Ten days in the muggy climate that is Georgia with over 200 strangers has given me an abundance of information, most of which I’m still processing. World Race Training Camp is the definition of drinking from a fire hydrant; I’m going to pour you a small glass of what I’ve learned over the past ten days.
1) Honesty and vulnerability are not the same thing.
Honesty is a solid character trait, but being honest about struggles we’ve had is not truly being vulnerable. To be vulnerable involves some sort of risk; to share current struggles with others and having the humility to ask for help, or admitting the need for some sort of intervention.
2) God’s creation is beautiful, even if it doesn’t look like mountains and rivers.
Sure, Georgia has rolling green hills, but it’s people who have me fascinated lately. I often forget we as people are His creation, workmanship, and made in His image. I made some amazing new friends this week and God is showing me how to find the beauty in each person’s personality. We’re perfect because we’re His children, He knitted each person to be unique in so many fascinating ways, all you have to do is get to know them a bit.
3) It’s possible to put on a false self, even if you’re a Christian.
This one is tough for me, but I realize I sometimes put on a mask as a Christian to keep myself from being vulnerable. We tend to want to make others like us, but through past wounds we build up an identity to look good on the outside, but we’re sick on the inside. Jesus determined our worth when he paid the ultimate price: death on a cross. “It is finished” He said, the debt has been paid. His love for us is greater than we can fathom. There’s no need to put on a false self, our real self is worth infinitely more than a cheap mask.
Do you find yourself hiding behind a false self? Maybe it looks like showing off how many church events you go to, or acting humble so you don’t have to be vulnerable. The latter one was mine (confusing, I know) I challenge you to be vulnerable with one person this week, perhaps there will be tears, perhaps joy, but there will certainly be freedom.
There is so much more to process and learn from camp, luckily I have six more weeks until launch. I know it’s going to fly by, so if you would take a moment to pray I could be present where I’m at for the next several weeks, I would appreciate it! Stay tuned for more blogs and feel free to subscribe!
Support Update 7/17/15: I’m over 77% fundraised! This means I need about $3,700 to be fully funded! I’ve been so blessed by my supporters, so thank you for your prayers and donations!
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