My story is not more important than yours just because I’m serving around the world. God asks something different from all of us but that doesn’t take away from our worth.
Everything we’re walking through has a purpose. God is guiding us through all seasons. He has conquered all that is behind you and gone before you for what’s to come. Trust in Him every day and ask what he has in store for you when you depend on him more. He wants you to say Yes to Him every day.
One of my favorite parts of the race has been listening to what others are walking through and being there for them through it. God put it on my heart to share some of my friend’s stories with you from America.
Brynna wanted me to write about how I have changed since she left. Besides the obvious, age, weight and hair color, I couldn’t think of any big changes. Life continued as normal here in the states. Work, eat, laugh, play, sleep and repeat! Not so exciting! But I realized my daily thoughts and prayers have changed! I am a worrier! I love my children but I worry about all their decisions and how they will be affected by those daily decisions that are made. I want to help them and get them to understand and think through this crazy thing called life.
Brynna is 2000 miles away! Is she safe? Is she eating enough? Is she sleeping enough? Is she lonely? Is she making friends? Are there people there who are supporting her and her decisions? Is there someone there with her who is helping her cope with the questions and problems she has every day? Is she remembering to laugh, pray and enjoy the journey? I DON’T KNOW these answers of each day and it wears on me.
Brynna messaged me the other day, she was struggling with some changes with the group and the schedule. Not sure of her place and purpose in the next couple of weeks. She was stressed and stated that she has been extra emotional. What a weight on a mom who is 2000 miles away! I didn’t know what to do for her. To make matters worse, us as parents of racers had the opportunity to go down to Nicaragua to spend a week with our missionary, and due to work schedules, neither Kirt or I could go. The guilt over that decision has been wearing on me. Oh, how I want to give Brynn a big hug, find out how things are truly going and answer for myself all the questions I have. I stopped…said a prayer, and messaged her back. The only thought in my mind was that “you are where you should be”. That holds true for Brynna an I !!!!!! She is where she is supposed to be and with who she is supposed to be with. ME too! The people and place I am in right now are where we are supposed to be RIGHT NOW!
I feel blessed and thankful for this message.
Then I got a feeling of peace and calmness that reminds me that God has got this!
“Let faith be bigger than your fear!”
I cannot help Brynna with her daily struggles. I cannot be there to remind her the when, where, why and how of this mission, but GOD is!!! What a great thought and peace! I have grown to trust quicker, to put my questions before God and let Him guide Brynna with what she needs! What a fantastic thing!
LET GO AND LET GOD
JULIE
3 more months until I get to squeeze my sweet mother
