Over the last two weeks, my friend and I prayed about running a half marathon to raise awareness of and money for the injustices of the world and specifically human sex trafficking. It was an exciting experiment for sure. We committed to pray until August 24th because that is exactly six months until the race, and I love a hard deadline! God doesn't really work that way, but I think He's given us some mercy here to set a time frame for ourselves. He knows us! (See Psalm 139 for reference) This is what the last two weeks of prayer looked like:
Day 1- August 9- verse of the day: 1 Peter 2:24 (MSG) He used his servant body to carry our sins to the Cross so we could be rid of sin, free to live the right way. His wounds became your healing. You were lost sheep with no idea who you were or where you were going. Now you're named and kept for good by the Shepherd of your souls.
Day 2- August 10- verse of the day: Isaiah 40:30-31 (MSG) For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall. But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles. They run and don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind.
Found out through Traffick911 that a major motion picture starring Matthew McConaughey and Gina Gershon will portray McConaughey as a corrupt Texas sheriff and a family(Gina Gershon as the step-mother) trades a young "virginal" girl for sex to him as a "financial retainer"
Day 3- August 11- verse of the day: Mark 12:30 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.
Day 4- August 12- don't have a verse of the day. spent the day caring for my sick child and enjoying every moment spent with my family. They are precious to me and I am so blessed to live loved, happy and safe. My children are so blessed to live loved, happy and safe. I want all children to know a mother's love and to be safely tucked in at night. I spend so much time worrying about the evilness in the world and how I can help put a end to it. I spend a lot of time worrying if I will ever become a mother to an adoptive child and if I am cut out for that kind of responsibility, but today, I just felt love and loved.
Day 5- August 13- verse of the day: 1 John 3:18 Contemporary English Version (CEV) Children, you show love for others by truly helping them, and not merely by talking about it.
Pretty sure, God is saying, "Run the race, and be sure to RUN YOUR RACE!"
Going to sign up for the Disney Princess Half Marathon! Not just running a race, but raising money and awareness to fight human trafficking!
Day 6-August 14- verse of the day: Psalm 48:14 (NLT) For that is what God is like. He is our God forever and ever, and he will guide us until we die.
Did it! Signed up! So excited to run a half marathon, but even more excited to help victims of domestic minor sex trafficking be rescued!
Day 7-August 15-verse of the day: Psalm 62:8 (NLT) O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.
In questioning why violence happens against these sweet, innocent babies, I know that the God over all hears my prayers and hears my hearts desire to help those who are helping those victims. It is desire to love the orphan and care for the poor and only in Him can I find the strength it takes to do it!
Day 8- August 16-verse of the day: Philippians 4:8 (NLT) And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
Day 9-August 17-verse of the day: Isaiah 43:1 (NLT) But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.
Day 10-August 18-verse of the day: Psalm 91:1 (NLT) Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
Day 11-August 19-verse of the day: Psalm 37:7 (NLT) Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.
Day 12-August 20-verse of the day: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (NLT) 7 even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. 8 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
This verse is so strong for me! Today there has been plenty of fear. Fear about trying to run 13.1 miles, fear about leaving my kids for that weekend, fear about getting involved with such a scary subject and fear of doing nothing at all! But God's grace is enough and it is all I need. Running was tough this week, but in my weakness I am crying out to Him to help me push through for his glory and his mission!
Day 13-August 21-verse of the day: 1 Kings 8:23 (NLT) and prayed: Lord God of Israel, no other god in heaven or on earth is like you! You never forget the agreement you made with your people, and you are loyal to anyone who faithfully obeys your teachings.
Day 14-August 22- verse of the day: Romans 8:1-2 (NLT) So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2 And because you belong to him, the power[a] of the life-giving Spirit has freed you[b] from the power of sin that leads to death.
Day 15-August 23- verse of the day: Ephesians 3:20 (NLT) Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
Day 16-August 24-verse of the day: Psalm 139:1-6 (NLT) O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. 2 You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. 3 You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. 4 You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. 5 You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!
Harley and I decided to start a non-profit to help those organization on the front lines rescuing and restoring victims of sex trafficking. It is being set up now! Over the next six months, our team hopes to raise enough money to help build a safe house that is so desperately needed! We are going to be using our skills and interest to bring hope to those fighting domestic minor sex trafficking and victims effected by it. Be on the lookout for more information!!
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