…that pretty much sums up how I used to feel when asking people for donations for my World Race, and it’s also how I imagined them seeing me when asking.
I have never felt comfortable asking for money…whether it be $1 for a cup of coffee, $20 for gas, or $100 for groceries to make it through the month (the “college ramen diet” is no joke, y’all). Now imagine that discomfort over asking for $1, and multiply it by 16,000…
Overwhelming, right?
Initially, yes. So much so that I basically just wanted to crawl under a rock and hide, wishing a magical fairy would just decide to hand-deliver $16,000. Seems logical of course.
But now? Now my attitude has changed. While it’s still stepping out of my comfort zone, over the course of the past few months I’ve gained a new outlook on fundraising. I’ve learned that it’s not about the money. Wait, what?? Yep, you read correctly. It isn’t about the money! It’s about the giver. Ultimately this isn’t just my Race. While physically I will be the one to go, spiritually this is also a journey for my family, friends, donors, supporters, etc… So when I’m asking for your help financially, I’m not just asking for money, I’m inviting you to partner with me in this ministry.
So now I’ve turned the rather pathetic feeling of, “help me, I’m poor” into an eager request for support…because really, I’m not poor at all. I may not have the money to fully fund this trip myself, but I am so rich with the love and support I have received so far that it blows my mind! And if I could do this all on my own (or if that fairy would’ve made it appear) it just wouldn’t be the same. I wouldn’t have learned to humble myself and ask for help, and more importantly, I wouldn’t be able to truly share this adventure with you.
And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19
