I want to celebrate and honor the members from my squad who were in the thick of it with me through the race. It is because of these brothers and sisters I can say without a trace of doubt that I know I’m loved in spite of myself. Because of y’all I can run after the Father without the shackles that have chained me to the lies against His character for as long as I can recall. Iron sharpens iron and each of one of you came in contact with some deep seated wounds that were able to surface and be addressed by the Father. Y’all are the real heroes out here.
(There’s no particular order to this list)
Becca – You have played the most important role for me in discovering the unrelenting love the Father has for me. You are the reason why I can say I know He fights for me. You would go to war for someone without hesitation and you did just that for me out here. The Lord knew I needed you this past month because you were the only one willing and able to bare this burden with me. You’ve been there to sit in the trenches with me just as Jesus does, sharing in tears and pangs of grief. You’ve stood in the gap for me when I’ve doubted in healing and spoke truth over me whether I believed it or not. I love you and would fight for you just as hard as you fight for me.
Laura Leigh – aka Larry, small hands, little league, you have exhibited to me how much the Lord rejoices over me through the unending encouragement you’ve given me. You’ve tagged along with me for just about anything and have really shown me His faithfulness in that He is always with me. You are a living example of a Proverbs 31 woman and have revealed to me what real beauty is to the Lord. Your lightheartedness and purity has made it so easy to see the Father’s heart in anything. You will forever be etched into my life. Love you walking buddy!
Dylan – You are probably the most obstinate person I’ve ever interacted with. You have challenged me to get over myself multiple times and push me to choose humility over pride. Because of you I’ve learned how to voice deep hurts that I’ve been ashamed to bring to the light out of fear of judgement. You frustrate the heck out of me but I feel safe with you which has shown me what a refuge looks like. It took us a 6 hour bus ride to work through all the misunderstandings and unhealthy lines of communication but our friendship is worth fighting for. And even though you gave away our yee shirt I still love you, you stubborn hick.
Jake – You’ve always extended an open invitation to me in whatever you are doing and it really has displayed how inviting the Lord is. You make time for people and it has shown me that God isn’t too busy for anyone. I see the Father with open hands from our friendship and it has deeply impacted my relationship with Him. You have a compassion for people that is evidence of God’s mercy. Love you Jake!
Elijah – Pastor, prophet, man of God – you’ve been my person since training camp. You’ve shown me how the Lord speaks truth in gentleness and love. You stand for righteousness and seek after truth as though it was treasure hidden in a field. You accept me in my salty state without judgement conveying how the Lord does the very same! Love you PE!
Ian – Your ambitious and adventurous spirit has prompted me to dream again. You’ve helped open my heart to the realm of possibilities simply by consistently being hopeful in Him. Your sensitive nature has revealed another side of the Lord that I’m now being acquainted with. You have always built me up and I see the Lord cheering me on through you. Love you a lot nerd.
The rents: John – You insult me when I need it and love me by calling me medium. You’ve been a kindred spirit and a brother who ‘gets it’. Your dependability and your faithfulness to your word has shown me how much God is faithful to his very own word. You’re all about valor, honor, truth, and justice which echoes back to His nature and the way you love Victoria displays how much Jesus adores His bride. Love you bro.
Victoria – You are a beautiful friend and have so many talents and gifts and yet you are so humble that you don’t even recognize them for what they are. I’m glad we didn’t give up on each other because the Lord has surely shown me how sweet perseverance can be through you. I cherish our devos we continue to do together and feel honored that you would choose me to do them with. Love you Vic!
Aspen – I will say it all the time, you are my favorite. You are the most spiritually mature 21 year old I know with so many wreckless choices to follow it. I see His abundant joy through your carefree personality and never ending smile. You always have a joke at the ready while filled with so much empathy for someone. You do everything out of love and value what is righteous. I will forever love you Reverend Kelley aka God’s machine gun.
Kati – My girl from day one. Something about you radiates His life, beauty and zeal. You always seek out the big picture and care about things deeply. No stone goes unturned with you which shows His care for the fine details in every facet. Your excitement really brings me light to some of my dark days and I know you’ll always tell me truth without sugarcoating it. Love you bigtime.
Sarah – From training camp when you were desperate to give me all your gear in the scenario I will never forget your refusal to take my no for an answer. You showcase so many of His qualities, firm but fair with the gift of teaching that enables others to perceive Him in new ways. You have taught me much and I’m thankful He gave us at least a month together. I look forward to our date in Germany and all the adventures we will go on! Love you greatly Sarah!
Marsh – You were the first person who ever befriended me when I first joined the race and supported me unconditionally without ever knowing a single detail about me. I have always felt cared by and nurtured from you. You are literally His hands and feet and have embraced me in the ways I needed to have an open heart going into this race. Even though we never got to be on a team He has given us some pretty awesome moments together. Love you Han!
Stu – We have had so many similarities in our walks with the Lord and story with the race that it feels like our friendship has been hand picked by Him. You are so dang precious to Him, and a spectacular jewel in His crown He loves to show off. You are a dazzling picture of His redemption and freedom. I’m beyond thankful for you walking through this new season with me as you can relate in ways others cannot. Love you Hannah!
For the members of the squad that I didn’t share including leadership I fiercely love every single one of you and would lay down my life for each one of you, but our friendship is for another season and I will let the Lord be the one to allow those friendships blossom in His time.
