I have always considered myself very independent. Three years prior to the World Race, I
even lived alone. As a single adult
woman, I’ve had to learn how to take care of myself. So I did!
I really enjoyed my independence.
At the beginning of the Race when someone ask me what I missed the most
I always proclaimed, “MY INDEPENDENCE!�
On the World Rac
e you are everything but independent. And it’s a GOOD thing!
I now live in community. My immediate community consists of 6 other strong women of
God. We have been through a lot on
this Race. Through the good times
and bad they have been there to encourage me, correct me and above all else,
point me back to God.
My extended community consists of 45 other brothers and sisters in Christ on my squad. My
heart is truly joyful when we meet as a squad. Some of my squadmates are my closest friends on the
Race.
We also share in communities in each country we visit. Our community has looked different in
each country, but in each God has shown us his love through his people.
The more I’ve opened up to others and allowed others to
really love me, the more I’ve come to realized that I need people. God designed us for community. A person should never feel that they
could go through life alone. It’s
not healthy.
Acts 2:44-47 says, “All the believers were together and had
everything in common. Selling
their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet
together in the temple courts.
They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere
hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their numbers
daily those who were being saved.�
This is true community.
So now instead of saying, “I don’t need your help, I’m a
strong independent women!� I allow
others to help me. I’m
vulnerable. I let people love me by
helping me whether I need the help or not. It’s not about whether you can do things on your own or not,
it’s about making the choice to allow others to love you.
From personal experience, the more I’ve allowed others to
really love me, the more my love towards others has grown. When someone serves me, I want to
serve. When someone gives to me, I
want to give. When someone loves
me, I want to love more!
