“I’m tired of being the only one who cares.”
“Why do I have to keep putting myself out there only to get hurt again?”
“I’ve been fighting. I’ve had the conversations, but nothing changes. Is anyone ever going to fight for me?”
I didn’t know what to say. I sat there listening to her share her frustrations and all I could do was nod. She was verbalizing the thoughts I have had for awhile and I didn’t have an easy answer for either of us.
Eventually, I found myself telling her that shutting down wouldn’t be beneficial for anyone. That she had to keep fighting. That she had to keep choosing to love. That more often than not, it is hurt people who hurt people.
As the words were coming out of my mouth I knew I needed to be listening to my own advice. It was one of those “dangit” moments where I wished I could go with the “do as I say not as I do” excuse instead of admitting I was more in need of the “practice what you preach” theology.
The next day I opened my email to find the newest World Race Alumni newsletter, which just happened to be titled “We Are Called to Community.” Thanks, guys. Appreciate it.
There spelled out before me was the direct command that we all, at many points in our lives, need to hear. “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13: 34-35)
The Race doesn’t make community easy. This isn’t a once a week Bible study or small group where you can come and go as you please. There’s no giving up, walking away and hiding from people out here…at least not without hearing about it in feedback later. It tests your ability to love in all circumstances.
“He gives Judas permission to do the worst to him, and he still calls him his friend in the process.”
It sets you up for the opportunity to have a “Jesus in the garden” scenario where you’re in your lowest of lows and your team is “asleep.” It requires you to choose people over yourself. It challenges and redefines the term “friend” and opens our awareness to how much we truly do need people.
(Not quite as heavy of a topic as unconditional love…I think the question was why my eyes are blue and hers are brown…but she keeps me on my toes nonetheless)
