"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you." Isaiah 60:1
On July 2nd, 2015, Kyleigh Philips, a pretty and petite four year old little girl went home to be with the Lord after losing her battle with cancer. The Rise and Shine Half Marathon and 5k, which began as a fundraiser for her family, was sadly now a memorial run. So on Saturday, September 19th, dozens of runners gathered together to participate and honor this precious child most of us had never met. As her parents stood at the start line to join in a prerace prayer, my heart ached for them.
The earliest use of 'rise and shine' in print is said to be in Isaiah 60:1. The phrase was then said to be used as a wake up call for soldiers, rise meaning to get out of bed and shine (shine your boots) to get ready for the day and whatever your commander expected of you . As soldiers of Christ, we too should be ready and willing every day to do whatever it is God, our Commander in Chief, calls us to. From sunrise to sunset, from birth to death, may we rise to the challenge.
We will all die, that is certain-some at the tender age of four and some at the ripe old age of 94. But while it is today, may each of us 'rise and shine' grateful, willing and eager to carry out His instructions.
Heavenly Father, thank you for the blessing of another day. I pray that we would use it to help, love and serve others as you have called us to. May you give strength and peace to the family of Kyleigh as they wait to see her again. Help us to remember that each day is a gift and another opportunity to show others the joy of Salvation. May we be obedient to the calling. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
Hope of the broken world - Selah
*Loved this race! Had some amazing and glorious hills as you would expect running in the Ozarks. Great volunteers, trophies and post race fun. God willing, we will do this again next year.
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| The parents (in leather) and their pastor |
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| the first of many hills for the half marathoners |
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| ready to get started for the 5k |
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| off to a fast start for the 5k! |
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