So I started a list on the very first day we left Gainesville and began World Race America. I had this grand plan to write down the thing the Lord taught me each day to make a blog one day. I sadly, unintentionally abandoned this before I was even a month in, but I thought it was still pretty cool to see what the Lord was teaching me during those first few weeks.
1/12-thankfulness- I had just packed a bag and left my car with a stranger. I was thankful for the ability to drop everything and follow the Lord.
1/13-protecting privacy- we were living in the homeless shelter and I realized just how important it was to make sure I was respectful of what I was sharing on social media
1/14-the power of a name- I had met a woman who when I asked what her name was, her response was, “Why? You won’t remember it anyway.” I realized that knowing a person’s name is not just kind but it shows you respect them and care about them.
1/15-be able to defend your faith- This is important not to prove yourself right but to help show someone why you have the hope that you have.
1/16- the power of listening- A woman who had refused to talk to us at all, opened up and shared her story with me. The ability to listen to someone’s story is a blessing.
1/17-the power of a gift- We received gifts and flowers from some of the incredible women we lived with during that first week. It was one of the most special gifts I have ever received.
1/18-reality of goodbye- No matter how many times we have to do it in this lifestyle we live, it never gets easier.
1/19-pushing through- I was getting sick but we were meeting our new hosts for the first time and pushing through was important.
1/20-disciples were family- As we walk this race out we will become like family. (Spoiler-we have!)
1/21-rest- I had to take a day and just allow myself to be sick. Resting isn’t weak, even though it may feel like it sometimes.
1/22-not pushing too hard- I had just returned to ministry and overdid it. I realized its okay to take it slow sometimes.
1/23- letting go of what I want- I realized I came into this trip with expectations that I needed to let go of.
1/24- standing firm- I learned this lesson from a beautiful stacked pile of wood that almost fell on top of us.
1/25-pray for the journey and the journeyers – I interceded not only for the trip itself but for each of my teammates as well.
1/26-Time can be encouraging – sometimes just spending time with someone can change everything.
1/27-sometimes it’s good to not let it be about you- I was learning what it truly looked like to be selfless.
1/28-knowing is enough- Knowing your identity in Christ is enough.
1/29-having fun is healing- we took some time to celebrate and it refueled us to continue on.
1/30-let go of expectations of others- I was learning that I place expectations on people unfairly.
1/31-I must do it for myself- When it comes to learning about Christ, I cannot rely on someone else to teach me. I must care enough to find it for myself.
2/1-flexibility – I tend to like plans and realized the Lord was really wanting to show me that plans are going to be changing a lot this year.
2/2-surrendering my desires- Living in community means sacrificing your wants for someone else’s needs.
2/3-God will honor my selflessness – Learning that my sacrifices aren’t for nothing. Learning more about His faithfulness.
2/4-obedience is hard- Sometimes following the Lord means doing things you don’t want to do. Surrender is hard.
2/5- re-centering is essential – You can’t do this thing when you are empty. Re-centering and refueling is necessary to be able to do this thing well.
Alas, that is where the list ended. That was only the first month (almost…). The lessons I’ve learned since have been just as numerous. There are probably multiple days that I have had to learn the same thing over and over again because I’m stubborn, but ya… Anyway… Thanks for reading!
I am still fundraising for this trip. I am over halfway to my total which is incredible and I am so thankful for all your support this far. However, my deadline of September 1st is approaching, so I am asking for you guys to pray about financially supporting me. Any amount helps! If you have any questions for me please let me know! I cannot thank you guys enough for following my journey and caring to support me. It means more than I can say!
