What I had the OPPORTUNITY TO DO:
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| The people behind making this race! THANK YOU! |
If you had read my blog from last week this was the weekend to run the 10k in Shawnee, KS for Run For Mercy. http://www.runformercy.org/site/PageServer. "Oceans of Mercy, Inc. is dedicated to help turn the tide against AIDS and poverty in South Africa. Through its many programs the organization promotes a holistic approach to social, physical and spiritual development where children and adults will be empowered to grow to their full potential." I couldn't have been more honored to be invited as an honorary runner, but more so, HUMBLED as I met others with AMAZING stories at this event!
Here's who the event was for:
I always have to share my thoughts on my races, especially this one. As for the race, Hills Hills Hills! Oh my quads. I remember my old track coach telling me when it comes to hills you have to pump those arms, dig deep, and focus on relaxing your breathing. So I did! But post-race, my quads are SORE!
As for WHY I was there... To ENCOURAGE! What I do best! I couldn't have been more honored to be at this race to encourage others along the way. If you follow me on twitter or facebook, you'll see my numerous posts about ENCOURAGEMENT. I truly believe that it goes a long way. Smiles go along way, and how you treat others goes a long way. As I was running back to meet the last running one lady specifically said: "Thank you- BEAUTIFUL SMILE" I couldn't help but smile bigger! Encouragement is contagious, it's something that overflows within you. And honestly, my love and joy comes from the Lord that I have faith in. The one who saved me. The one who we celebrate his resurrection tomorrow! This race couldn't have been at a better time!
So as for actually running those darn hills, the exact picture in my head was... If you've watched the Passion of the Christ, the clip where Christ carried the cross on his back UP the hill. I kept thinking of the pain of MY sins he carried to the cross. I kept picturing all these faces above and how there is not a single one of them that God doesn't know about. That this little burning in my legs doesn't touch the pain they suffer through being affected/infected by the AID epidemic. And so I kept running. I refused to walk as every muscle continued to burn. Then, at mile 4 the song "Just Stand Up" came on. The song was actually done by several well known ladies in campaign for women with breast cancer. But as I listened to the words, I found the energy to push through the race.
Here are the words:
or hear/watch on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAhpdXMh7NY
ALL:Every Thing Will Be Alright
Rihanna:yeah
Beyonce:
The Heart Is Stronger
Than You Think
It's Like It Can Go
Through Anything
And Even When You Think
It Can't It Finds A Way
To Still Push On
Though
Carrie Underwood:
Sometimes
You Want To Run Away
Ain't Got The Patience
For The Pain
And If You
Don't Believe It
Look Into
Your Heart
The Beat Goes On
Rihanna:
I'm Tellin' You
Miley Cyrus:
Things Get Better
Through Whatever
Rihanna:
If You Fall
Miley Cyrus:
Dust It Off
Don't Let Up
Sheryl Crow:
Don't You Know
You Can Go
Be Your Own Miracle
Beyonce:
You Need To Know...
Chorus (Sheryl Crow):
If The Mind
Keeps Thinking
You've Had Enough
But The Heart
Keeps Telling You
Don't Give Up
Sheryl Crow/Beyoncé:
Who Are We To Be
Questioning
Wondering What Is What
Don't Give Up
Through It All
Just Stand Up
Fergie:
It's Like
We All Have Better Days
Problems Getting All Up
In Your Face
Leona Lewis:
Just Because
You Go Through It
Fergie:
Don't Mean It Got
To Take Control, No
Leona Lewis:
You Ain't Gotta Find
No Hiding Place
Keyshia Cole:
Because The Heart
Can Beat The Hate
Leona Lewis:
Don't Wanna
Let Your Mind
Keep Playin' You
Keyshia Cole:
And Sayin' You
Can't Go On
Rihanna:
I'm Tellin' You
Miley Cyrus:
Things Get Better
Through Whatever
Rihanna:
If You Fall
Miley Cyrus:
Dust If Off
Don't Let Up
LeAnn Rimes:
Don't You Know You
Natasha Bedingfield:
Can Go
LeAnn Rimes:
Be Your Own
Natasha Bedingfield:
Miracle
Carrie Underwood:
You Need To Know
[Chorus-All]
If The Mind
Keeps Thinking
You've Had Enough
But The Heart
Keeps Telling You
Don't Give Up
Who Are We To Be
Questioning
Wondering What Is What
Don't Give Up
Through It All
Just Stand Up
Mary J. Blige:
You Don't Gotta Be
A Prisoner
In Your Mind
Ciara:
If You Fall
Dust It Off
Mary J. Blige:
You Can Live Your Life
Rihanna/Carrie Underwood:
Yeah
Mary J. Blige:
Let Your Heart
Be Your Guide
Rihanna/Carrie:
Yeah, Yeah, Yeah
Mariah Carey:
And You Will Know
That You're Good
If You Trust In The Good
Ashanti:
Everything
Will Be Alright, Yeah
Light Up The Dark
If You Follow Your Heart
Mary J. Blige:
And It Will Get Better
Mariah Carey:
Through Whatever
[Chorus-All]
If The Mind
Keeps Thinking
You've Had Enough
But The Heart
Keeps Telling You
Don't Give Up
Who Are We To Be
Questioning
Wondering What Is What
Don't Give Up
Through It All
Just Stand Up
Fergie:
You Got It In You
Find It Within
You Got In Ya
Find It Within Now
You Got In You
Find It Within
You Got In Ya
Find It Within Now
You Got In You
Find It Within
You Got It In You
Find It Within
Find It Within You
Find It Within
Through It All, Just Stand Up!
I loved this song because it really was all about pushing on, pushing forward and getting back up after you have fallen down. I once heard a quote that went something along the lines of... if you always stay at the base of the hill you will never get to experience the breathtaking view at the top. No matter what little or big hill or mountain your climbing currently, know that you can find strength within. Dig deep and finish what you have set out to do. However, if you debating to even start... NOW is your time... Get going and don't give up. Reach the top and look back at your struggles, look back at what you've accomplished and set a new goal.
This weeks SUCCESS: stepping outside of my comfort zone to give my love and support for Gods people!
"The first shall be last, the last shall be first" -Matthew 20:16
Happy EASTER!!! Be Blessed!
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