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>> When I signed up for the World Race, I immediately began binge reading blogs. Pouring over the stories and adventures of the racers currently on the field filled my mind with the what ifs of the World Race. My heart brimmed with excitement and expectation for the journey that lied ahead. I saw my arms full of orphans in Africa. I saw my amazing team, who of course loved each other all the time, having incredible adventures on our off day. Before I left, I had glamorized the World Race. If you are future racer, pay close attention to what I am about to write. The World Race is not glamorous. It is not all about adventure and changing the world. The World Race is hard. Really hard. The World Race is more about you and God than anything else. On the World Race you will see yourself as you are. In the midst of your brokenness. In the midst of your human nature. You will get feedback from your team that hurts more than it stings. You will get up close and personal with who you are and have to make the choice of who you want to be. You will do and see things that bring out the worst in you, and there will be no place to hide..no place to run. Except Jesus. You will see yourself as you are in these moments right there, but he will lift your eyes to see yourself like he sees you. He will take your hand and show you things in these places, glimpses of his heart that will leave yours in a puddle on the the dirty, garbage riddled sidewalk. He will come beside you in your mess and show you that he is okay with your brokenness. He is okay with your mess. He just wants you. It is from here that you will change the world. From this place that you can truly show that orphan love. It is from here that the true gospel message can be shared. You see, the World Race isn’t glamorous. It is a journey to transformation, to let our hearts become more and more like he created them to be each day. With any growth, there will be growing pains. It is equal parts laughter and tears. Equal parts pain and joy. It is hard, but it is worth it. So let him in. Let him into your process. Let him into your pain. World Race or not, let your journey begin today.
