On the race you don’t have much control over what you eat. More often than not you’re using some form of a carb as a vehicle to pick up another carb to put into your mouth. Rice on tortillas in Central America, rice on Roti in Asia, and rice on Chapati in Africa. Carbs are our utensils and they are also our food. Deadly combo. So in order to avoid the infamous 'Chapati Body,' (not cute) we break out a little something known as Insanity.
If you don’t already know about Insanity, consider yourself lucky that you have managed to avoid it thus far in life. It’s kind of like like slow torturous death while you’re doing it and yet somehow feels so incredible the moment you finish. Sometimes I have dreams that if I don’t try hard enough Shaun T will pop up in the middle of an African slum and make me run suicides. I know, scary. But wouldn't you have nightmares about this guy too? --->
Since letting my life be dominated by Shaun T, I’ve started to realize something about myself – I let myself get scared of the unknown. When I don’t know how long something is going to last or how hard it’s going to be, I hold back. So when Shaun tells me to do frog jumps for an indefinite amount of time, I go hard at 90%. Because if I give it my all, what if I can’t finish? When each workout finally comes to an end I’m always completely exhausted, but I also always have this feeling inside of me that I could have tried harder. I could have given 100% and still been able to finish. Knowing I could have done more greatly decreases the satisfaction of finishing.
It’s the same with the Race. I go into each month of ministry wanting to be all in. Go hard or go home, ya know? But then I get tired. Or overwhelmed. Or overcome with feelings of not being able to really make a difference. I end up settling for giving most of myself. Saving enough so that I’m not too attached and it’s not too hard to leave. I’ve gotten really good at finding the line of doing enough so they think I’m all in, but at the end of the day knowing I could have done more. And just like with Insanity, knowing I could have done more greatly decreases the satisfaction of doing it at all.
So now I find myself in Africa, a place that my heart loves. There are 3 ½ months left of this journey. Only 3 ½ months! That’s a time frame that I can grasp. A light at the end of the tunnel kind of feeling. Short enough that I know I can completely give myself to each ministry and make it through, but long enough that there’s still time to make some kingdom difference.
I want to love fiercely. To give of myself freely. To share Jesus without hesitation.
I want to rejoice in the Lord’s great joys and mourn in his deep sorrows. I want to love and care for his children. I want to see the pain in this world and have the chance to do something about it.
I want to inspire hope. Not a hope based on false realities, but the hope of Jesus. The one hope that is never failing, never changing.
I want to be all in, and I think Shaun T would approve.
In the summer of 2007 I somehow found myself surrounded by a group of outdoor enthusiasts in the middle of Limuru, Kenya. I say ‘surrounded by’ because absolutely no one would have confused me with being part of them. I had no idea how to start a fire and I’d never even heard of a Chaco.
As the weeks went on I found myself learning to work a ropes course and semi understanding how to set up a tent. I gained the nickname ‘hardcore,’ for my enviable wilderness skills (or lack of…. oops.) And somewhere between me trying to learn all these new things and getting the hang of life in another country, I fell in love.
A little bit of it was the rolling green tea fields. Some was my fascination with the Massai. More came from the smiles of beautiful African babies that absolutely filled my heart. A portion from safari animals (who doesn’t love a good jungle cat?!). A bit more from the infectious laughs of my Kenyan friends. Even more when I visited the slums of Kibera and spent time with the incredible people that live there. By the end of the summer, my heart was full.
When it came time for me to leave, I just wasn't ready. I changed my flight 3 different times to stay as long as possible. Needless to say the kind people at British Airways were probably thrilled the day I actually got on a flight.
But leaving was hard. I thought maybe with time I would forget how much I had loved it. That the memories would fade and I wouldn't turn in excitement everytime I heard someone say the word 'Africa.' My only comfort in leaving was this feeling of God telling me I would be back.
After graduating college I made several attempts to return. Camp jobs, various non-profits, teaching - heck, I even looked into going to hair school in Africa. Unfortunatly there was no Toni & Guy to be found in Kenya. Shocker.
Through all of my failed attempts to find a way back to this beautiful land, I felt like God kept saying 'wait.' Can you just wait? But i'm not so great at waiting so I would push Him.
'Are you sure?'
'But this is an amazing opportunity!'
'Don't you get how much I want this?'
'Is it time yet???'
When I finally came to a frustrated end, God reminded me of the promise He had given me years before - that I would go back.
'But God, do you reallllly promise?'
'Like, do you pinky promise?'
In my questioning and hesitation I chose to believe that the Lord does not make promises in vain.
It's just not his style.
So then even more time passed, and then I heard about this thing called the World Race, and then I ended up [here].
In the exact place God told me he would bring me back to.
How incredible is that?!
If the Lord has promised you something that hasn't yet come to fruition, don't lose faith! Believe that what he told you is true and look forward to the day that you get to expierence the fulfillment of his promises. We serve a faithful God!
I am beyond excited to be experiencing Africa for the 2nd time around with my amazing WR family. We have an incredible host family and ministry that I can't wait to introduce you to! I am so hopeful and expectant for what the Lord will do in Africa. Please join me in praying for this incredible continent!
2- # of times I got to wear a Sari 3 - # of musical performances by The Wellspring Band 4 - # of times I wore makeup 6 - # of beds/floor spaces I occupied 200ish - # of ceiling tiles painted
Playing Tourist:
Ever since ‘Entrapment’ came out in the late 90’s I’ve always wanted to see the Petronas Twin Towers! Previously I dreamed of parachuting down them like Catherine Zeta Jones, but I ended up settling for just staring up at them. When did I become one of those people that is fascinated by architecture? I don’t know, but I loved it.
Best Unexpected Opportunity:
You really just never know when you’re going to be asked to give a musical performance in front of an undisclosed amount of people. Saying no is never an option, so it’s good to have some go-to songs ready. We were a little sick of our usuals, so I got nominated to lead for our first service in the new church. I'm not exactly a musical prodigy, but it was surprisingly fun and freeing to play in front of people. All chords were hit and no one threw tomatoes. Success!
Ministry Moment:
I absolutely loved spending time with the women of TOG. They were so gracious and loving towards us. In a culture of arranged marriages and male supremacy, I guess I wonder if these women really know how needed they are in their churches, families and community. My biggest hope in spending time with them was that I could affirm how strong, beautiful and important they are. They are pouring themselves out for the Lord and their church every single day here - such an inspiration!
Cozy Confines:
The Wellspring ladies got a little closer this month in more ways than one. The 7 of us shared this living space in one of the churches extra rooms. We probably would have had more than enough room if we didn’t all bring backpacks the size of humans with us. But it worked out because we had a 24/7 slumber party and it inspired me to bring ½ as much stuff with me next time I travel. All good stuff.
Culturizing My Life:
Some of the sweet women in the congregation let us borrow their Sari’s to wear for church! They had to come over an hour early to help us tie them. Apparently strategically wrapping yourself in yards upon yards of fabric is not an easy task. I felt like I was a little girl playing dress up! It’s just hard to not feel like an Indian Princess wearing a beautiful Sari. So much fun!!!
What God is Teaching Me: This month God showed me so much about dedication. The people we were working with were so dedicated to their church and living a lifestyle that glorifies God. They would be at 5am prayer meetings, go to work and then be back again for worship practice that went well past midnight. They were constantly searching for ways to help us and their community. Of course you don't have to be at church every day of your life to glorify God, but their desire to be there and serve as much as possible was so inspiring to me.
Vacation Station:
At the end of our month of ministry we were blessed to take a 2 day vacation to Pangkor Island! Pretty much anything that involves the combo of sun, beach and sand is my idea of perfection. I read some books, slept on the most glorious pillow of my life and enjoyed time with my incredible team. Such a great time!
After 4 months in Asia we are now headed to our last continent of the race – AFRICA!!!! Our first country there, Kenya, is one that has captured my heart for many years. I am so ready to be reunited with that amazing place and see what God has planned for us!
It probably comes as no surprise that I don’t speak much Tamil.
And by 'not much' I mean absolutely none.zero.zip. Our first night in Malaysia I kept seeing people pointing at me and calling me some long 'P' word that I couldn’t understand. After about the 17th time I got curious enough to ask. A small bit hesitant I approached the pastor's wife to see if I was being called out for breaking some unspoken cultural rule (wouldn't be the first time) or being judged for wearing pink on a day other than Wednesday (stranger things have happened). Turns out none of the above were true. Phew.
Panjimuttai (pan-gi-mu-tai) is the Tamil word for Cotton Candy. Apparently my hair looks like cotton candy that all the ladies want to touch and talk about. Who knew?! The name Becca has become a thing of the past. The church members call me Panjimuttai and if I forget to answer to it, they will just yell it louder. Other than the fact that I can't pronounce or understand it, I quite like my new name. I mean, I think cotton candy is delicious and it kind of makes me feel like Katy Perry. #win.
Team Wellspring has had so many great ministry opportunities in Malaysia! We are living and working at Tabernacle of Glory church in the Indian community of KL. It has been so great to really be able to get involved with their community and particiapte in all of their church services and activities. Check out some pics from our time here:
Easter! We helped put on a kids program complete with an egg hunt, bunny ears and an epic dance party. Who doesn't like dancing while dressed like a rabbit? No one. We also decorated a few (160. woah.) eggs for the congregation, had a Easter Sunday potluck AND I got to hold a precious little baby. Talk about a great day.
Please observe my excellent gameday egg. I'm quite proud of it.
We've spent the past week cleaning, painting and organizing a new location for the church. Saturday night we got to see the end result of all of our hard work - our first service in the building! I love ministries that allow us to work with our hands and physically be able to see what we are doing. Of course i'm all for prayer and planting seeds, but it's nice to do something tangible to help out our brothers and sisters around the world.
Kids camp!! This weekend we put on a camp for all the fun kiddos from church. Most of these kids live at an orphanage that the church helps to sponsor. Our theme was Daniel and the Lions Den so of course we had to make cute lion masks. The kids were amazing and we had so much fun!
I am so excited to see what the Lord has for us in our last week in Malaysia! Thank you so much for all of the love and prayers you continuously send my way! Much love my sweet friends and fam. xo.
I appreciate a good accessory. You will rarely catch me without an oversized pair of earrings or a classy (not trashy) pop of leopard print. I have an affinity for neon and I just really think gold sequins are severely under used. As my sweet darling sister would say, "that’s very ‘Becca' of you.” I don’t think she means that as a compliment, but it has yet to stop me from pairing together whatever I please.
The point of my fashion monologue is this: this month cultural rules forced me to rid myself of some of my favorite things. Day 1 brought the removal of earrings, bracelets, anklets and my beloved nose ring (yes, Dad, you heard right. you can celebrate now.). During this time our team also chose to do a week long make-up fast. That’s right people – no nose ring AND no pink lipstick. Talk about letting go of my identity. Geeze.
So this is how I entered my first Malaysian prayer service – no makeup, no jewelry, a messy ponytail and clothes that should have already made their way to the dirty laundry. Hot mess, right? As I walked into the sanctuary and started to pray, I felt like God could see me – I mean reallysee me. There was no black eyeliner or pretty dress for me to hide behind. No sarcastic comments or jokes I could make to ease the discomfort of feeling naked before the Lord. It’s kind of a scary feeling, when all of your typical defenses are gone.
And in that moment of raw vulnerability the Lord spoke truth into my soul and told me that I am enough. That I don’t have to keep searching for ways to become a better version of myself. That me – when you take away all the fancy and pretty – is still enough. Me running around the world (ok, not literally) trying in some small way to make a difference is enough. Giving him control of my life is enough. Being the person he created me to be is enough. I don't have it all figured out and I sure as heck don't know what's coming next. But for this day, this moment - my hope and trust is in him. And that's enough.
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23
I didn’t go into that prayer service seeking validation from the Lord. I didn’t even know that I wanted it. But isn't it sweet how Jesus always gives us exactly what we need? Yeah, he's pretty baller like that.
So, I leave you with the absolute cheesiest thing you will hear all day (and if it's not then you should reevaluate who you hang out with...) - let Jesus be your best accessory. I know, I know. That’s what your mom says when you’re running late for school and can’t pick out an outfit. But it’s true.
Today, try leaving at home the accessory that most defines you - your fav boots, your signature bag, your BA leather jacket. (if you’re a guy… leave your flat bill or motorcycle? Yikes I don’t know.) Abandon it for a day and replace it with Jesus. He goes with every outfit, every season, every day of the week. Let him be the one that defines you. The one that gets you compliments. The one that helps you strike up a convo with a stranger/potential new friend. Let him lead your day and see what happens. You just might find you shine brighter with him than you ever did in your gold sequin shirt.
At the end of Cambodia the Lord challenged me to boldness. I felt like I needed to be willing to get a little crazy and unashamedly proclaim the epic rad-ness (new word.) of Jesus. I was ready. And then I landed in Vietnam where I couldn't even say the word 'prayer' in public. I felt like I had all this eagerness inside of me ready to just bust and then I had to hold it all in. Not cool.
But then the Lord challenged me in a completely different way. He opened up ways for me to pour all of that pent up Jesus passion into prayer. Prayer??? C'mon God. Give me something GOOD. Give me something tangible or a sweet little child to love or a group of women to encourage. Give me something REAL.
As it turns out, God is actually smarter than me (shocker.) and knows whats up because prayer is pretty much the only way I made it through this month. Things got hard. Ministry didn't happen the way I wanted it to. God didn't show up in the places or ways that I expected. I felt overwhelmed in a city of too many people and waaaay too many motos. So when everything I had tried to do and feel kept crashing down, I turned back to do what the Lord had directed me to in the first place: pray.
I walked through the streets of Ho Chi Minh city praying for all kinds of crazy things. For strangers. For teammates. For this nation that so desperately needs to feel the power of Jesus. I prayed for anything and everything. At times it felt like I was in the movie 'What Women Want' where Mel Gibson can hear women's thoughts, because I would walk by people and just know that I was suppossed to pray something specefic for them. Some of it was weird but who am I to question God? So I just went with it. I prayed for strangers families, for sweet baby boys to grow up to be men of God, for safety and healing over the girls trapped in prostitution, for workers to make enough money to feed their families at the end of the day. The Lord opened my eyes to the brokenness in this place and allowed me to feel the weight of his sorrow over the way people choose to live their lives. He showed me people's sin and challenged me to find a way to love them despite their actions, just as He does everyday for me.
It's amazing how praying for a place and it's people can make you start to care about it. I didn't fall in love with Vietnam. To be honest I didn't even like it all that much. But does that mean I shouldn't care about the Vietnemese people coming to know Christ? Aboslutely not. The Lord has taught me to see past the scenery and circumstances of a place and try to look instead to the heart of it's people.
Best of Nam:
(no ministry pics because it seemed weird to take a pic of myself praying... right?)
Canoeing down the Mekong Delta! Was awesome to expierence a little bit of history and learn more about Vietnam. We ate lunch at a restuarant where, for $75, you could order a King Cobra and have it killed and cooked in front of you. Dad is still dissapointed I didn't try it. Sorrynotsorry.
Game nights! A combo of Wellspring, old teammates and fantastic new friends made for some excellent game nights! Hanging out and doing something so normal made things feel like real life. (because apparantly the WR is fake life.) So much fun!!!
Basketball!!! Other than live updates on espn.com I didn't get to participate much in March Madness. So I did the next best thing: went to see the Saigon Heat!!! Kind of like the Miami Heat except not at all. But still basketball and still good!
We are now in Malaysia and officially in month 7!!! Crazy. Today was our first day of ministry working with an Indian church on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur (the cool kids call it KL.) It is already such a blessing to be surrounded by a congregation of people that have so much passion for the Lord. I am so pumped to work with this ministry and see what God has for us in Malaysia!
Thank you all so much for your encouraging emails and texts that helped me stay strong during this hard month. Your love and support is incredible! Thank you thank you thank you!!! If there is ever anything I can pray for you about pleaseplease let me know! Much love my sweet friends! xo.
Happy March 20! Since leaving for WR I think this is officially the 3rd time I have known the exact date. The other 2 times were Thanksgiving and Christmas, so today must mark a significantly monumentous event, yes? Yes. Let me be the first to welcome you to day 165 of World Race.
Aka, HALF WAY!!!!!!!!!!!
If you know me well then you probably know that I like to celebrate milestones. Some are legit like birthdays and holidays, but I also like to throw a few (read: many) extra into the mix. The spiritual gift of partying, perhaps? I celebrate the anniversary of the day I moved to LA. I celebrate my hermit crab's birthday (well, used to. RIP sebalicious). I celebrate frieniversaries (translation: friendship anniversaries). I celebrate lasts and firsts and everything in between. It just makes life more exciting, ya know?
Last night we celebrated our 1/2 way point on the race with a Team Wellspring original - the 'Eighties Ladies Mustachio Bashio' - a roller skating party in Ho Chi Minh City with lots of skating, dancing and only 1 broken tooth (sorry leanna!). It was so fun to just be ridiculous and enjoy life with the people I am on this journey with. And we wore sweet outfits. Win/win.
In honor of this 1/2 way event, i've composed a few lists -
Things I LOVE about the race:
Abandoning the things that usually give me validation - clothes, makeup, hair that has been recently washed... you know, the usual.
Making friends all over the world. There are amazing people living for the Lord everywhere and it has been such an inspiration to get to meet some of them.
Trying delish food that I can never pronounce.
Constant change - never knowing the who, what, when, where and why. Always an adventure!
B-Squad!!! I am learning so much through my fantastic WR family. They challenge and inspire me 24/7.
Things i'm excited for at HOME:
My SISTER! Goodness gracious I miss that girl.
A closet that isn't a backpack.
Weekends with the fam: Auburn football on Saturdays then Church and the QD on Sundays. So perf.
Being able to use as much shampoo/face wash/hairspray as I want and knowing I can just go buy more when I run out. Chick-fil-a. (# 5 eight count with a sweet tea & mucho sauce.) YUM.
By the NUMBERS: 5 - # of languages i've attempted to speak. Usually ends up something like "Hola, chan chu becca cam on." That's a spanish/thai/vietnemese combo for ya. 7 - # of currencies that are floating around my backpack 27 - # of beds and/or floor spaces I have occupied 165 - # of days we've been gone AND # of days we have left! 21,785 - # of miles traveled. Thank you googlemaps.
As excited as I am to hit the 1/2 way point, I am def not ready for this journey to end. I know the Lord has so much more for me in the next 6 months and I'm ready to push in and get closer to the one that created this magnificent world that I get to travel. Much love!!!
Here on the World Race we have a wide variety of activities available to us each night in our shared bedroom/permanent sleepover HQ. Sometimes we sit and stare at each other. Sometimes we play banana grams. Sometimes we put our headphones in and pretend that we are all alone. And then sometimes, we dance.
To start your weekend off right, please enjoy this little delight from Team Wellspring:
By the numbers: 3 - # of dead snakes I biked over. Yes, I freaked out each time. 4 - # of beds I slept in. 5 - # of times students brought me a flower to class. How sweet are they?! 7 - # of iced vanilla lattes I consumed at Common Grounds. Yumm. 96 - # of crazy bike rides I took (+ or - 20ish)
Best food:
Common Grounds Cafe!! Aka, american food in the heart of Siem Reap. We're talking grilled cheese, iced latte's and pumpkin muffins. I spent 99% of my months budjet here and I don't regret it for a second. Delish. We also became BFF's with the amazing workers.
Meet Chang Hai and Charile, 2 of my newest friends:
What God is teaching me right now:
This month God has been showing me that he cares about the small stuff in my life. He doesn't just care about huge world issues, he also cares about the things that make up day to day life. He cares how i'm feeling, what is stirring in my heart and about things that are important to me. I feel like i've stepped into a closer relationship with Him as I've started to allow him into all the small things.
Bucket list moment:
Something that has been on my bucket list for a while was to run a race... it could have been a 5k or a marathon, I just wanted to start and finish some form of a race. Last month I finally got my chance! Technically at the end of Thailand but for the benefit of Cambodia, B-squad took part in a 10k! Our squad leader, Stacey, started a non-profit called the27project. The idea is that people will host and particiapte in races all over the world, getting sponsors, and the money raised will go to help prevent human trafficking. Pretty sweet, huh? B-squad got to participate in the first ever 27project run and it was so much fun!!! For more info about Stacey's organization, check out www.speaktothehope.blogspot.com
Missionary Mama:
Ok, she's not a mama but she is one really cool missionary gal. This month we had the pleasure of getting to know Amy, a former World Racer and current day missionary in Siem Reap. Not only did she impart great knowledge upon us (like how you can use Tiger Balm on mosquito bites. genius.) but she also gave me a really great picture of what it looks like to be a full time missionary. I was super inspired by Amy -.she's a single 25 year old woman and she lives a completely normal life, it just happens to be in Cambodia. She doesn't live in a hut and she wears normal clothes and has a great community of friends. I think sometimes when I think full time missionary my mind immediatly jumps to long braids in the bush in Africa, but it was so great to see how she lives her life for Jesus here in Cambodia. Helped me to see that I could potentially do the same. Thanks for being so awesome Amy!!
Greatest Adventure:
Our mode of transportation for the month was bikes, and that made just about every moment a great adventure. I biked with possibly a bit too much freedom and abandon to all else, so Nikki was constantly shouting from behind me 'Becca - BUS!' There were more than a few close calls, but somehow we all stayed alive and with all of our limbs intact.
God Moment:
One of our greatest ministry opportunities this month was our last weekend in the city. We took a long, bumpy tuk tuk ride out to Bakong village and hosted a women's day for all the women in the village. The girls painted nails, washed/de-liced hair, did conditioning treatments and lots of other fun things. I held it down in the hair cutting department and was able to have good convos and fun with many of the women. It was so fun to help make them feel special, even if only for the afternoon. It's amazing how something so small like painting nails or cutting hair can really bring people joy. I loved it!
We have now made it safely to the incredible country of Vietnam! For the most part Facebook is blocked here, so if you want to chat this month email me! So old fashioned, right?! beccalynn.bradford@gmail.com
If he liked it then he shoulda put a ring on it, right? But if you’ve got no ring does that mean that no one has ‘liked it’? Ouch. From the perspective of a single 26 year old woman (yes, that would be me.) it kind of seems like that’s the message we’re getting.
If you don’t know already, I grew up in Florida but have spent the last few years living in LA. It’s been really interesting to see 2 so completely different views of relationships. In the south I’m an abnormality for being over 22 and single, but in LA I’m crazy for even considering marriage when I could be furthering my career and/or hiking half dome. What’s a bi-coastal girl to do?
I mean, should I have brought home the guy that tried to win me over by asking me to watch Sleeping Beauty, and then informed me it was just so that I would hook up with him after? Cause he was a winner. (and no, I did NOT fall for that.) Not dating doesn’t mean not having options, people. It’s just called being selective.
I am certainly no expert on dating, but I do know that true love is most likely NOT going to be found at Cabo Cantina. (disappointing, I know.)
Ladies, we have got to start believing that we are good for more than hooking up with a guy after last call at the bar. We deserve more than dates that involve beer pong and it’s ok to not be ok with getting asked out via text. Remember the days when a guy would call you if he wanted to ask you out? Or better yet man up and do it in person? How old fashioned, right? Man that was nice.
I’ve left more than a few bars alone as friends went off with guys that were def not their prince charming. I get it, I’ve been there. But what’s the real reason we’re out searching for love in the middle of DTLA on a Friday night? Again, I’m no expert, but I’d say it’s to fill a void. We have this ache to be accepted and loved by other people, particularly of the opposite sex. We feel validated when a guy wants us, even if it is the guy from Cabo.
If you’re confused about what’s acceptable in the world of dating, here are a few foolproof tips:
Guys that tweet you their feelings but don’t know how to pick up a phone don’t deserve your time.
Guys that ask you to bed before they ask you to dinner, that’s a no go.
Guys that think they can treat you as their girlfriend but never actually commit to you - get out while you still can.
To quote my new fav blogger Max Dubinsky, “Can’t tell a tool from a gentleman? Does he drink from a funnel? Is he wearing anything by Ed Hardy?” If I didn’t already have a very firm ‘no Ed Hardy’ rule, I would now. So true.
So if Cabo boys are out of the picture where does a girl gotta go to see what kind of man she’s tryin to find? Ladies, let me re-introduce you to something we have all been part of at one point in our lives: the ‘friend zone.’ I know, some of you are cringing. It’s a horrid phrase that sounds like the plague when it’s coming from the mouth of the one you (think you) love, but it’s your saving grace when used the right way. When you’re trying to make the transition from ‘not good enough boy’ to ‘man that sweeps you off your feet,’ let your guy friends be your guide.
In recent years I have had the great pleasure of being friends with some of the most fantastic guys in the world. (yes, seriously – in the whole world. I took a very official poll.) Guys that opened doors, walked on the outside of the street, and didn’t turn to stare at every girl that walked by. Guys that loved Jesus more than they loved me. (tip for the men: that’s hot.) Guys that made me remember why I’m holding out for a real man and guys that were friend enough to never let me settle for less. They have shown me Jesus through their sincere friendships and I am forever grateful. If you think I might be talking about you, I probably am. So thank you. Thank you for being a man of God to me and all the other women that cross your path in life. It’s a blessing.
The truth of the matter is that I’m a bit of a hopeless romantic. I watch romcom’s, read Nicholas Sparks and always melt when Prince Charming wakes Aurora with ‘true love’s kiss’. I know, gag. What confuses me is that so many of us swoon over a good love story on TV, but then settle for so much less in our own lives. Sappy romantic clichés aside, the same truth still applies here. You deserve a lot because you’re worth a lot. Seriously, you are. God says that he would give Egypt for your ransom. EGYPT! I think God loves him some good pyramid action. I mean, he made them after all. But if it came down to you or the pyramids, they’re gone. He would choose you. YOU!Every. Single. Time. Why? Because you are worth it. You are worth everything. Now try to start believing it.
If you just skimmed to the end because you thought I was having a small soap box moment, then hear at least this: Ladies, make a man do more than buy you a few Bud Light’s before you get into bed with him. And men, step up and lead the women in your life. Your girlfriend, your friends, your sister…. any and all of them. A woman respects a man that gives her hope for the kind of guy she might find.
Be bold, be courageous, and believe that you are worth MORE.
