I am officially 39 days and $611 away from launch A K A getting on a plane and heading to Swaziland in South Africa. I mean THIRTY-NINE. Wow. God has been teaching me so much in this past month as I prepare for the Race. There is one thing that has massively affected my everyday walk with the Lord. He so faithfully opened my eyes to the freedom that comes with knowing Him, living with Him, and being in constant communion with Him. I thought I was already aware of this freedom, but now I am running away, full speed into His arms. At training camp, I recognized some underlying insecurities that I wasn’t even aware I had. Physical insecurities that, well, the majority of girls my age are likely to possess. I planned to shave my head as a fundraiser for a while, but I had no idea of the liberation that would come with a simple, almost bald head. As the fundraiser raised me a couple hundred dollars; it meant so much more than that to me. While I’m extremely grateful for the financial support, one of my security blankets was ripped away….for the better.
A lot of lies occupied my brain as I prepared to shave my head, and I began to become uneasy about something so small and silly. But, after that first chop of (approx.) 16 in. of long, luscious hair; it became clear that this “long, luscious hair” was only an idol. Bogus. A must from society. Something that is miniscule in comparison to the peace that God brings. Yet, I was still busy holding onto it; all the while Christ’s authentic and abundant assurance was and always will be sitting right in front of me. Yes I will still struggle, but I have to constantly remind myself that His love so deep washes over any insecurity, doubt, fear, lie, trial, etc. that we could ever face. It is greater than any earthly thing around. I mean scripture (ultimately God) says this in multiple areas.
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2).
“Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.” (Proverbs 11:28).
“What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” (Matthew 16:26).
Isn’t it so humbling and neat that we can worship something other than ourselves or worldly matter in this lifetime. And isn’t it even neater that a heavenly Father can reassure us and feed us the truth when the enemy feeds us lies. AND even further, that same heavenly Father, creator of the universe, gives us life, purpose, and hope.
The verse I plan to live by for these next 9 months and until I take my final breath is: ACTS 20:22-24- “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the LORD Jesus has given me-the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.”
It is no longer I who lives.
Also, My team has a set verse and it’s a cool one! Mark 13:37- “And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.” It’s a constant reminder that we MUST stay awake for God and fully surrender these 9 months to Him!
