And by “It” I mean Indescribable Thankfulness!
After eight months of support raising for my World Race mission trip, I am humbled to say that I am fully funded!
Wow.
Even after a few days of knowing, I still need to take a minute to let it sink in.
My journey up until this point has not been easy and here’s why I’m full of Indescribable Thankfulness:
Failed Fundraisers
I’ve put on fundraisers that weren’t as successful as I would have liked and have had to humble myself to ask for monetary support – something I once (and if I’m honest) still have trouble doing.
Through this, I’ve learned the Art of Receiving and that truly it is The Lord who gives the increase. Once I trusted and I mean really trusted that God would supply my needs, I was set free from worry and was able just enjoy the journey.
A Few Not So Good Men
I’ve received emails telling me that I “need a man” not the World Race, and offers to “pay for my whole trip” in exchange for the opportunity to “get to know you better” as if to say that I am desperate, confused and only worth $16, 285. In both instances, I would have loved nothing more than to hit reply and type a few choice words. But instead, I let my haters be my elevators – raising me to a higher level of poise and dignity, while praising God that the value of my worth was settled at the cross so I can’t be bought.
Through this, I’ve learned that sometimes the best response is no response at all and when darts are thrown at you – stand firm knowing that all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose.
Distrust and Doubt
I’ve been challenged that my motives for coming on the Race was to run away from a broken relationship and people have doubted that I would really leave my job, my family and my friends for 11 months to travel to foreign countries and live out of a backpack. Being misunderstood and not letting pride get the best of me was hard, but I survived.
Through this, I’ve learned that obedience is truly better than sacrifice and that sometimes it takes radical faith to receive a radical breakthrough!
To my anonymous supporters: Your names may be invisible to me but The Lord knows who you are.
I’m full of indescribable thankfulness for you!
To my Amazing A-Squad: Thank you for supporting me. After one week at training camp, I realized I was missing the community I have since found in each of you. Thanks for being awesome. Peace up, A-Squad down.
I’m full of indescribable thankfulness for you!
To my Best Upon Request family (past and present team members): Thank you for unleashing my potential in so many ways. I grew so much professionally and personally while working with all of you. Thank you for the monetary support, for your kinds words of encouragement and for loving me so well. Every time I sit to write a blog on the super sweet, super lightweight MacBook Air you blessed me with, I think of you and I am humbled. Congratulations on 25 years of providing excellent concierge services.
I’m full of indescribable thankfulness for you!
To my Best Sista Friends Forever (BSFF’s) – Shanica Alexander, Camisha Chambers, (Ms.) Sonya Frazier and Melisha Reese: Wow! I don’t even know what to say except y’all are the TRUTH! Thank you for being there to share tears, laughs and for being my praise partners/prayer warriors! You all know I don’t use the word friend lightly … thank you for being a living, breathing definition of a true friend!
I’m full of indescribable thankfulness for you!
To Pastors Freddie and Marsha Piphus and my Zion Global Ministries Family: Thank you, thank you, thank you! How blessed am I to have such an amazingly supportive church family?! I could go down the role and give a long list of names but I would have to create another blog post! Thank you for all the love and support you have given me. I am humbled and am looking forward to attending my first 10:30 a.m. service post-Race. Somebody please hold down my seat … you know the one next to my Mama on the fourth row!
I’m full of indescribable thankfulness for you!
To my Spiritual Mother, Mrs. Mamie Harris and Mentor, Danise DiStasi: I am humbled to have Holy Spirit-filled, powerful women of God in my life! Mrs. Harris, you have loved and taught me as if I was your own. Thank you for being an integral part of leading me in the way that I should go. And Danise, in just a year’s time you made a huge impact on my life. Thank you for reminding me to just do the next thing!
I’m full of indescribable thankfulness for you!
To my Family: Wow! Not everyone can say that they have a family that is as supportive as you have been to me. Please know that I don’t take it for granted. Thank you for your prayers, love and encouragement. And a special thank you to my sister Wanda for modeling what a classy, funny, down-to-earth, strong, independent woman of God looks like. I hope I make you all proud!
I’m full of indescribable thankfulness for you!
To my parents Doris and Grady (Mama and Daddy): Hearing you say to me “I am so proud of you” is all I needed to feel like I could conquer the world! Thank you for being there for me and for praying without ceasing. No matter how old I get, I know I will always be your baby!
I’m full of indescribable thankfulness for you!
Last but certainly not least, to every single person whose name is not written but has supported God’s work through me by giving and giving some more, by encouraging me, and loving me –
I am full of indescribable thankfulness for each and every one of you!
To God be all the glory for the great things He has done!
Love,
Jessica
