In other words, "Put up or shut up." That's the adage that keeps rolling through my head every time I tell someone else about The Race to Embrace 23k for 23k. So here I am. Those of you who know me know what a big deal this is -- not just because I'm seemingly allergic to exercise, but because this race is personal. You see, Embrace represents a God-given vision brought to life by hundreds of people across dozens of communities, and I'm the blessed soul who has been tapped as the lead vision chaser.
Embrace is not a place. Embrace is a diverse and growing group of people actively working together to build a stronger community. We do this by sharing what we have been given -- hope, help, opportunity, and resources. We believe that there is more than enough to go around, there's always room at the table to serve and be served, and that no one should be without what they need to thrive. Those are the ideas that guide what we do as, together, we love our neighbors well. As a follower of Christ, it's what I believe I am created and called to do each day. Loving my neighbor as myself -- and learning to love myself as my Creator does -- is an act of worship. It's the way I love God. Being part of Embrace allows me to do that in new and exciting ways.
As Embrace's founder and director, I get the privilege of seeing the vision from the inside out. Every day, I get to live -- and share -- this incredible story of how God is using what many people would consider "left overs" to provide help and hope for hundreds of neighbors. With no money of our own, and the gift of a building and city block to plant our big dreams, we've grown from a simple monthly clothing outreach for a dozen teens to a thriving Center for Community. Here, hundreds of people experience the rich bounty of blessings each month that result from people sharing what they have -- their gifts and graces, time and talent, and yes their material resources.
Today, I challenge you is to share what you have so, together, we can keep sharing that bounty of blessings with our neighbors -- right here in Waynesboro and beyond. If you can, sign up to race with me. If that's not possible, consider sponsoring me. And know that you're always welcome at Embrace, where our hearts, minds, doors, and tables are always open -- and there's always room for more!
Want to hear the story for yourself and learn how you can embrace Embrace? Email me: JenelleWatson@vaumc.org.
