Monday, July 20, 2009

doing things we don't want to do...

I called my sister and told her I was going to flake out on the mud run because running a 10k is bad for my health and my inordinate long leg (yes, one leg is longer than the other). She told me to stick it out and enjoy it for what it was. So you want me to enjoy running through mud pits and sand traps? I'm supposed to enjoy rolling around in dirt? I rolled my eyes and muttered, Whatever. But, alas, she was was right. Running around in mud pits and sand traps with team Hot Mess was so much fun, I can't wait to do it again!

I thought that I'd have some epiphany or something like a spiritual enlightenment when I crossed the finish line. Apparently I'm not that holy because I didn't. The only thing I wanted to do was remove the dirt from my hair and throw away my shoes. But having processed the event and spoken to a few people about the challenge it was for me to actually do the event, it's prepared me for what I have to do tomorrow.


God doesn't give more than we can handle, but He does strengthen our endurance by giving us trials for preparation of the future. James 1:2-4 says it like this: Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. In some weird way, the mud pits, sand pits, tire runs, and river team Hot Mess had to conquer are like the trials in our life that produce perseverance. Faith in my physical endurance was tested this weekend. But faith in myself will be tested tomorrow in front of almost 500 women as I share my personal struggles through life's mud pits, sand traps, and waist-deep rivers of my obsessions, struggles, and addictions. Afterwards I hope to finish and feel as I felt when we posed for this picture; relieved, accomplished, and happy it's over.

16 comments:

Bianca said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Brianna said...

UMM...I am wondering why your shirt is the only one not covered in mud?! only you b...

Bianca said...

Dude, I was FILTHY!!! Swear. But I dunked myself in the river so my shirt was rinsed.

nay. said...

B, you totally inspire me...I would still never do this... but you DO inspire me. I'll be praying for you and tomorrow's study. I can't wait! :)

Lindsay said...

Well done for actually doing the run...and for still looking so good at the end of it!
Your honesty and openness in your previous studies has been a real blessing and inspiration. I'm sure tomorrow evening will be great...in our weaknesses He is strong!

Anonymous said...

B, Let us know the date for next year i would love to do that,, seems so fun!! RRRRRRRRRRRR

Kate said...

pretty sure I don't see any dirt...anywhere on you! :)

Rebecca Sehn said...

Aw man I totally want to do this!

Unique said...

ewww...

Jasmine said...

Why--oh WHY--am I always right?! ;)
Love you and I'm so darn proud of you!

JACKY FIGUEROA said...

Awesome! Totally proud to call you friend!! I was going to ask the same question. "Why isn't your shirt dirty?". I thought you were trying to pull a fast one on us! Hahaha!!

melanie said...

LOVE! i'm so sorry i won't be there tomorrow! the family is here and i have to be a good hostess...i won't be cooking manicotti a la bi, but i'll do my best :o)
anyway, of all weeks, i am forever regretful that this is the one i'll miss. i will, of course get the podcast, but it won't be the same as me sitting there writing little yellow notes and sending good vibes from the back row. i'll call you in the day. we must share words before all this goes down.
I LOVE YOU and i am SUPER DUPER proud of your mud runnin successes!

Bianca said...

I promise I was filthy! Okay TMI warning, but I had to clean dirt and sand out of my ears. Oh my goodness, I stomach is churning just typing it out. It was the most disgusting thing EVER to see brown water in the shower.

But what can I say? I'm a diva who can keep a shirt clean even while rolling around in the mud. So there.

Nicole said...

"God doesn't give more than we can handle" - I sooooo needed to read/hear this. It's like you know what I need to hear. Thank you.

I am impressed you went through with it. I would have tried to weasle out too. :) Hot mess is easily one of my favorite phrases...excellent team to join!

Anonymous said...

ahh that looks like so much fun and refreshing.Great job B

Lyssa said...

That SOS trailer really helped me to think about how I've been fighting with my mom. I've been desperately trying to fix it, but your speeches always really help me. I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate what you do! God has really allowed you to help in my life, and I am so thankful for both of you. :)

Alyssa
Calvary Chapel Boston

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