I disagree!
They say feeling down and out is a lonely place!
I disagree!
After my last blog post this past week, I have heard from some amazing people. Though we may feel alone in the dark times, we are not. I learned last week that there are a lot of us feeling down out there. BUT, we aren’t aware of it because we typically don’t share it. God prompted me to be transparent and now I know why!
Galatians 6.2
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Gathering sympathy, empathy, etc. was not the goal. Therapy was! Running and working out is the way I work out my stress. My therapy. I turned to writing last week due to the fact I have not been out pounding the pavement. Writing allowed me to get ‘it’ all out! It also opened the door to many of you who are in the same shoes. We are not in this alone. It is only lonely when we choose to stay there…alone.
God provided a door for me to step through and talk with several people I hadn’t talked to in a while as well as others I know will always be there. God gave us one another to help carry the burden and make us better!
Proverbs 27.17
As iron sharpens iron,so a friend sharpens a friend.
Another God wink came yesterday while I was watching the Olympic Marathon trials. As I stated at the beginning; they say running is a lonely sport. I disagree.
Shalane Flanagan and Amy Cragg were running 1st and 2nd with around 3 miles left in the marathon. You could tell Shalane was struggling. Amy, her teammate and good friend, wouldn’t leave her. She started talking to her and encouraging her along the way. Amy did not leave her until the very end when she saw the 3rd place runner approaching from behind. Amy went on to win the marathon and Shalane finished 3rd. Both of them will represent the USA in the Olympic Marathon! Teammates and friends, who ran together and took turns encouraging one another through each one of their rough patches along the 26.2 mile course. Amy stated later she had a rough patch earlier in the race.
Once Amy finished she didn’t go far. She stood at the finish line and congratulated the 2nd place finisher and then waited patiently…which wasn’t long…for Shalane – her teammate and friend. As she locked eyes on Shalane you heard her screaming words of encouragement. She was gesturing with all she had trying to encourage her teammate and friend across the finish line. Shalane crossed the line and Amy caught her in her arms. Shalane had given all she had on the road to making it on the USA Olympic team.
As I watched this amazing friendship/teammate story unfold, all I could think about were my amazing friends and family who encourage me every step of the way. It literally brought tears of joy to my eyes. It also brought to mind all of my training miles with my friends by my side pushing me to keep moving on. Regardless of whether I am on a rough road physically or mentally – this story translates to life! Shalane said minutes after the race – “Football players have the locker room but we have the road and the track.” She was referring to our camaraderie that keeps us going! God designed us this way!
1 Thessalonians 5.11
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
God has truly blessed me with people who are not afraid to tell me like it is and hold me accountable. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that when I am honest with myself and reach out to others, I will be lifted up. God is so good!
Thanks to all of you for reading my stories and sending your loving words whether it be through a comment, a text or a phone call. We are here to help one another! Don’t be afraid to open up – you never know who will need to read and know others are right there with you! God is good all the time and all the time God is good!
Here is a great follow-up on the Olympic Trials:
Also, for my medical friends and others who might be medically minded – my medical tests are looking for a vitamin deficiency – nothing else that I am aware of. 😉 I was told by a dear friend in the medical field I might want to clear this up. 😉 (Love you Karen!)
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