The Green Running Man

    A few of us did the cardboard sign ministry last night (Friday), which has been different each time.  This time my sign simply said: Are You Thirsty? It provoked a variety of responses. Standing near a liqour store and bar got the typical responses like “yea, for some Jim Bean,” and other similar things. I even ended up sharing my water with one guy who was nice but drunk.  When people actually wanted clarification, I was able to ask them what their soul was thirsty for and if that was enough. Then when they asked me, I would tell them that God’s living water quenches my thirst. So, that may sound kind of corny but it’s true. Reactions varied.  I was cussed out, drunk men were in my face, some tried to get me to go to there hotel rooms, but others actually were interested and amazing conversations occured. Even when our beliefs were so different, we could agree on a lot of similar things. Ideas were bounced around and people began to think about my questions….it was amazing. I have had so many deep conversations with strangers here, conversations meant to challenge my faith. It’s awesome how the spirit of protection and wisdom from God can carry us through those instances. (side note for all you parents in my life: never was I in danger)

   Standing on the street at night also makes you contemplate why people are the way they are. Why do so many travel from nations galore to party it up in Byron Bay? What leads people to such a self destruction and almost self hate? The exit signs here in Australia are green and white with a green running man on them. I got to thinking how we all have a green running man in our lives……an exit of sorts from reality and pain. Alcohol, movies, music, food, drugs, shopping, sex, exercise, and so much more. It’s what we immerse ourselves in, what we turn to when our comfort zones are invaded.

   Being on The World Race is an invasion of our comfort zone. This is community and the ‘exits’ we are used to are not easily accesible. We could find alone time in our tents….but it’s blazing hot. Sometimes we may sit in a coffeeshop, but money is limited and the workers start to glare after awhile. It comes to a point that you realize that this is a set up from God…..he wants to be our only exit. How much can alcohol, food, etc quench the deep thirst in our souls? We are so far from what we are used to and at times so helpless…..or unequipped. I find strength when I immerse myself in God’s beauty and in his word……it becomes easier to engage with people here in Byron Bay. Whether it is the person we hitchhike with, the person I approach in the park, or the people who approach me on the street at night…..it is so important to have the trust to say what needs to be said.

   How amazing would it be if we all could make God our ‘green running man,’ our ‘exit’ from the craziness that the world brings us? I think that He would like that…..he wants us to realize He is the one constant in this life. I met a guy in the park who has the philosophy that he doesn’t need hope or faith, that the world is enough to depend on. I say that the world will always disappoint us, but God will always remain true.