Yes, it is true, I survived the Chicago Marathon and while some if it was a mental struggle and physically draining, so much of it was GLORIOUS! & please, let me tell you why:
Sometimes we just need a little kick, a fresh start, or an unexpected circumstance to shift perspective.
I was privileged to run this marathon along side a very treasured friend, Vic. In this time, we had plenty of (hours) to catch up, chat, and struggle together. About half way through Vic asked me a question of, “what are you most worried about in life right now”(we had so much time to catch up, why not ask the tough questions? 😉 and I said “Vic the struggle of raising financial support for the World Race is my biggest worry right now, I feel so discouraged and am fearful of not having all the funds I will need before I head out in January.” Vic quickly encouraged me to not worry and that I needed to make the choice to believe that I would be fully funded and that God would provide the financials. In that same moment, maybe 10 seconds later I felt a tap on my shoulder and someone also running the marathon said “Hey I don’t mean to interrupt your Jesus conversation but I overheard you’re doing the World Race and my friend just finished the world race a couple months ago and I supported her, so if you let me I would like to financially support you too while you are out there!”
What the heck. Talk about a boost of encouragement and faith. A random stranger (now friend) put herself out there to support me financially when all she knew about me was that I was running this marathon, and had little faith that the funds would come in on time for the World Race Journey.
Where is my heart now? I am full of inspiration to be bold, to humble myself, and ask for financial support cold turkey! With the help of my dear friend Vic, and this kind woman, I felt as if my heart was revived and encouraged to do the intentional work of raising financial support. I truly believe this journey for 11 months is foundational to what the Lord is doing in my heart and for what I will be doing in the future. I believe that as I understand cultures, communication, and connecting with people of all kinds of backgrounds, it will help shape me into the best Kailey I can be. & that I hope is to be the hands and feet of Jesus wherever my feet go. Whether that means the grounds of Michigan, or of Malaysia, serving at a sushi restaurant, or getting the homeless on their feet again, it does not matter, but for now, this is what was placed on my heart to do, so here I go!
I wanted to share this story as an encouragement to you. That even when you may have little faith in yourself or God to have something accomplished, someone else believes in you and will stand in the gap for you. Vic did that for me and I am so grateful. That stranger in the marathon who has decided to support me financially did that for me too. If you feel that you don’t know anyone who will stand in the gap for you, I will! I want to! How can I help encourage you today?
“& God will supply every need of your according to his riches in Glory in Christ Jesus”
Philippian’s 4:19
The financial gap is closing in, but still have a little ways to go 🙂 After calculating costs of travel equipment, etc., it’s about $4,000 left (Sometimes I forget the little things that add up) We got this! & if you feel so led to donate, check out the link below –> I would be so grateful 🙂 & if you have pledged to donate, thank you SO much! In the next several weeks I may try to connect with you.
Thank you for being part of this life journey with me. You are AWESOME & don’t forget it!
With love,
Kailey
Kailey,
Darn proud of you!! What a great testimony to God’s providential watchcare, provision and life-giving encouragement ! What are the odds right? How God strategically placed this woman to over hear your conversation is beyond the pale of pure reason alone! He is the most awesome multi-tasker of networking divinely redemptive relationships-A testimony for the ages and only a taste of his faithfulness to come! You said it best-“He believes in you”!!