It’s interesting because no sooner I applied for the race, the first question from people would be “So what are your plans after?”
Before I had even left.
It was asked with good intentions but it made me feel like I had to have everything figured out when I was just trusting God in the moment with what was right in front of me. All I could focus on was the 11 months he was calling me out onto the field and figuring out how in the world I was going to raise a ginormous amount of money. You know the rest, by his own doing and not anything I did, I became fully funded before training camp and now here I sit in Colombia in month 10 of the journey.
The closer and closer you get to returning home, you start once again thinking about that question that plagued you at the beginning. Then you’re like crap, I really better get this figured out, ha. I kind of approached plans for life post race in the same way as I did going into the race, open hands and an open heart.
And guess what y’all?? He delivered.
Let me start by saying that before I even started the race I never considered myself a leader, like didn’t see one leadership bone in my body. Have never led a thing in my life, that’s just the honest truth. I’ve always considered myself a follower by nature. It wasn’t until coming on the race that I truly began to realize that everyone has leadership qualities, and myself specifically just hasn’t tapped into it; out of fear maybe? Insecurity? Doubt? Past rejection? Whatever the case, we all have God given leadership ability and he wants us to steward that well and find and secure it’s place in the kingdom.
I had plans all figured out. I knew exactly what I was going to be doing when I got home. Plans, dreams, desires are all well and good but I’m realizing more and more that you can’t hold so tightly. You have to make them known and the Lord wants you to tell him, but he always wants you to hand them over to him.
Such a beautiful lesson in that as you watch the plan unfold and quite possibly becomes more beautiful than you could ever expect.
With all this being said, imagine my surprise when I got approached last month by our squad mentor about going back on the field……
AS
A
LEADER.
That’s right, you heard me.
With much peace and the biggest YES in my spirit I will be going back out with a new group of racers launching in my exact launch window of last year, this October after I get back and team leading. As alumni they are calling for a group of 3 of us to go out with this squad for the first few months of their race and I will be BACK IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS!! I will be heading to Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina! As alumni we are there to raise up the next team leaders and to help guide and activate them in cultivating their kingdom community they are going to live out for 11 months and hopefully the rest of their lives. To be able to come along side the next generation of racers and to pour in, love, and to continue to grow and learn while leading along side them. Just wow, I’m in awe at the goodness of God.
My head says I’m not ready but my heart says I absolutely am.
So my last couple of months of my own race are going to be so pivotal….. How I choose to cross the finish line is how I’m going to start this next journey.
I’m going to be focusing a lot on these areas and really seeking the Lord and spending time to see where I’ve grown and where I still need to elevate in certain areas.
It’s being honest with myself and coming from a heart that truly just wants to be the best Lauren and leader I can be. There’s no striving, just simply abiding in the love and character of the Lord and all that he wants to impart in my life between now, while still on my own journey too, and when I go to walk with others on their own race.
Definitely, more information to come as to how you can be a part of this next step and come behind me. But I’m busting at the seams to share the news.
The love and support that surrounds me has just been absolutely incredible and I’ve thanked God for it every day since the Lord has called me on this journey.
Undoubtedly I will hear the question “What comes after this?” Don’t have an answer for that. But one thing I do know, if my trust remains in the Lord, it’s gonna be good.
More to come!!!
Much love to you ALL!!
