When I leave for the race in January, I will have a new identity. I will not be known as “one of the Duerr kids”, because no one will know my beautiful family. I will no longer be known as Tristan’s “big sister” or a recent graduate. I won’t be seen as Erica’s best friend, because we won’t be able to spend every waking minute together anymore. I won’t be known as waitress, because I’ll be leaving my uniform at home.
I will be a Racer. I will be racing to spread the love of Christ with anyone who is willing to let me talk their ear off. I’m excited about this new identity that I will be able to put on. It almost feels like armor. We are called to, “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Ephesians 6:11). I will not be going on this journey alone, and that is a reassuring fact.
I am and will always be His daughter. How do I prepare to strip myself of all these things and fully commitment to being just a daughter of our Heavenly Father? I don’t think I will ever know the answer, but I do know that the Lord is never changing with his love and faithfulness to us. Luckily, we live through the grace of our Lord who meets us where we are at. Whether that be here in Orange, prepping for the race, in Georgia next month when I’m at training camp, or in January when I’ll be taking off to Peru. He will be there with me every step of the way, even when homesick and doubting His plan.
This race is exciting, but it is also scary. I won’t be in Southern California anymore, I will be thrown into places like the red light district. When I am called to places such as these, I will be picking up my armor, my shield, my sword, and my chacos.
I met with a friend and former racer the other day. One of the most beautiful things to witness is watching someone talk about their joys and passions, especially when their joy and passion comes straight from the Father. That was Taylor Hill. Over coffee I was able to learn about her experiences on the trip and how the Lord completely changed her life. After I asked her about 1,000,000 questions about what to pack, what to buy, how to fundraise, how to not grow weary; she prayed over me. In her prayer she asked the Lord to grant me “new ears, new eyes, and a new heart” as I prepare for this journey. That I won’t cling to the things of the past, but be receptive to what the Lord is trying to do in my heart. I will hear and see new ways of worship. I will taste and smell new foods and places. But most importantly my heart for the Lord will be changed forever.
Please join me in prayer for “new ears, new eyes, and a new heart”.
