DRIVEN BY comPASSION

"How do athletes describe you as a coach?"

Our instructor asked us this as I sat in my RRCA training class a few weeks ago. However, I instantly found this a tad amusing because I have heard a number of lines that go a little like this:

"Katie is like a sour patch kid -- she seems nice and then turns slightly evil."

I laugh at this because the women that I train know that I am far from mean or evil -- I just like to give tough love when I train others. People do not pay me to let them slack off during a workout, otherwise they would be completely comfortable training themselves and not seeking the guidance of a coach or trainer.

Yet, I wrote down on my paper one word that I know is always used and that I strive to live by every single day. The word that is usually used to describe me is PASSIONATE and I can't deny the fact I am most certainly driven by PASSION.

So, why am I bringing this up?

Yesterday, my pastor preached on being a compassionate person. My pastor posted to Facebook a few weeks ago or so asking for feedback about this exact topic and here was my response:

One of my constant prayers: “Father God, break my heart for what breaks yours.” Through the answer I’m always filled with compassion and an unexplainable yearning to continuously strive to do more.

On a personal note, I have to prepare myself beforehand and PRAY because when God orchestrates how to show me that brokenness it is usually in the middle of the future MESS•age & TEST•imony to come.

By compassion I’m able to give grace and forgiveness to others. We could all use more of that.

More times than not compassion is found when you discover what breaks your heart. Sounds pretty counter-intuitive, but if you aren't moved to tears by your passion then maybe your not emotionally invested in what you are trying to achieve. If you are emotionally absent from your passion -- how can you walk in compassion? One of the characteristics of a compassionate person is that they inspire through passion.

That is what I try to do and that is what my goal is in life -- to inspire others through my passion.

I pray that PASSIONATE is always used when I'm described as a coach, trainer or anything else in this life. Even in the moments of tough love towards those I love and care for -- I am always driven by my PASSION for their betterment. PASSION is comPASSION and Christ was the purest form of PASSION.

Ask yourself this, do you like the words that come to mind when people describe the type of person you are? If not maybe it's time to reevaluate where you are right now in life and how you want to be remembered.

Imperfectly Yours,

Katie

BRAVE. STRONG. BROKEN.

January of this year I found myself in a very vulnerable state of emotion. I was walking into a season of life that I did not even know about yet and I was at a breaking point. I was “brave” from past circumstances I had overcome, “strong” because of how I had handled them, yet still so broken because I had never dealt with how it affected me. Have you ever been there — brave, strong and broken?

Everyone has to face a struggle at some point in life. We all have to go through trying times, but does it ever end? Sometime toward the end of August, last month, I was sharing my story with a client of mine and she asked me, “Katie, do you ever think it will end?”

“What do you mean?”

Client: “The struggles and hard times that you face. You’re 27-years-old and you have faced more than most twice your age. Do you ever think it will end?”

(I paused.) I was thinking of what to say and how to say it. Part of me wanted to scream, “YES OF COURSE,” as loud as I could. However, I knew that wasn’t the answer I needed to give.

“Honestly, no.”

(My client’s demeanor changed and confusion took over.)

“You know something that I have learned throughout trial and hardship in life — it never stops. When I am taking the road I feel I am meant to take that’s when hardship strikes. It happens when I’m doing what I should be doing and it comes at me in the most vulnerable ways.”

(Her face softened as what I had just said was sinking in.)

“We face trial no matter what path we take, but even on the right path we are attacked in some of the worst ways. I don’t have all the answers and I do NOT  know how everything will turn out, but my faith gives me comfort. I’ve learned that if you don’t face resistance, then it’s probably not God and through that I know that even in the trials I am blessed — we are blessed.”

(Her teary-eyed smile will remain with me forever.)

I believe that in our weakness God is capable of being made stronger and the greatest trials are given to God’s greatest warriors. God knows our potential and He knows that we can’t overcome it alone, but with Him we can.[1] That’s the thing about God’s power, it only rises up and is used if we ask for His help.[2] Surrender is hard for everyone, but it is also the greatest love you can show to THE BIG MAN upstairs.[3] God can’t become stronger if you don’t call on Him and walk by faith. I know that it’s one thing to say it, but you have to PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH at the same time.[4]

My greatest pain has become my greatest purpose and for me to give up on my purpose because it is too hard would be a disservice to others and disrespectful to God. I’m not perfect and I sin just like everyone else sins, we don’t all sin the same way, but to Him it’s all the same.[5] I ask for forgiveness daily, not just out of the need to — but the want to be honorable.

As long as I live I know that the trials I face will not only keep coming at me, but they will become more difficult and will become harder. Yet, God has proven His faithfulness because in my past weakness when I was at my lowest I called on God and He answered.[6] The answer isn’t what we always want to hear, it rarely is, but I know I have to be obedient. Being obedient and walking my faith creates a boldness inside to arise and do what you’ve been called to do.[7]

I may be broken, but I’ve been made stronger and — made BRAVE.

My question for you is this — are you a WARRIOR or are you AWOL? I don’t judge people and won’t judge your answer — that’s for the one in charge and always watching.

Imperfectly Yours,
Katie

 [1]2 Corinthians 12:19 – But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

[2]Matthew 7:7 – Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

[3]James 4:7 – Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

[4]James 2:26 – As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

[5]James 2:10 – For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.

[6]Jeremiah 33:3 – Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.

[7]Deuteronomy 5:33 – Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.

A HEAVY BURDEN

Some burdens that we carry are heavier than others. The light at the end of the tunnel seems obsolete when the journey becomes difficult. However, God sees all and He knows the potential we have within to accomplish all that He has in store for us. When we feel like giving up God can restore us. When the burden is heavy it means we will only be stronger on the other side of the journey.

I would rather carry a burden than carry guilt.

Not by our will, but by His strength we can get through. May we pray for His strength, especially when the road seems impassible and impossible. With God, all things are possible.

Imperfectly Yours,

Katie

THIRTY MILES LATER

This past Tuesday was my 27th birthday and I said I would run 28 miles. Well, I ACTUALLY ran 30 MILES!! I told my husband that something was terribly wrong with me because I felt too good to have accomplished what I did.

It amazes me how we underestimate what we can do. How we doubt our capabilities and set our own limitations. Do you do it too? I know I do!! However, we shouldn't. We should truly be fearless and go after anything and everything we've ever dreamed of!!

This video I've attached was with my daughter during my "run" and her tiring out. No, I didn't get to run very long. No, I wasn't out there training hours on end. BUT, that little girl you see -- that's my Gracie, my reason, my world. At the end of the day if I'm not proud of the example I set for her, if I'm not happy with the example of fearlessness and determination I lead for her -- is any of it even worth it? NO!!!

So, are you setting the example you have want your children to be proud of, your brothers or sisters, your nieces or nephews, your parents? Are YOU setting the example for them to look to and are you proud of it?!? If not, it's never too late or too early to change for the better and take a stand for yours and their best!! Even if the world shuns you, I'll stand with you.

Take a Stand!! Be Fearless!!

Imperfectly Yours,

Katie

PARENTING IS OVERWHELMING

It’s time I cut the crap. You know, this whole raw and real thing only works if you are RAW and REAL. So – this morning as I pull on my running tights, put on the running shirt with hat to match and lace up my running shoes…my brain is literally telling me I am the worst mother on the face of the earth.

Is it self-pity? Self-remorse?

HECK NO! You see, tragic experiences as a parent leave a lasting impact.

Why?

BECAUSE PARENTING IS OVERWHELMING!!

Seeing your child struggle for air. Seeing your child lifeless. Seeing your child helpless causes a parent to somewhere, deep down inside, question themselves. WHAT? You want the happy go lucky stay strong in every storm post? Well, to get to that point rough waters must be ridden and “self-pity” must be overcome. Letting go of the worst mother label you put on YOURSELF, must be dealt with.

Let me put your mind at ease because I am in no way ever going to say I know what it is like to lose a child because I never have. I have lost siblings and family members, but never have I ever fully lost my daughter. Not even 4 months ago, I breathed life back into my daughter’s lungs. I only wish and pray that every parent that had to give their child CPR had a happy story at the end. My heart is burdened for those parents each day and I will always remind my daughter how overwhelmingly blessed she is that she gets to breathe in a new breath of life daily; as we are all so lucky that are reading this.

But right now, in this moment as I clothe myself to go outside and run I feel unworthy. When my daughter gets sick she goes all out. She takes it as far as she can go before hitting that breaking point. Right now, she has not one, but TWO strains of the flu virus coursing through her, a painful urinary tract infection, pink eye and an ear infection in her left ear. God bless my husband and his loving words, “Babe go run I will watch her. You need to get away for just a little bit.”

My female mother brain: What?!? You want me to leave and make it look as if I do not care about our daughter? Why should I put myself first?!? She is sick and running isn’t going to help her. Running will not take the pain away. Running will not heal her. Running will not add years or quality to her life!!

Before my words are spoken my husband says, “You are an amazing mother and Gracie will be here when you are done. Go do your fearless superwoman things.”

My husband.

My rock.

My clarity.

So yeah. My baby girl is extremely sick and I’m about to go out for a long run. Not because I do not care. HEAVENS NO! It’s because I want my baby girl to be fearless in all circumstances, especially the scary ones. That is the whole point of why I am running the Boston Marathon!! On my long runs, I pray, A LOT. I pray about anything and everything I could possibly fathom and today I’ll be praying and pleading God’s healing over my daughter and every other child that is sick and every parent that prays for one more moment with their little ones.

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

I promised you real and raw. I pray you hear my sincerity && the steadfast love I have for my daughter. In the overwhelming moments, she always gives me peace and a reason to be fearless. 

Imperfectly Yours,

Katie