"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

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

perspective.

today was lib's LAST day of chemo [WAHOOOOO y'all did it!]. i couldn't help but cry when watching the video justin put on his post on their blog (check it out). today, i have felt so lazy and apathetic. its crossed my mind multiple times today not to train. han and i are both so busy. but i can't. i can't give up on this journey. God is teaching me too much to let it fall by the way-side. i don't want to go. my body is tired. but tonight, after campaigners, i will go. i will go because jesus went. because libby went. and because my heart is beginning to crave freedom. the freedom that comes from not doing something for myself, but for the Lord. sometimes it's easy to be selfless about easy things. but to sacrifice my time and my energy to do something that is a small step in this long journey is hard to do today.

there's freedom in captivity.

i feel like that's something the Lord has shown me over and over. it's my human nature to want to do things my way and be "free" and "happy". but the freedom that comes from serving the Lord brings me joy and fulfillment. 

today was a reminder that this race isn't about going and running. it's about the journey, the discipline. jesus didn't say to just run aimlessly and without purpose. he said to run with perseverance.  that implies that it will be hard. i'm tired. but there's a call to persevere.

putting one foot in front of the other,
Julia
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