My dad is my hero, he’s the spiritual mentor that I look up to, he is wise beyond his years, he’s filled with the Holy Spirit, gentle, he has an eagerness to learn and a child-like faith. My dad has set the bar very high for any man that will ever enter my life.
As some of you may or may not know, my dad is terminally ill. 3 years ago he was diagnosed with clear cell sarcoma in his ankle (a rare cancer that attacks the soft tissues). Since then it has spread to multiple other parts of his body, and there is no cure.
A lot of people have questions as I start this 11 month journey, and how my dad’s health fits into that.
To be honest my dad was the only thing that I ever considered as a reason for not going.
-Knowing that I will have to say goodbye to him, and that it could possibly be the last time that I see him (on this earth at least). I didn’t think I would be able to do that.
– Fearing that I will not be able to be fully present on the race because I will be too caught up in the situation at home
– I also hesitated about being away because it feels selfish to leave my family in a time like this. What if my mom needs me? What if I need to help somebody to get through this?
But I had a conversation with my best friend about this, and she called me out.
Isn’t that just selfish? You are saying that people need you. Nobody needs you, they need Jesus.
Then I talked to my dad about these lies that I had been harbouring and he reminded me this:
There is no space for darkness in your heart, God wants all of you. Resist the devil and don’t give him a foothold. Don’t think “Oh, I’m tired today. I’ll just let those lies in just for today, tomorrow I will fight them off.” That is giving him a foothold. Make sure that you are not carrying satan with you on your shoulder as you go into this mission. He looks so much like Jesus, he looks really good, he looks like truth. It’s his job to pretend to love you, but it its your job to resist him.
So as I start this crazy quest I am excited to tell you that I’m at peace, peace that passes understanding. I know the Lord will be with me, but more importantly that the Lord will be with my family, knowing that they need Jesus a lot more than they need me.
As you can see at the top of the page I am still looking for some funds! If you feel called to give please do! Any amount is greatly appreciated!
