"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

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

and on the seventh day, we ran.

after reading han's, i can't go to bed...i have to post. like she said, sunday was seven. seven miles. i still can't believe that we went from barely 2 miles to running 7. we're alive. but the journey is long but over.

it's been a big bummer for us that we haven't been able to run like we "want" (i use quotes cause we never necessarily want to run. but, we do want to train...if that makes sense). needless to say, we were scared to run. but, as we were writing on our hands before, han remembered
"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear..."
1 John 4:18
[if i had to describe what i see in hannah on a day to day basis it would be her quiet strength. i am amazed at her courage and assurance. she has an air about her that is calm but strong. thanks for being the level-headed one, han. even lately on these hard days, you are strong.]

sunday was an incredible running day. i can't describe it generally so i will go mile by mile...
[mile one]: confident. admiring our steady pace. enjoying the scenery. the sun is setting. 
[mile two]: harder than usual. i have to pee. crap we still have to run 5 more of these. stop to text han's mom that we will be late for dinner.
[mile three]: potty break in the bushes. wow we still have 4 more miles. my breathing is steady but i am bored. so i pray. "Lord awaken my soul. Holy Spirit, meet us here. be the force that perpetuates our bodies forward. for your glory, Jesus." wow, still haven't gone very far. (look at hand) "Jesus, be with libby. let her know how beautiful she is (and how hot she is with her pixie cut). give her motivation to continue to seek after you. continue to heal her body." i'm tired. i can see the 4 mile mark. "hannah, I have no idea how I am going to go 3 more."
[mile 5]: "Lord, make me move. I am tired. this stinks but this isn't about me. awaken my soul. awaken something inside of me that compels me to keep running..." i realize that i am moving/running quickly and effortlessly...something i have never experienced up until this point... like a force inside me was moving me and i was just there to witness it. runner's high? no. Holy Spirit? yes.
-turn off music-
[mile 6] prayers for han
[mile 7] prayers for two friends. i feel alive.

it's hard to put it into words but i will continue to try,
J



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