Just about a week ago we wrapped on Training Camp for the three squads launching in October. One of which is the squad I will be launching with in October, B Squad.
Some of you may be wondering why I am going back out again. Why am I raising more support? Why is this the way I am choosing to serve the Lord in this season?
Rather than try to explain in my own words, I will use words written by B Squad. Words showing glimpses into the lives I will have the privilege of impacting with the wisdom and experiences the Lord has given me in my twenty-five years of life.
Megan wrote in her most recent blog,
“My faith has become a performance rather than a relationship. All this time I have been doing a lot for God and not enough with God. He did not create us to simply do his work—that is just a bonus. He has created us to be in relationship with Him.” You can read more here: http://meganmckinley.theworldrace.org/index.asp?filename=unsatisfied
Would you die for Jesus? Or, even harder, will you live for Him? Ethan is walking this question out right now.
“In short, for the first time in a long time I am very scared. But we know that “perfect love casts out fear”. I really feel like I am on the cusp of Jesus cutting all of the fat off of my heart. It is one thing to work in ministry and live for Jesus. It is another thing for me to yearn, crave, and hunger for Jesus every moment that my lungs still have breath in them. I will gladly die for Jesus one day, however first I need to learn the hard part. How to whole-heartedly live for Jesus completely surrendered and abandoned day in and day out.” Read more: http://ethanfloyd.theworldrace.org/index.asp?filename=what-have-i-gotten-myself-into
One of the biggest things people walk into on the Race (I know I did) is their true identity, defined by God and not accomplishments, failures, or other people.
Jessica wrote this about embracing who she is.
“I love God, and I love others, but then I asked myself, “Do I truly love myself?” I have allowed these insecurities in me to continue for so long, I think there is something wrong with being who I was made to be. “Do I see myself as God sees me?” He finds me worthy of His love, pursued me, died for ME, ON THE CROSS! and do I love myself the way He loves me? Do I find my worth in Him and seek my affirmation in Him? I keep seeking my approval from others and want so deeply to be pursued and loved that I forget how much I am already loved and pursued and desired by our Lord. HE is JEALOUS for ME. Do I believe that??” Read the whole blog: http://jessicawolf.theworldrace.org/index.asp?filename=training-camp
Janele is also walking into an understanding that the battle for identity begins with self-acceptance.
“I came into training camp with a looming fear of being accepted. I just want people to see me and like what they see. And I know that this desire for other’s acceptance stems from my inability to accept myself. I know myself too well. I know my thoughts, my motives, and I don’t like what I see.
But the author of my life doesn’t write rough drafts. The truth (that I continually fail to grasp) is that God won’t love this ideal version of me more than He loves me right now. He already loves me to the fullest, as seen on the cross. There are no red pens, He’s made no mistake. And in accepting this truth, I have no room for the fear of not being accepted, and I can begin the process of allowing others into my narrative.” http://janeletating.theworldrace.org/index.asp?filename=rough-draft
Shame can play a huge role in our fight with identity and self-acceptance. Ashlyn has been learning this for several years now.
“There was a night we were asked to stay awake and pray with others from our team. One was missing from our group of three and while we were waiting I was asked “how have things been?”. After coming to know this person the last few days, I knew deeply that she was a safe place. I shared a piece of what I’d been feeling about questioning belonging and some areas I’d been at war.
Without hesitation and brimming with understanding she unexpectedly surprised me by telling me she could relate to how I felt. Shame was drawn out and disarmed with simply a “me too”. Me too, I know how you feel. Me too, you’re not alone in thinking that thought. She doesn’t know this but I literally felt lighter, like a few pounds of the heaviness I’d been experiencing in moments was removed by her willingness to listen as well as share that she understood. The fog felt cut through and I could see more clearly the next day and more equipped to debunk shame and the rude, tiny “gremlins” in my mind. Empathy eradicates shame’s hold on you.” http://ashlynhermann.theworldrace.org/index.asp?filename=silencing-the-gremlins
Brandi has begun to understand that, even as we must cling to truth, we must combat the lies from the enemy as well.
“But you know what, I am not going to let the enemy tell me that I am not enough, that I lack something because out of the loss of my hearing, I have learned to appreciate those little sounds. I have learned to appreciate the blessing it is to turn off the world. I have learned to lay my pride down and to pick up the gift of the lessons learned. I am still learning what my identity is in Christ but its not about my physical body at all.” http://branditeeney.theworldrace.org/index.asp?filename=i-lost-my-hearing-but-i-found-life
Mack is a man who is chasing after God because He knows what life outside of God’s plan is like. He knows the pain that comes with disobedience. But He has tasted the fruit of intimacy and he is ready to fight for the advancement of the Kingdom, using his story to bring freedom to others who struggle where he has overcome.
“A year ago I was still struggling with alcohol, drugs and fighting the emotions that seemed to loom over my head. I felt like I was sitting in a dark room with no escape and all I wanted was the key but I was looking in all of the wrong places. Then in December 2016 I looked on the World Race website and decided to change my life and be a warrior for God.” http://mackbrunney.theworldrace.org/index.asp?filename=im-free
These are the lives I am honored to help shape. The people I will accompany, each on their own unique journey. Not by my words or wisdom, but with what I have received from the Lord. As members of one body, we need each other. B Squad needs what I have, just as I need what they carry. The Lord revealed this to Lindsey at Training Camp.
“The biggest takeaway for me was the realization that the Church isn’t meant to operate in silos. That’s something that I’ve heard a million times before and understood it to an extent, but never dwelled on the amazing structure that God has created. I envied others gifts, but The Lord showed me that He created them to have those gifts and He created me to have mine. We all fit together to make a body, and without one part of the body, we just don’t work as well or efficiently. I am so thankful He revealed that to me with such clarity.” http://lindseykappler.theworldrace.org/index.asp?filename=the-body-i-found-at-training-camp
So why am I going out into the world with these men and women?
I think Chelsea said it well.
“It was the sound of each individual voice praising His name that filled the room. No voice was lost, no note was forgotten. In the midst of the crowd, the Lord smiled as every one of His children called out His name. All at the same time, you could pick out every single voice while together, the chorus sounded as one. It is hard to describe but easy to feel. In that moment, the presence of the Lord was so visible, you could touch it was you lifted your hands in praise. It was a raw embrace with Jesus, a time when the angels’ voices joined in harmony with His people on earth. Man did I feel alive, as my heart beat only for my Creator. In that moment, I knew why I was called. My voice became His voice. My heart became His heart. My life became His life. “For I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Gal. 2:20). The sound of ultimate surrender shook the ground. It shook off the chains, chains that held these people to the States. As you looked around, you could see God’s servants slowly abandoning their comfort and walking toward His will. God had broken down walls of fear and stood there face-to-face, gazing at His children. With tears in His eyes, He whispered, “I am good. Go and tell my people.”” Read the rest at: http://chelseacasady.theworldrace.org/index.asp?filename=call-me-a-fool
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I am still looking for monthly financial supporters as I get ready to journey with B Squad, even if you can only give $10 each month. If you would partner with me in this work, click the “Support Me” link to the left.
I have a deep love and appreciation for you all. Thank you.
