Did you ever wonder what was going through Dorothy’s head as the twister was rocking her world? I certainly have, in fact the past few months I have felt like Dorothy in that moment of panic where your entire world is a whirlwind and there is nothing you can do about it. I wanted to click my heels and say “There’s no place like home, there’s no place like home.” and magically be back to where I was. It was the first time in my life, I felt as if I didn’t have a home. The reality set in that I wouldn’t have a home…for awhile. I started to feel sorry for myself until a verse snapped me out of it, “And Jesus said to him, Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” Luke 9:58. Well Lord, touche, you got me there. You have laid down your life for me, and here I am complaining about something so insignificant. I have been in a consistent season of change. It’s certainly not easy, but change is necessary and can be good, if you choose it. I don’t want to go through life the same person day in and day out…Is that truly living? I have been constantly challenged by trials for the past 6 years and I am a stronger person today because of those times. For that reason, I wouldn’t change my journey. Even though these trials have produced some of the darkest times, I have stepped into the light. My Lord and Savior has been by my side throughout the entire crazy ride. I have found joy, peace, and rest in knowing He will never leave me, nor forsake me. He has called me to this 11 month journey, and I know that He will continue to guide me as I press in.
I have survived training camp, met my amazing squad (D-SQUAD), been assigned to my incredible team (Steadfast Pursuit <3), and now I am preparing for launch (July 3rd – heading to country #1 DR). God has provided every step of the way throughout this entire process. IT HAS BEEN INCREDIBLE. I cannot even describe in words how blessed I am. Blessings that I cannot even fathom. Countless people have supported me in every way possible from offering me a place to live when my lease was up a month before I leave, to taking me shopping, to writing me a check for ridiculous amounts of money, to telling me they are praying for me, and so many other ways. THANK YOU ALL. The two simple words “thank you” do not even begin to tap into the appreciation I have for each and every blessing bestowed upon me. I have felt so unworthy of all of these blessings. I have such a hard time swallowing my pride and wanting to provide for myself and do things on my own. When someone offers something to me my instinct is to say “No, that’s too much!” I have become so conditioned to rely solely on myself because of my past, that I forget how to accept assistance. Training camp this came apparent when the same phrase came to me from multiple people, “Shara, you need to allow others to help carry your burdens.” My response, “WHAT?! No way, I can’t do that. I have to do it on my own. I’ve always done it on my own.” I’m sure this illusion to is quite comical to God because I have not done anything, HE has done EVERYTHING. I’m still working on this – so please bare with me. I want you to know how grateful I am to have such an amazing support system that is making this trip possible. Thank you for allowing God to use you in order to move in huge ways in my life. I have learned so much throughout this process, and I haven’t even left yet! It’s crazy! This journey has showed me to let go of the control, give God the wheel, and STOP backseat driving. Please continue to pray for me, my squad, and my team as we prepare our hearts to leave for the race.
Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight.”
Next stop, LAUNCH!! Ready or not, here I come 🙂
