Ever since I first heard about it, I have been totally excited about doing the World Race.
But for some reason, whenever I have been around my squad – at training camp in August, and also this past week – I have had a spirit of negativity hanging around me.
I felt a heaviness, and I struggled with doubts, insecurities
– comparing myself to others, and all kinds of other crap.
It didn’t help that it was hot, and I was physically worn out – that affected me, but it was no excuse.
I apologized for this negativity once or twice, but I didn’t fight it very hard.
In fact, it felt sort of comfortable.
Easier than being vulnerable, anyway.
Easier to ignore the teachings and avoid the growing pains.
Disgusting right?
And stupid, because it defeats the entire purpose of this experience and our year together.
Well, needless to say, it was dealt with.
In a fierce way.
In a compassionate way.
On Wednesday evening (last week was Training Camp Part 2), our coach Lisa Black reminded us of the deliverance that God offers us through Jesus. She compared it to the way He rescued the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, leading them through the wilderness and into the Promised Land.
(Go get your Bible or click to read Exodus 1-16, Deuteronomy 34, Joshua 1-11).
It’s a true historical narrative with amazing spiritual application for you today!
(Go get your Bible or click to read Exodus 1-16, Deuteronomy 34, Joshua 1-11).
It’s a true historical narrative with amazing spiritual application for you today!
Then, on Thursday evening, our coach Gary Black interrupted our worship time with a confrontation. He said there was a sin lingering over our squad, and it could not be tolerated. He actually called out a few people and made them confess to the squad.
How terrifying!
Oh, but how liberating!
And there was some HEALING going on in our hearts that night!
I was so profoundly touched by their honesty, and the courage it took to obey.
I needed to receive an apology for the sins they had committed.
Not from them necessarily, but from others had sinned against me in a similar way.
I was finally able to forgive, and that released me of anger and bitterness.
I then, of course, had to apologize for having projecting onto them
the faces of the people who had hurt me. And I, too, had to confess some sin
– namely hypocrisy, self-righteousness, and fear of man.
My team name is Aletheia, which means Truth, or the state of being exposed or not hidden.
And that is how we, as an entire squad, are committed to living with each other,
because there is no other way to develop deep relationships and truly be Church.
By confessing and forgiving in a corporal setting, we are learning to be safe with each other,
building trust, and loving like our Lord loves.
We are empowered by GRACE to become who we were created to be.
It’s beautiful.
This is Church!
