Hi! My name is Janie Neill and I reside in Blountsville, AL. I’m 30 years old and have a wonderful nephew Jack and a fabulous niece named Lucy. It has been a long time coming for me to be at this point in my life. What is that point? The point of no return. I know that sounds dramatic, but it’s been dramatic emotionally for me to get to the place where I’m ready to lay down my comfort, my insecurities, and the security I have tried to find in people most of my life. Luke 14:26 says “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple.” I don’t think Jesus is telling us to literally hate our spouse and family because there is to much scripture to back up loving them. I do however think that Jesus is saying that He should be first above everyone and everything else. I’ve struggled with that most of my life. I’ve put friends and family first and had Jesus as my backup. That’s completely backwards! For years I have stuck with my core group of people and have not really been open to letting others in. The reality is my source is and has to be Jesus. I love my family and friends so much and that was the main thing keeping me from saying yes to Jesus’ invitation to the World Race. He has presented the World Race to me before but my initial reaction was “Oh I can’t do that. Jack and Lucy are too little and I couldn’t stand to be away from them that long.” or “I don’t know if I’m physically able to make a trip like that.” Over time God has been softening my heart towards this whole experience. People have asked me if I feel like God has commanded me to go. Honestly? I don’t think He has. I believe the Lord is stretching out His hand to me and saying “Come on. Let’s go on a journey, just you and Me.” I of course will be traveling with a group of people but I think the Lord is wanting to remove everything that has distracted me from Him, even my family for a season. Sometimes it hurts to think about it but I know the Lord means me no harm in doing this. I’m just beginning to realize how much He loves me and wants to spend time with me. He desires intimacy with me. Coming to that realization has been very humbling. For so long I have felt unwanted at different points in my life and have wondered what my purpose is. For Jesus to invite me to something like this is such an honor. He wants me…ME. Do you know how wonderful it is after going through most of your life feeling unwanted and realizing that out of everyone in the whole world the King of Kings wants YOU?! I love Him so much. He’s been so faithful even when I strayed. He’s saying, “Come away with Me My beloved.”
