‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭NIV‬ – Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.

As many of our readers know, I haven’t always been a runner. Run For God came into my life when I needed warrior-like faith. My dad had been diagnosed with stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer, and while visiting my parents, I connected with a “Run for God” book on their shelf. They had done the couch to 5k devotional program years earlier. I decided to start the journey solo and if I had personal success, I would look into starting it at our church. I not only finished the program but I also learned to use that time for prayer and worship for my Dad. Once again God nudged me to start the program at church.

I thought, who am I to lead a running program? I called my parent’s Run For God Coach, Erin Leopold, for guidance. She was able to answer all my questions and give me the confidence I needed. The program at church was a success. The support of my running group helped get me through the hardest season of my life. My dad was at the finish line for our graduation race. Not long after that he crossed his heavenly finish line. Although I still don’t understand, God has gifted me with a passion to continue in the path He has for me through my faith and running.  

I was blessed to meet Coach Erin in person at my Dad’s Celebration of Life service. I am excited to share that she has recently published a book. You can find Erin Leopold’s book, “Finding My Second Wind” with Xulon Press and Amazon. Through years of undiagnosed chronic pain, she was able to find strength in God and run through her pain. She had warrior-like faith to start her own journey with Run for God and inspired me to do the same. I will be forever grateful and honor God by continually sharing my running journey with others. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You that I can submit my plans to You and You will make them straight. Thank You that I can lean on You for strength and understanding. Thank You for connecting me with Godly friends. I desire to finish strong with warrior-like faith. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.