil, Klarissa, Colin, Kristin, Karah, Tayler, and me!
