revival in the running

Like you, I (finally) feel it.

Walls weakening and weeds withering.

Deliverance diminishing darkness.

A revival of running…toward Redeemer.

A renewal of sprinting…toward Savior.

Both from me…and the masses.

All the pain and suffering, all the scars and bleeding, all the agony and aggravation.

Coming full circle.

As I’m jogging toward double digit miles in training for the marathon in December, I’m praying. Weeping. Snotting. Spitting (on my shirt…really?!?).

My legs wobbly.

Yes, from middle age and exhaustion.

But also from the spiritual release.

From gratitude, grace, gifts, giving, grieving.

For I run with a passionate purpose (see below).

And in pressing on, I thought of you. (Yes, you!). And me. And our prayers for years here on the coast. In the Delta. Even in Texas and Honduras. And everywhere in between.

There were times where we flopped and flailed (and failed) on the red carpet in worship at Refuge. Moments where we sat in borrowed chairs around a crowded living room. Memories of stinky shoulder hugs and reaching down to soiled hands on streets. Echoes against the concrete of a donated trucking depot serving as a shelter for addicts and alcoholics. Thoughts of early Friday mornings walking through the empty halls and classrooms of schools begging for a move of Messiah. Times wandering and wondering around the woods alone and wishing to go to heavenly home while mentoring as many young people as possible along the journey.

And all is coming to fruition.

With each stride, encouragement flowed.

With each step, Emmanuel fomented.

Righteous rebellion.

Because of our submission, selling out, sowing,

we…are…reaping.

The law of the harvest.

This morning, an article was shared with me. About a soul-singer who decided not to attend, or accept, any awards for his work. That those awards belonged to Jesus anyway. And while that was commendable, many critics inquired while he accepted money for his work then.

While I refrain from wading in waters of the political or cultural, I can relate.

For I care nothing for the awards and praise of people.

But GOD gifts you opportunity to serve with your Giving or Going.

So, I invite you to GIVE…

(for our outreach to those on the streets of your local community…who we not only HAND-OUT supplies to BUT offer a HAND-UP by finding them jobs and homes and establishing relationships, not religion) AND (for our school construction and teaching adventures in the Central American country of Honduras…who we offer hope through education and encouragement to).

I also offer you the opportunity to GO…

With us to the streets and schools.

GIVE or GO.

Or follow your Christ and conviction wherever and to whoever that leads…

May this post challenge, admonish, encourage, or push you to press on.

As You and YHWH do for me.

https://gofund.me/8b2b53cc6