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It’s been a while since I have posted a blog and there are a couple of reasons why. But before I get to that, I would like to start by saying thank you to all of my supporters! I have already hit my first deadline of $5,000, and now am headed towards my second goal of $10,000! God continually amazes me by sending people to come alongside me and support me through prayer and finances.
UPDATE:The last country on our route has been changed!! We were supposed to go to Ukraine, but instead we will be going to PORTUGAL! With training camp now 43 days away I am excited to meet my squad and my mentors!
UNCOMFORTABLE MOMENTS
The past few months have been some of the most uncomfortable moments of my life. One of the most uncomfortable moments was saying goodbye to my mom at the airport. We knew that after I left the airport, we were uncertain about where I was going to lay my head from that day forward. This would be one of the last times I would see my mother as she moves to Chicago right before I leave the country. I held my mom gracefully before she walked through TSA. She says, “My little boy has become a man.” as tears pour out from the side of her face. Holding back tears, I could feel her unconditional love for me as our hug tightened. As I glanced into her eyes, I could see my mother’s hope and worry for her little boy at the same time. As a parent, she exemplified radical faith as she let me go and trusted the Lord with what’s next.
Since then, I shower at my gym, and I wash my clothes at the nearest laundromat. I take the bus or bike in 100-degree weather due to trusting the Lord by giving my car away. I have slept on living room floors, couches, and park benches. I have attempted to sleep in a vehicle sweating profusely with one eye open. In worry of someone taking my belongings, I moved the car from lot to lot throughout the night taking naps here and there.
PRAISE REPORT: A couple a days ago, the Lord has blessed me with a place to stay! This blessing has allowed me the time to write and share another blog post. Time otherwise was spent figuring out living situations from day to day. He will supply our every need as it says in Philippians 4:19.
CALLED TO BE UNCOMFORTABLE
Unconditionally loving and forgiving people who lie and use me for selfish gain is uncomfortable. Having things stripped away from you in life doesn’t feel good either. Living for Christ isn’t easy, and he calls us to live an uncomfortable life in Luke 9:23.
God continues to remind me of what being comfortable really means.
If you want to live a comfortable life don’t love anyone.
If you want to live a comfortable life be selfish.
If you want to live a comfortable life never sacrifice for anyone or anything.
That’s what comfortable looks like. Comfort makes us seemingly independent from God. All of these things are the opposite of what Christ did and what he invites us to. I know my uncomfortableness now will only grow next year and the years to follow. By being uncomfortable we allow ourselves to suffer with Jesus, to be glorified with him later as in Romans 8:17. Stepping out of our comfort zones and into his will for our lives is what he desires.
Are you in an uncomfortable place today? Ask God to use that uncomfortable circumstance to reveal himself in a way new to you and others around you. For his glory.
FUNDRAISER UPDATE
What’s more uncomfortable then asking people for money? That’s right, NOTHING. This has been one of the most uncomfortable things I have ever experienced. I spend my daily income on necessary gear and vaccinations for the race in fear of not getting support. I am open to advice and encouragement as fundraising has been one of the toughest things I have experienced. I do trust God, but it’s still uncomfortable. A word is coming up daily for me and that word is BOLDNESS. I know the Lord has me on the race to embolden me. I have finished painting all of my paintings and I have them in storage. I will have multiple dates for people to come to see and buy my artwork. I am working on my booth and plan to have a SILENT ART AUCTION that will be held at the Deep Ellum Art Co. Multiple dates and details are to come! As I transition to my second half of fundraising, I am open to new ideas. If anyone has new ideas I am open.
If you haven’t already, I encourage you to subscribe to my blog for more updates. And if you feel led to donate, I will be grateful for any amount the Lord has put on your heart. Alternatively, you can donate to me to help with additional expenses, including vaccinations and medication, gear and supplies, and flights to and from training camp. Here is my PayPal link if you choose this option: PayPal.me/Michaeltrinity
Thank you for your faithful prayers, support, encouragement, and love!
