Blessings and Hope, Everyone Needs a Little...

Today I am just reflecting on how blessed I have been by being part of the 3-Day Family.  The people involved in the 3-Day are truly amazing.  Working together for one common goal - an end to breast cancer.  During my first walk, I had so many fears.  Fear that I wouldn't be able to raise the money, fear that I wouldn't be able to walk the 60 miles, fear that I would let my donors down and the those whose memory and honor I walked for down.  I prayed and turned it all over to God, saying "Lord if you want me to do this, then I know you will make a way."  Surprisingly, the money came easily that year.  Training seemed to be going well with a few blisters here and there, right up to the time of the event.  Until my knee started to bother me.  I kept faith, prayed, remembered all the reasons why I was walking, and then I knew I could do it!  It was finally the day of the event...I was nervous and excited.  Though I was walking alone (I didn't have a team that year), I really wasn't alone at all.  I knew my heavenly father was right beside and thousands of friendly faces walked with me every step, pushing me and encouraging me to keep going.  Those 3 days are really indescribable.  I remember the feeling of accomplishment after the first day, how proud I was.  Then day 2 came and I thought, "I'll never do this again, it's too hard." Yep, that doubt crept right back in.  But, seeing my Mom, Husband, and boys gave me that little extra encouragement to keep me hobbling on to the finish line.  My knee was really bothering me that day.  I know the pain showed in my face and in my limp as many walkers and crew stopped me to ask if I was okay.  I pushed through day 2 and made it to camp.  I kept telling myself that my pain is nothing compared to the pain of a cancer patient.  At camp I was able to ice my knee and prop it up.  I read letters from friends and family, kind words of encouragement and scriptures.  I prayed and then got some much needed sleep and somehow woke up ready to conquer day 3.  Immediately, at the Closing Ceremony I knew that I would be back the next year! 



Finish Line 2011

Year 2 was even more amazing!  I had an awesome team of 4, Angels of Hope.  This year, I still had some of those same fears and often thought "would I really be able to lead a team?"  Again, I turned it all over to God saying, "You blessed me so much last year by being able to walk for my Mom, I want to continue to honor her and make a difference for this cause and for your kingdom."  I have learned when you give, God blesses you even more than you can imagine.  Walking and raising some money, doesn't seem like much, but meeting His people and sharing His love and hope with the world makes it worth everything.  Year 2 was much easier training for me.  I was selected to be a training walk leader and felt like I was helping so many more people. Not just helping them prepare for 60 miles, but encouraging them and giving them hope.  Letting them know that this is something that they can accomplish and together we are making a difference.  Together we are helping to find the cure.  As for the money, we'll it didn't come as easily last year.  I was cutting it close, but God showed me again, that He's faithful and my team-mates met their goals as well.  We all made it 60 miles and I was even more proud this year than last to see the emotional tears stream down the faces of my team-mates as they crossed the finish line.




Finish Line 2012

Now, here I am year 3.  Still excited and just a little nervous.  However, I feel that this is something that God has called me to do.  Share hope with His people.  To share Momma's story, tell these incredible ladies, His children, that He loves them and that there is "still life after breast cancer."  Tell them they are not alone.  Today, the 3-Day lost one of our own.  Bridget Spence, a 3-Day coach from Boston went home to meet our Heavenly Father.  She was an amazing women who gave her all to make many aware and pushed to help fund research.  I really don't think she knew how many lives she had touched.  I did not know her personally, but I have cried through hearing her story many times.  A story of faith, hope, and love.  A story of a fighter right down till the end.  My prayers go out to her family today.  She is just another reason to continue this journey.  To continue to put faith and trust in God because in His time He will lead us to the cure.  This year, I have a few less fears.  This year is about helping even more women. Helping them see that this is something that they can accomplish.  I have so enjoyed talking and emailing other ladies interested in the event.  I love hearing their stories and seeing their determination as they walk.  I am looking forward to the training walks, the laughs, and even the tears.  Again, I am nervous about the monetary commitment, but I am placing it in the Lords hand, knowing that He supplies all our needs.  Fear won't stop me, God is on my side!

This October, Angels of Hope will walk.  We will walk to remember and honor the lives of many and share hope along the way.  As of today, there are 10 amazing women on team Angels of Hope.  As of today, we are ranked #3 in the Top Ten Atlanta Teams.  What an honor!  My prayer today is, "Dear Lord, help us make a difference.  Help us share Your Hope!  May we bless all that we come in contact with for your glory!"

I am so blessed!  Blessed to have an amazing mother, father, husband, and sons, blessed to be aware, blessed to be able to help others.  Blessed to be on an amazing team.  Most of all I am blessed to have a Heavenly Father that loves me and cares for me even though I don't deserve it.  He doesn't want us to fear or worry.  He is with us.  We must put our trust in Him.  Friends, don't let fear stop you, reach out to those around you today!  Share God's love and hope, and be a blessing to those in need because "everyone needs a little!"

 

 

"Come all ye weary and ye broken. Come to the table of the Lord.
Come sing the song of the forgiven. Come lay your burden on the word. Come and find peace.
Everyone needs a little rest, everyone needs a little joy, and a song to sing in the darkest night.
Life, even when it gets you down, hope will turn it all around, but love is the greatest of these.
Everyone needs a little!" Kari Jobe