So we’ve heard it said, “All good things must come to an end.” A couple weeks ago I graduated from College and I competed in my last track meet surrounded by the love of my family, friends, and teammates. It’s been hard to express what this time has meant to me, but I think through all the challenges I have faced, this post says it best. I hope that this gives you a better glimpse through my sometimes foggy life window.
I came here unwilling to open my heart to people that I considered to be strangers. I was happy with my friends back home. The one’s who saw me and loved me. The ones who had my back. I had no interest in truly opening up, nor did I think I would have the opportunity to.
First mistake.
I was again at the bottom of the totem pole, not expecting to be the talented athlete I was in high school. The biggest thing I learned my freshman year of track was that everyone coming into college was the best back at their school. It was the difference of mentality that set people apart. Truly the ones who believed that they could go beyond what they had in the past. I came in only thinking of my sport in a physical way, assuming I could improve by only brute force.
Second mistake.
I realized then, I had spent my life viewing my Jesus as an exhibit at a museum. Beautiful to set my eyes on, but nothing I could touch or reach out and grab. He slowly began to reveal Himself to me for who He truly is during my time here at school. I can say that I now know that it wasn’t the people around me that I was actually refusing to let in, it was Jesus. I couldn’t begin to welcome others if I didn’t welcome the keeper of my soul to come into my heart and truly dwell there.
The friends I have made here taught me so much more about life than they know. I can say that if it weren’t for them, I would not have made it through the struggles I’ve had these past years. It was them who pointed me to Jesus without them even knowing it. If there’s anything I can stress to us all, it’s about leaning on one another. Proverbs 17:17 reads;
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
The water is going to get rough, and it will toss us around like a whirlwind if we let it. No one can make it through this life alone, and thank God I have people to remind me of that. Trust me, life doesn’t work like that (i.e. my first mistake mentioned earlier). When those times come, if we don’t have the faith to believe He will bring us through, let the faith of others bring us through. Allowing them to work on our hearts by bringing us to the feet of Jesus. Surround yourself with people who care enough to not leave you in that state of mind. I promise you I wouldn’t of made it without the faith of my girls who rode out the storm with me.
I used a lot of time being afraid, and let me tell you, if there was something I wish I had learned sooner, it’s that. I always think back like, “Alisha, now you know Jesus broke those chains so you didn’t have to be in bondage, why did you choose to stay in em?” When I look back on it seems so silly, but it was something I had to learn. All I want to do is tell the old me, “Girl, you know you don’t have to live like that.” You are called to so much greater. The Lord laid the path, and it was time for me to pick my head up and start walking it. I couldn’t allow poisonous lies of fear to taint my mind anymore. It makes me think of that famous poem that begins by saying,
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.” -Marianne Williamson
The Bible reads
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whosoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.” John 14:12.
Now if that poem don’t sound like it was inspired by the Word, I don’t know what is. He wants us to step out of our fears, and into His purpose. What we are meant for on this earth, is nothing that we can accomplish on our own. In order to fulfill this calling, we NEED the help of the everlasting Father. Let your light shine, and let Him direct you.
If there’s one thing that school and track has taught me more than anything else is the importance of fight. I can slow my arms down and coast into the finish. No pain in my legs, no burn in my lungs. Or I could rise up, and fight. Refusing to take the easy way out. Fighting tooth and nail for every step, and every breath. Approaching Christ with the same fearlessness and tenacity. Not wanting to give up and remain where I am because it’s comfortable. I want allow Christ to stir in my soul, awakening dry bones, and sparking the eternal flame. None of this is easy, but thank God I ain’t doing it alone.
It’s funny how the older you get, the more you realize how smart your parents are. I never knew how right they were when they said that time goes by fast. I’m so thankful to have spent these past four years as a Bear, and learn so much from the people I’ve met. The one sure thing that the Lord has really shown me throughout this transformation is this:
“Faith tells me that no matter what lies ahead, God is already there.”
To my track family, I love ya’ll so much and it’s the people we sweat with, bleed with, and cry with that show us what it is to be brave. To my girls (you know exactly who you are), who have stayed up with me, seen me bawl my eyes out, and help me pick up the pieces of a mess I’ve made, you guys mean everything. To my family (blood related or not, church family as well), whose unwavering love encouraged me daily, I couldn’t stand on my own two feet without ya’ll. And to all of you, I thank you.
Best,
Alisha
