Well, the race is basically over. Tomorrow I hop on a plane, and that’s it. For the last few days my squad has been debriefing the last year of our lives together. It has been a beautiful time to reflect and remember.
We had a team debrief the other day that was very necessary for my team. We talked about insecurities in our gifts and lessons we’ve learned this year, specifically things we wanted to take home with us. As each of us shared, without hesitation each of our teammates affirmed us in those things.
I talked about leading without a leadership role. How before the race I had worked myself up into a respected leadership position, and then on the race I was never raised up to lead. I talked about how that has been hard but that I’ve learned to lead by example. Following that, every one of my teammates and squad leaders had specific examples for me of how I’ve lead them, my team, and the squad.
I needed this affirmation to remind me that I truly did my best. The Lord worked in me and through me, even when I felt like a failure. Even during the months where I felt like I didn’t do enough, I know that’s not true because I was always exactly where I needed to be, and God used my gifts in leadership no matter how I felt.
The cool thing was, we all shared different insecurities and gifts; and everyone on our team had very specific examples for each person. We all know each other, we’ve spent time together, and most importantly we have watched each other do ministry and live out these gifts. This made it possible for us to affirm each other on a whole new level. Something only the race could’ve provided for us.
At the end of our team debrief, our squad coach was in tears as she explained that she wished people could witness what she had just witnessed. The realness, the authenticity, and the fact that in each of our insecurities; EVERYONE on our team had SPECIFIC examples on how we have walked in those gifts.
She said that if we take anything from the world race, it should be that sense of community that we shared. Knowing each other through and through. Being able to point out the lies and speak the truth into each other, it’s why the race is so unique.
So…
Why the Race?
It’s not for the cool pictures, or the adventure days. It’s for the real community that WILL change you.
For the first time, I feel excited for others to see the change in me that I know happened.
Thanks for reading.
See you soon America!
