By faith

"These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect." Hebrews 11:39, 40

I was blessed to run the 26.2 miles of 'gently rolling' hills from Salem to Rolla, MO Saturday morning to complete the Honoring the Heroes Marathon. This first-year event (which includes a 5k and half marathon) was the inspiration of 79-year-old Bob Gravley, an Air Force veteran, as a means to honor those men and women who have served or are currently serving. As I spoke to and congratulated Bob after he, himself, crossed the finish line (walked it in 6 and a half hours!), he sadly told me that his only regret about the race was that he hadn't done it sooner (his best friend had died before he could see it).

You know when it comes to heroes, Hebrews 11, sometimes referred to as faith's hall of fame, honors those men and women who by "their faith" completed the purpose to which God called them to-those heroes who followed the Lord with no expectation of being recognized or receiving "what had been promised". Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses and Rahab were among those 'heroes of the faith' listed that endured hardship, trials and persecution and yet persevered to finish the race in spite of their adversities. Their only motivation? To finish the individual and unique task God had assigned each of them.

That friend of Bob's may have passed on before seeing this running tribute but he, no doubt, helped to inspire the race that now honors a new generation of heroes. And as any true hero will tell you, being obedient to the cause has nothing to do with receiving any honor this side of Heaven because, as Joseph Campbell writes, "A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself." 

Heavenly Father, thank you for those heroes, past and present, who lived out their faith to fulfill the calling you gave them. Help us to not only honor them but to look to them as examples of how to live a life of courage and determination in the midst of trials and struggles as we fulfill the individual and unique calling you have given each and every one of us. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Walk by faith - Jeremy Camp

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygyOECYwd-4

This hero is a 20 year veteran who walked the half marathon in full gear and then went back to assist the last finisher . 

This hero of perseverance is a young lady with Multiple Sclerosis who, with the help of friends, walked the half marathon and then ran the last bit by herself for a teary-eyed finish for all those watching. I saw her on the course as she made her way and know that this was not an easy task for her. Wow. 

This active duty hero walked the marathon in just under 8 hours and showed his determination to finish. Here he is shaking the hands of his new friends, also active duty soldiers, who went back to help him. 

Upon his finish, this hero, Bob Gravley,  was grateful to see that his dream, with the help of many volunteers, had  become reality.  What a day it was!!