I don’t like to run wearing tenny shoes. I prefer to run my race in high heels. If you’re wondering, “what the . . .” then know I’m talking about running “the race”.
I remember vividly the day I was called to the starting blocks by the Coach. I can still see the vision, feel the nudge in my soul and slight tap on the shoulder.
Don’t get me wrong – we are all called to run the race if we believe in Christ. Before that day, I had been running a race (if that’s what you want to call it). It wasn’t a very focused and intentional race, but none-the-less there was a path I was jogging along.
But that day when the Coach tapped me He said, “This race is for you. Let’s go!”
I remember being so passionate about this thing called “the race” all the sudden. I took off running before my high heels were laced up. Mercy, I had no idea this “race” would have hurdles!
Come on, the Coach should have known I wasn’t a runner. Don’t like running, nope not me! And of course, HELLO Coach- I don’t do hurdles. But Coach just said “run.”
The first thing I knew I needed was a team. God put a couple of incredible mentors in my life who were passionate about running “the race” too. We began meeting and it was so refreshing to talk about our hearts desires, passions and call. They knew and understood where I was coming from. They loved my new found passion, because they were passionate too. Those gals and a few others have become my accountability partners.
I thank God for that team daily. What I’ve learned over the years is most people don’t understand passion. You can’t fake it, buy it or borrow it. You either have it or you don’t!
97 % of people will try to limit you in the pursuit of your dreams, purpose or call.
Goal Action Planner
I’m looking forward to tomorrow. It’s a planned meeting with my “running” team. Some call them accountability partners, some say purpose partners; however, I’d prefer to call them passion partners! OK – not really that sounds a little dorky! Ya think?
Tomorrow I hope to get a shot in the arm laced with their encouragement and a swift kick in the b-u-t-t by the gals who are nudging me forward. I want to be able to say . . .
I have brought You glory on earth by completing the work (race) You called me to do. John 17:4
It’s an amazing race!
Do you remember when the Coach called you to the starting blocks?
I’ve never been a runner before. But when the Coach put me in this one, I’ve been encouraged by team members. I realized in this race the only way I’ll lose is to give up and quit. Can’t quit, must press on toward the goal to receive the prize that is waiting. I’m glad we’re on the same team running this race together, encouraging one another. Love ya dearly!
Engrafted by His Grace-
Shonda
I love this post but have a few questions. Is there an email I can send them to?
Thank you, Cindy
First of all, thank you for visitin my site…what an HUGE blessing it is for me to be led to your site. I need to read these words today. This post is an “energy bar” for my race right now. The Coach recently tweeked the course for me…which I am so excited about…but I have a lot of learning to do and new gear to use!
Thank you Alene for blessing me today. I will be back for more encourging words that God gives you to share!
Nichole
I love, love, love this Alene! I love the way you illustrated this message. I can so relate to everything you say here, which is why I’m having such a hard time focusing on just one part of it. From the classy high top spike tenny to the deep inspiring message, it’s just wonderful!
“HELLO Coach- I don’t do hurdles.” I can so relate to this too! Gotta love ya girl.
Haha! Yes, this is a good analogy. Love the high-heeled tennis shoe. I think the coach has me sitting on the bench right now. Apparently, I need to stretch a little before I start running. ;)
Love this! very powerful! Thanks for sharing!!
Oh my ! this sometimes runner loves this post!!! This morning I am working on a talk I have to give in a couple of weeks..about our dreams..and I just finished writing about “when He called me to the starting blocks”…
Marveling at His provision for letting me take a break and directing me to your site this morning!!!!
I’m ready to pick up the pace! again thanks for the encouragment!
Blessings!
Teresa
Sometimes, I do get so focused on the world’s support or lack thereof regarding my calling, I forget the initial call and am tempted to trade in my running shoes for a pair of slippers.
I think, in part, this is where I’m at right now–questioning a great many things. Would appreciate your prayers.
peace~elaine
I just so want to run and finish well. Thanks for the encouragement, friend. Hope you have a blessed Lord’s Day!!
Leah
Alene,
first I want to tell you thank you for all the prayers you say for me and my family.
This post is so good, I was a runner in high school, and I will tell you when they say go I went, I loved running the races, and I love runnings this race. God has put a lot of people in my path to help me along and i’m glad you are one of them. I need to focus on the race so I can show my dauther the path, so that I can be her running partner…
You are in my prayers…
Connie
GBU
I happened on to your page in a big round-about-way, but so glad I found it. You inspire me.
Long story short–I know that I know I am supposed to write for God. There is not enough space here to tell you all the things that have been hurdles in my race. Some I couldn’t help, others I’ve allowed, and others I’ve created. And now I find myself in the second half of life and have not even gotten out of the starting block, though I’m head-down, fanny-up, and ready to run. (I’ve only had a couple of things published) I tease that I want to be Beth Moore when I grow up. That’s to say we share a heart for teaching God’s Word through the words we write and speak.
I think I shall start praying for a mentor.
I’ll be stopping back by for sure.