So most of you know that I traveled to White, Georgia, stayed seven days & drove home May 25th. Sounds short & sweet, like a nice vacation that you enjoy for a moment & then it’s gone; the only memories you have are a few pictures on your phone. How can I possibly explain how much really happened in those seven days, how much I changed & why I don’t even need any pictures. I remember the moments of that week like they were yesterday.
I’m still processing World Race Training Camp actually . . . I waited until now to write anything because I just wasn’t sure what to write. But today Jesus gave me something I’ve gotta share with you all, my friends, supporters, family & loved, loved people. It’s freedom.
Just a taste. A taste of freedom. But wowza that taste was so beautifully sweet.
What does freedom even mean? The concept is still pretty foreign to me so it’s overwhelming to even try to define, but here’s my overly simplified idea: your identity is no longer defined by slavery to someone or something in your past. Freedom means you have a choice. You can choose to make your identity in something or Someone else.
I’ve felt constrained, or chained, for several years now. By cultural norms that silence me when I should speak out loud. By expectations people place on me or I place on myself. By religious traditions that mean nothing in & of themselves & yet I practice anyway. By chasing dreams that aren’t really mine. By living in a manmade bubble, a small little world, & being fine with it.
I knew there was more meaning to life, I knew there was more to my faith, I knew that I was called to so much more than I was allowing myself to actually look up & see.
So, Training Camp. Oh wow, the presence of God was tangible that week. I experienced His love in a completely new way. I caught a glimpse of my worth in His eyes. Jesus was pursuing my heart & I just basked in the glow of His pure love for me. I worshipped Him with everything in me – I just wanted more of Him, I wanted to be closer to Him.
We had so many sessions that pierced my heart with truth. God was opening my eyes to things that were holding me back. I saw things between God & me that I had let fester for years! Pain, offenses, sins, walls that I had placed in between us. I have seen the ministry that can happen when the minister has a clean & whole heart & I wanted that. I want to be free.
I know that there is so much more that He wants to do in me this year. Aaaaaahhhhh I can’t wait! I am just so inspired to embrace this year of freedom! Letting go of the past & moving forward with a pure & open heart! I’m asking you all to please please pray for me as I go. I know there are going to be wonderful times but there are also going to be a lot of difficulties & even heartache. I just want to be completely focused on Jesus & let Him lead me & grow me through it all. What an opportunity to share my story, my testimony with people longing for a sliver of hope. I’ve got the story now that I can’t silence – it’s Jesus & the freedom that He gives!
If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. Jn 8:31-32
