There are 17 days before the end of the World Race. I have written 2 blogs in 10 months. I figure I’d start cracking these bad boys out now. Better late than never ya know!
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One cold night we’re on a rooftop terrace in Morocco. All 6 members of my team were wrapped in blankets, sitting in a circle, and preparing to give each other words of encouragement. One by one we would speak life and prophecies over each person. Sam was first. We told him he is a leader and not only does God hear him but he hears God clearly and has our trust. Next we reminded Stephanie to celebrate herself and her journey. I was third. My team encouraged me as they say I’m filled with joy and prophesied that I’m a mobilizer in the same vein as Moses. Fourth was Marie. My word for her was how she carries an atmosphere of joy. Fifth was Tandi. Sam and I both say that God has always seen her as a beautiful flower. And last, Dyer, our team leader and one of my best friends. I asked God what He wanted me to say to her and He told me to tell her how much I love and care for her.
So something about me, I get real uncomfortable when I tell friends “I love you,”. It’s a little too vulnerable for me, because it always ends with me crying in public and everyone involved feeling awkward. I don’t even tell family or friends I care about them, but assume they know to avoid the uncomfortableness. But when God told me to tell Dyer, I knew I had to do it. I told her how important she is to me, how much I care about her, and how I couldn’t have done the Race without her. I cried, it was awkward, but she loved it. Honestly, I was uncomfortable the whole time but because it meant so much to her it was worth it.
One thing God has taught me a lot about is how to love. Love is a choice that is more than just choosing to love someone, but choosing to express and act on that love. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son.” If God can do that, the least I can do is tell my loved ones that I love them. When you love someone, let them know.
I have met and loved many people on the Race, but I just never told them how much I care. In Myanmar I fell in love with the orphans. In Kyrgyzstan I fell in love with our English students. In Romania fell in love with the Racers I met on Q squad, and in Spain the racers on Z squad. But most of all, I love the 4 men and 9 women of God that I’ve been blessed to run with these past 10 months. There are 17 days left before we return home and I’m determined to love each of them to the best of my ability.
Speaking of home! Sorry if I ghosted you after I left for the Race. Know that I only did that because of a lack of vulnerability, not a lack of love. Know that I’m coming back with the vision of intentionally expressing my love. I can’t wait to see y’all and tell you all about my Race.
So there’s that.
