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| I love the BLING!!! |
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My heir to the throne -
January 2016 |
Reasons
When I initially tell folks that I have embarked upon a 50
races, 50 states by the time I turn 50 journey I usually get a dumbfounded look
that translates to me as the “Are you crazy and why would you do that?” look. After
receiving that look and those questions on multiple occasions I had to sit down and ponder my logic as to
why I made the choice to take on such an endeavor. It took a while however I
came to this epiphany: I have many reasons. My reasoning for doing this may not make sense to some folks and you know what…that’s alright with me. Often
times we can become consumed by creating ourselves using the blueprint that others have created for us as opposed to using the blueprint of the One Who created us. So with that being said over the next few
weeks I will share with you my rationale
as to why I began to embark upon this journey.
Reason # 1 for embarking on this journey: I am embarking on this journey because I can.
On January 18, 2002, a few months after my 3oth birthday I
received news that would change my life. I was diagnosed with systemic lupus
erythematosus. Lupus comes in many forms and my particular experience with it
was one of constant joint pain due to inflammation which often resulted in me having the inability
to walk without being in excruciating pain. I dealt with fatigue and often
times the medication would make me feel worse than the actual symptoms. The
mental angst I felt left me feeling hopeless and helpless as I began to wonder whether
I was going to live to see 35 years old, to see my son graduate high school and
if I would live long enough to fulfill the goals that I had set for myself. As
I have grappled with the ups and downs that came along with this diagnosis
I made the conscious decision to not allow this disease to overtake me. I had a
purpose to fulfill and this hurdle would not stop me in doing so.
This is where my faith kicked into high gear. My medal rack
has the following Bible verse on it, Philippians 4:13(NKJV) which states: “I can
do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”. It was at this lowest time in my life that I
begin to explore who I was created to be and with that came empowerment. I
discovered strength within myself that I knew was there however I was afraid to tap
into because I realized that with newfound strength comes newfound accountability. It was at this
point I decided that I would define what role lupus would play in my life.
Romans 8:28 (AMP) says the following: “And we know [with great confidence] that
God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a
plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His
plan and purpose.”. Lupus fell under that “all things” and I knew that it
was going to work with everything else that I encountered in my lifetime for my
good.
Therefore, every time I lace up my shoes I thank God for the
ability to walk. Every time I pass each mile I thank God for the stamina to go
one more mile. The Bible says in Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV): “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of
witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the
race that is set before us, 2 looking
unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our
faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the
shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”. Lupus was (notice the use of past tense *smile*) in my opinion my race to run with endurance
and I have done just that.
This journey for me is about stamina and pushing my body beyond
the box lupus tried to put it in. It’s about taking the limits off of myself
and moving beyond the grave I had mentally placed myself in over fourteen years
ago. It's about recognizing that I can accomplish whatever I set my mind to
because of the One Who has given me the strength to do so and for that I am
grateful.
Side note: I will be celebrating my 45th birthday in September, my heir to the throne is a junior at the University of Alabama, Class of 2017 (ROLL TIDE) and I am one step closer to walking out my purpose. In a matter of a few weeks this walkergirl will have completed her masters degree program in mental health counseling! Won't He do it?!?! God is good!!!
