Week 45: A Week to Fund Raise

Let's rewind back to January of 2011, so about 8 months ago. There was a lot going on in my life (you're more than welcome to head back to the archives of my blog and read more detail). It was during that time, as I was thinking about "New Year's Resolutions" and dreams that I had for the new year, that the thought of running a 5K came to mind. Now, I was not a runner. Goodness, I couldn't run 0.1 mile without wanting to die. I actually remember seeing people in the neighborhood running and thinking that they were masochists. "Why in the world would someone run for enjoyment?" I would think to myself. Any way, so the point is that the fact that this thought would even enter my mind is a miracle in itself. So I started training off and on through out January, February, March, and April. By off and on, I mean I would run for a couple weeks and then stop for a couple. I would never say that those months were wasted because it slowly got me running, but I wasn't seriously training. The same goes for my eating habits. I would be eating really healthily and appropriately for a couple weeks, then give up and overeat.

Then it was about the end of May, as I was going through "A Call to Die" by David Nasser (which I am now going through with my college ministry students) that things really started. There was one chapter (again, go back and read about it- I blogged ALL about it) that God used to change my life forever. It was such a simple chapter, yet it was like something clicked. From that day on, I joined Weight Watchers, started going to OA (Overeaters Anonymous), started working out 5+days a week, and started seriously training for this 5K. Let me tell you, it was all God. There is nothing in my human nature that wanted to leave this pit I'd been in for years, really for as long as I can remember- a pit of using food as comfort, being lazy, and honestly, just hating myself because I couldn't seem to overcome this sin in my life. It was 100% God, and still is. It wasn't until I stopped, realized that I was weak and powerless in the battle with food and laziness, and sought God with EVERYTHING that I had that things turned around.

So that's the background story. Here I am 30+ pounds lighter, just ran 3.2 miles for the first time today, feeling physically the best I've ever felt, and praising the Lord for all of it! A couple months ago, I signed up for my first official 5K. It's October 1- only a couple weeks away! Now, I knew that I wanted to run a race that meant something to me. I wanted to find a 5K with a cause that I could get behind and be excited about. I searched and searched and finally found one in Cambridge, MA with a cause dear to my heart. This 5K is to raise funds and awareness for Samaritans, a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing the incidence of suicide in Greater Boston and Metrowest. The tag line for the run is "run for someone else's life." I know so many people who suffer from depression and have entertained suicidal thoughts. Depression seems to run in my family as well. My sister is only 22 years old and has had SEVERAL friends commit suicide, and many of those people were mutual friends of her husband. They both have lost people very close to them. It's insane how many funerals they have been to already. Because this cause is also very dear to my sister and bother-in law's hearts, they are running with me! Our team name is simply "Team Hope," and we are running for all of the people we know who have lost their lives to suicide.

If you are able to contribute to this cause, we would really appreciate it. You go to this website and donate online: https://sna.etapestry.com/fundraiser/Samaritans/5K2011/individual.do?participationRef=1834.0.584395169

Also, prayers are greatly appreciated as the three of us continue to fund raise and train for the run. This week I'm focused on fundraising for the run and finishing up my training as October 1 draws near. Thank you all for your support, not only in this but in all things. I know that so many of you faithfully read my blog, pray for me, and check up on me. I sooo appreciate that- you have no idea!