Take a deep breath, dudes.
Some of you have three weeks until launch.
Some have 6 months.
Regardless I know you're mind is going crazy.
Just take a deep breath.
And chill.
Even if you tried to prepare yourself
It's impossible.
There is no way.
Don't fret about being "Spiritually prepared enough"
All the Lord cares about is that you're willing.
Satan is most likely blowing 99% of you up saying
you are unworthy
because of that sin you can't shake.
That you can't preach because you have no experience
That your team sucks compared to the
"ideal team" on the squad.
That you're not spiritually intense enough as __________.
That you are going to crash and burn month one.
That you're not going to be accepted by those around you
and
That you won't be fully funded
and there's no way there is one more person that is going to support you.
Don't listen to him saying that you are
"running from your junk" and peacing out of the States.
Stop worrying that you're going to forget something
or not have enough room in your pack.
Stop listening to the fact that "no one will accept you if they know what you've done"
Those are all freaking lies... so realize those are lies and get over it.
Freaking God will blow you up with your funds in logical ways
but most likely in miraculous ways.
Keep being proactive in raising... but don't get discouraged.
God uses the most screwed up janky people to take his word to the nations
Because we know what it feels like to be in the pit
and in turn know the importance and urgency of the gospel.
Even if you are running like I was... God is going to blow you up anyway.
Stop worrying about your team...
Even if you fight and "hate" each other for 6 months... you will peace out of the race
with love for them that cannot even be put into words.
Preaching is totally fine don't worry, God gives you exactly what to say.
You'll find yourself sitting down after a 30 minute sermon being like
what the hell did I just say.
The Spirit moves regardless: all he needs is our flimsy little voices.
Even if you do "crash and burn" month one
it's because he is sanctifying you
and remolding you.
Most of my squad crashed and burned month one.
It happens to the best of us.
I can guarantee you that no one cares about your past.
Don't hold it in and let satan take advantage of your story.
blurt it all out
and move on from it.
There are some that hold it in all year
and never get true freedom from it
and thats miserable.
Legit no one cares about you've been through besides Satan.
The Lord cares because He's obsessed with you
and wants to use your past as a stepping stone to bust other people into the Kingdom!
It doesn't make you gross.
or make you unacceptable.
Everyone has their sick past...so just get it out.
I beg the Lord for freedom among future racers.
It's brilliant and so liberating.
It really is going to be the most psycho year of your life.
You will never be the same again even if you try.
Get pumped.
But a chill pumped.
Don't try to plan how it's going to go down
Because it will be the polar opposite.
You will sleep in your tent a few times. Not a ton.
You won't be forced to eat those nasty bugs..
If you're a badass then you will choose to.
Bring clothes that make you feel like yourself.
If you don't like cargo pants then don't bring them.
If you love your skinnies and converse...
Don't try to be a cargo pants and keen outdoorsy person.
Be who you are in real life on the race.
If you have an iphone or ipod touch those are handy
for the random check in with mom when there's wifi for a little bit.
Become a journaler.
It's the best choice ever.
I recommend getting one of those little day planners with
a few spaces to write in each day.
So you can write things that you wouldn't necessarily journal huge about
but that will be fun to look back on... like:
"Today I slid down the Himalayas on my face."
Or... "Today I signed 462 autographs because I am white."
Write down those little funny things.
Write down your grandmas and your best friends address...
You can send postcards for really cheapo.
What else.
Oh, you'll find yourself wishing away the year.
Like.... "OMG ONLY 132 MORE DAYS!!"
Stop before you start.
Yeah your warm bed sounds way more comfortable than your sleeping bag
But once you get into your bed your like why did I want this so bad.
It's really not physically hard at all.
I mean yeah sometimes you'll say "what on earth did I get myself into"
But then immediately you'll look over and
realize there are 5 other crazies wondering the same thing
and that eases your mind. and you just laugh about it.
and get over it.
If you don't feel tight with the Lord and feel inadequate
tell him that.
Be like dude we're in this together... help me.
and He will.
He's not a scary guy.
He's about to take you on the ride of your life
and you'll love and understand Him on new levels after this year.
So, put your adventure pants on.
you're prepared.
you're worthy.
you're called.
You got this.
Love,
Ruth.
