Monday, May 14, 2007

Me and 39,999 Others

So Sunday was a first for me - my first 5K walk. I joined a friend in the Race for the Cure and we walked approximately 3 miles through some of the nicest parts of my city. I'll confess. Other than one friend at work, my life has been relatively untouched by this disease. I did not raise one single penny for the cause; they'll have to be happy with my registration fee this year. My motives were entirely selfish; things didn't work out to get together with my mom and siser on Sunday, my husband was out of town and as a "non-mom" I was hoping to avoid the sometimes depressing thoughts that can be overwhelming on a day set aside to honor moms. I wasn't prepared for the blessings that would be mine.

First of all, it was so sweet to see all the survivors sporting their pink ball caps and t-shirts, and walking hand-in-hand with grateful husbands and daughters. It was equally moving to see husbands, sisters and daughters walking in memory of loved ones who lost their fight.

But more than that, it was amazing to watch forty thousand people moving as one through the city. Once I managed to quell my fear of becoming lost in that massive throng, it hit me - these people are walking for a cure that is at best temporary. I couldn't help thinking how much more I have in Christ and am I willing to share that? It would be thrilling to see forty thousand Christians mobilized in the streets of Pittsburgh - yes, but then I am reminded that the "Walk/Race" is really just the celebration. The victories, the healings, the bearing through months of illness - those happened just one person at a time. And so it is with Christ - it is he who changes lives, one life at a time. But am I celebrating that in a way that others will want to join me on the walk?

8 comments:

gail@more than a song said...

I've done some 5k walks but never Race for the Cure, good for you!
I bet that is amazing to see that many people moving along together.
I'm sorry your plans didn't work out to see your mom & sis...mother's day is a hard day when you're a non mom. I've thought about that at church before when they recognize moms. The church I visited Sunday didn't have a special recognition and it seemed like a nice change to me.

Susanne said...

What a great revelation, Dianne! Thanks for sharing that with us.

The used to have an international "March for Jesus" about 10 - 12 years ago. We participated a couple times. People all over the world would do these walks in their cities. It was not to raise money, it was just a stand for Jesus in your community. It was thrilling to think it was happening all over the world at the same time.

Unknown said...

Very cool. Good for you.

Kim said...

Great job Diane! What a great way to spend your day Sunday.

I hope you are having a great week!

Anonymous said...

Another "sister" survivor. I saw your post on our blog at boomerbabesrock. Welcome to our corner of the web. Hope you come back to visit!

Suzie Eller
http://boomerbabesrock.com/blog

Stacy at Exceedingly Mundane said...

Oh Dianne, I'm so glad you did the walk! As always, you make me see and think about things that I would have not seen or thought about. {I hope that made sense!} :)

Tammy said...

Oh Diane, this is beautiful.
How wonderful to do this walk...what a blessing!
And I loved your thoughts on all of this...so very true and profound!

Sharon said...

I have wanted to do that walk. I have friends who have done it. I don't know what I'm waiting on. And wouldn't this world be amazing if believers put as much effort and promotion into their "cause" as others do with theirs?