Independence is always looked at as a good thing. As we grow up most of the big milestones include becoming more independent – learning to drive, getting your license, getting your first job, becoming an adult when you turn 18, and moving out of your parents house whether to go to college or just moving out. Independence is normally always met with encouragement, positive reinforcement and congratulations. But not all independence is good.
This quote is a really good example of that. When I read this I feel an element of fear behind it. Almost like when times get hard no one will be there for you and you might not be able to handle it yourself. Also its thats really sad to think that some people read this quote and its empowering to them. I think that this quote is the opposite of how God has called us to live. We were made to live in community, to live life TOGETHER. To encourage each other in our joys and blessings. To support each other in our struggles and sorrows. To support and love each other as the body of Christ.
This is something that I have not done well with this blog. While I have shared my joys and some sorrows that I have experienced on the race I have not shared with you my struggles. Mainly my struggles with fundraising. I was supposed to be fully funded by January 1st of this year. I’m still $3,382 short of that goal.
As I thought through why I haven’t shared this struggle with you there were two themes that keep coming up. The first is that I don’t want to be a burden to anyone. I don’t want to bother you and ask you for anything (specially money) because I thought being an independent person that I should be able to do it all on my own. The second theme is fear. I’m afraid to ask. What if I ask and nothing happens? What if no one cares and no money comes in?
The problem with both of these thoughts is that they are focused on me when I should be focusing on God. God does not want any of us to live a life of independence. He wants us to come to him with the big worries and the big joys. He wants us the lay our burdens at his feet because they weren’t ours in the first place (thanks to Jesus). God also doesn’t want us living in fear. EVER. He is the best father in the whole world and He gives good gifts to his kids.
I apologize that I have let fear and independence get in the way of me being honest with you.
So I have a question for you. Would you please help me? Would you please donate money to my trip so that I can live out what God has called me to do? I need $3,382. I can’t do this on my own and I need your help. To donate just click the support me button at the top of the page, its that simple.
I also want to thank everyone who has supported me… I hope one day I can verbalize exactly how much your support has meant to me. But right now all I can say is THANK YOU.
