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“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” –T. S. Eliot
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“Risk more than others think is safe. Care more than others think is wise. Dream more than others think is practical. Expect more than others think is possible.” –Cadet maxim
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“Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure… than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.” — Theodore Roosevelt
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“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” — God – Revelations 3:15-16 (NIV)
As I gear up for this upcoming Sunday’s marathon, the San Diego Rock ‘N Roll Marathon, I have found myself wondering if I am a bit crazy. The response to which I have determined to be… YES! I am crazy for Christ. I am crazy because I truly believe in making this world a better place than the way I had found it when I arrived here 40 years ago. I am crazy because I believe that my life, yes the life of a once unwanted, dirty, rejected little boy who ended up in foster care and without a family of his own, has the ability to impact, for God and for good, the lives of a multitude of children throughout Latin America (and maybe even around the world). I am crazy for believing that I can run this marathon (40 kilometers) this Sunday, after bouts of cramping and pain, with just a little training! I am crazy for believing that this marathon could be a way to raise funds in the amount of at least $40,000 (40k) to help and bless children of Guatemala and Latin America! I am crazy… but crazy for a good reason!
While I could pursue the crazy life of acquiring many worldly possessions that will end up belonging to someone else (or the government) once death has arrived, or the crazy life of comfort and complacency, or the crazy life of creating my own protected fortress and world within this world, I believe most of these lifestyles are not lived for the right reason for which God has created me. I believe that many live crazy lives without a reason; merely existing and taking life as it comes day by day, and miss out on the great plans (while they can be challenging and requiring of much sacrifice) that God has for our lives.
It may not come across as the most humble observation, but it is accurate and true that I live a life of great risk for the glory of God! While to many it may seem crazy, I am willing to risk losing (and have lost) comforts, applause, financial security, health, wealth, routine, and constant community for the purpose of fighting for, and advocating on behalf of, precious children throughout Latin America whom have been orphaned, abandoned, abused, or find themselves living in the streets in survival mode. Ultimately, I am willing to risk much because God risked so much for me!
Today I would like to invite you to take a risk as well! Let’s be crazy for a reason together! We are so close to the date of the marathon, June 2nd, and we are quite behind on the fundraising efforts to raise 40k ($40,000)! Would you please consider making a joyful and generous donation to Abogar today? The donation is tax deductible, and will be applied to our Capital Campaign, as we look to purchase property for Abogar in Guatemala! Just go to the GoFundMe link below and make your donation today! Thank you to all who will participate in a crazy way for a great cause for the glory of God! Hugs and blessings to all!
https://www.gofundme.com/40k-for-40k-at-40?utm_medium=email&utm_source=customer&utm_campaign=p_email%2B5102-48hr-donor-share
