"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perserverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12.1-3

in the fall, we were two miserable students sitting in anthropology class attempting to occupy the lecture time with anything but what the professor wanted to say so, we began reading a blog. it's the story of libby ryder and her battle against cancer. since september, God has used libby's story to awaken in us a realization of the story he has written for our own lives. libby has shown us what it means to set our eyes on Jesus and run, with reckless abandonment, into the arms of the Father. libby's friend angie has decided to run a half marathon in celebration of the end of libby's chemo and, lord willing, her cancer. following libby's example, we are joining in the celebration. we. are. not. runners. we are scared. we are full of doubts. but, we are inspired. the past year has been full of triumphs and tribulations for us, too. this is a physical representation of us throwing off everything that has hindered and entangled- pain, heartache, doubt, shame- and running to Jesus and basking in his grace. this run is for libby. this run if for freedom. our only hope is that He will be glorified.

"Let us hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have broken rejoice!" Psalm 51.8

Sunday, February 27, 2011

4,200 miles.


meet my brother eli. right now, he is in bremen, germany studying abroad. i wish i could explain how much i love eli. not only is he an older brother, but he is one of my best friends. skyping with him tonight made my weekend (mind you, it was 6am there when we skyped). eli is living in dorm-style housing with people from many different countries. in the picture, we are modeling our team libby bracelets. mom sent him one in a care package. e was so proud to wear it. he kept telling emphasizing how proud he was of hannah and me and how moved he has been by our story and libby's story. really, by God's story that he is writing with all of this.

in germany, the favorite soccer team's rival's color is lime green. naturally, people would think that he is supporting the rival team with his green bracelet. so when people ask e what team he cheers for, he holds up his wrist and says "team libby".

he was telling me how when people ask about our family he doesn't really know how to explain our dynamics, especially in german. lately, i've been thinking a lot about our family. the phrase i keep coming back to is "open, honest love". growing up there wasn't any hiding. we were always supported and challenged but most of all, as individuals, we were nurtured. my two brothers and i are all so different (it's been determined that i am a mix of my two older bros). but my parents, god bless them, did an incredible job. when writing mom and dad a valentine i realized that the way they love, not only our family but those around them, points directly to Christ's love. it's pure and unconditional. and in it, i find freedom to be who i was created to be. there are no masks in the kennedy house. believe me, it makes for an interesting time.

[e-man: you are a beautiful soul. thank-you loving your little sis to pieces and giving the advice of a best friend and a big bro at the same time.]

tomorrow we run 5. i'm excited. my prayer is that we don't become numb to what God has truly called us to do with this/what it really means. we are running in response to what God has done in our lives. we are running because we want to come to the ends of ourselves. we want to experience the mighty strength of Christ (and we already have) in physically doing something that we could never do on our own. we want to celebrate his sovereignty and healing power.

to think this is just the beginning.
Julia
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1 comment:

  1. CassandraFebruary 27, 2011 at 11:39 PM

    Hey! Just found your blog on angies blog! I was in the team Libby video.. I too am running! Your words are so encouraging! Love reading about your experience running! Can't wait to meet you guys in Nashville!

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