I was accepted to the WR in October of last year and it’s been an intense but awesome 8 months. Now, here I am with 11 weeks until launch and I can’t help but think of all the ways I’ve already been stretched and grown. I can’t even imagine all the things God is going to do in me when I’m out in the world, away from the security and comforts of home, pursuing Him and His love in a different way than ever before.
So far, I’ve learned how to stuff a synthetic sleeping bag into a compression sac the size of a football. I’m not even kidding! You may think this is a mindless and easy task but it took me three tries before I could get it in without breaking a sweat! Haha! I think I have it down now though! Whew!
I have learned more about tents, hammocks, water purification, different malaria med options, etc than I could ever hope to know…and I still haven’t made up my mind what I want yet!
I have learned that even though my squad and I haven’t met yet, we are already growing into a beautiful family and community. We ask for prayers, we are real and honest about our triumphs and struggles, and we have all agreed that God has handpicked all 70 of us and this year is going to be AWESOME! Shout out to U Squad!
I’ve learned to ENJOY FUNDRAISING! Wow. That’s a big deal. When I first heard that I needed to raise $15,500 I was like, “Alright…God’s got this. He already told me He would provide and has given me dreams and visions of strangers giving me money before I even heard about the WR!” Then, there I was a few weeks later thinking, “Holy WOW, this is A LOT of money! How am I ever going to do this?” Notice how my thinking shifted from “God’s got this” to “how am I going to do this?” Therein lies the key to fundraising and a huge lesson learned…God is in control. Not me. He is REALLY good at keeping promises! Now, with $9,350 raised and having smashed through the August deadline already, I’m constantly reminded of that fact!
Along with that, I’ve learned something about blessing and why it doesn’t need to feel awkward to talk about money. I’ve learned that when someone pours resources into God’s Kingdom, through my World Race, they are blessed in return. Sowing and reaping is great and it pleases God. When fear keeps me from telling someone about the WR and keeping quiet about the financial need, they are denied of an opportunity to sow, therefore they are denied the blessing that would have come from it. I’ve learned to not have fear in fundraising! I’ve so enjoyed getting together with people and seeing God provide in miraculous ways for my friends and for me!
I’ve learned something about being present. Sometimes it’s quite the balancing act between looking forward to the race and thinking constantly about all the things I need to get done and then just sitting and being present with my family and friends, cherishing every moment. Here’s the thing… God’s taking me on a journey and that’s really good, but where I need to be is where my feet are right now.
I’m learning how to let go. Somehow in embracing the idea of the World Race, I’ve been letting go more and more. I’m physically letting go (selling or giving away) of most of my belongings, both of my paying jobs, and the everyday comforts of home. I’m sure living without these things will definitely take a lot of getting used to, but I desire for my security and comfort to be in Him alone and not in a hot shower whenever I want one. I’m learning to pursue the promise and security of my heavenly home more than the one on this earth. I know that I have a lot more to learn. There are deeper places of contentment in only Him to experience. So I’m making the choice to trade the desires of my flesh for the desires of His heart. He is the ultimate prize and the only thing worth living for… that’s the truth…now my flesh is learning to line up with that fact!
I’m learning that HE IS GREATER. It doesn’t matter what the issue is. It doesn’t matter how I feel emotionally, spiritually, or physically. Circumstance CANNOT change the truth. God is greater and with His help nothing is impossible. The God that conquered sin and death is DEFINITELY greater than $15,500 and all the other things I need that aren’t included in the $15,500! God is greater than any fears that would hold me back from walking into my destiny. He is greater than comfort. He is greater than job security. He is infinitely greater than me and He says that I, Laura Brown, am EQUIPPED, READY, AND FULLY CAPABLE. I’m going to choose to believe, no matter what! MY GOD CANNOT LIE!
All that’s really left to say is that I am so stinkin’ grateful for the season I am in. I am grateful for the preparation that is going on in my heart. I’m even grateful that it is sometimes SUPER hard because I’m learning to not give up or let my emotions dictate my choices. I’m learning to press in when I “feel like it” and press in when I don’t. I’m learning that worship is KEY. Surrender is KEY. His love that transforms is KEY. And He gets all the glory! Amen!
