Full Color Blast

If you ask me what my favorite color is, you will never get the same answer twice. My favorite color varies, depending on seasons, moods, and what's popular in the fashion scene. There are very few colors I dislike, although I find myself most attracted to anything bright, bold, or somewhat resembling a rainbow. Something about my personality likes the "sha-zam" effect that neon bursts of color brings out of me. So naturally, when I heard about Run or Dye, I knew I wanted to be there.

The whole purpose of Run or Dye is to be blasted with colored powder dye as you run through the different dye stations throughout the 5K course. When my friends told me they were doing it, I quickly jumped on board. I mean, how could I possibly pass up the chance to be a walking canvas?

Everything was all set, I was signed up with my group, but something went terribly wrong. Two days before the race, I was eaten alive by mosquito. I had 37 bites that varied in size from a quarter to slightly smaller than a baseball. The backs of my legs were swollen and inflamed, red, and itched like crazy. The doctor gave me some salves to bring the swelling down, but the night before Run or Dye, I still wasn't any better. The back of my legs were so puffy, I knew there was a very small chance I would be able to participate in the morning.

I called a bestie who was doing the race with me and told her message machine my plight. I asked her for prayers, because I knew the only way I would be well enough the next day was if Jesus did a miracle. My wonderful mother prayed over me and comforted my tears, reminding me how much God loves me and wants what is best for me. It was hard to surrender, but I had peace knowing the ultimate Healer was on my side.

The next morning, every single one of my bug bites were 1/2 the size they'd been the night before. The itching was gone. It was a miracle. Jesus Christ healed me. It was crazy.

I called Lizzy (bestie from before) and excitedly told her that I would be able to meet her for Run or Dye. My awesome friend had been praying fervently for me the night before after she heard my message. I love it how my mom and friend both lifted me up in prayer to God. He heard. He answered. Prayer really does work. Praise God!

Run or Dye was amazing. I am so thankful God gave me the opportunity to do it. Being amidst all the rainbow assortment of dye revealed to me something about God: He isn't boring and bleak. He is bright and creative and imaginative. He rejoices in beauty. He rejoices in His children. Our God is a God of colors.

(FYI, if pictures actually speak a thousand words, this will be my longest blog post ever :) Aka, prepare for a lot of pictures :)

 

Lizzy, me, and Devon

Look at how white are t-shirts are... not for long! ;)

 

  

Us practicing our dance moves.

We thought we could dance the whole three miles, but that pretty

much failed. We got to maybe a half a mile before we gave up on 

that idea. Doesn't work too well when you can't hear the music :)

     

 

Us after the race

I've never been so happy to be so dirty!

 

 Lizzy showing off her beautiful ensemble

Love the zebra pants ;)

 

Devon modeling her dye aka Devon just being awesome ;) 

Way to work the fanny pack, girl!

 

 

To all those wondering: Yes. I actually wore pink tights.

At least I wasn't wearing a tutu, like some people ;)

 

 A close up of my dyed self.

  

The repercussions of the pink dye. I washed my hair, but the pink dye

decided to settle into my highlights. It's still in there now and I actually 

went to church with pink hair! Maybe I'll start a trend ;)

 "[A] life in full color is vibrant, inspiring and alive.  It’s an invitation to appreciate the beauty found everywhere in the world we live in." Cara Brown 

Fearless

I've never thought of myself as one to chicken out. But today, I almost did.

I'm all for riding scary roller coasters and heart-dropping thrill rides. I'd be the first to volunteer to improvise in drama class. As some of you know, I wasn't always like I am now. I've had so many silly fears in the past, like swimming in the river or being outside in the dark. But there were so many things I missed out on because of my fear. As I've grown up, I've become more comfortable stepping into the unknown. If something frightens me, I will stand up to it. I try my best to overcome my fears so that I can live to the fullest. But today, I almost chickened out big time.

The thrill was daunting and the adrenaline was pumping- And yep, I was about two seconds away from crying and running the other direction. But thankfully, I was brave, though it would've been perfectly reasonable for me to shy away from the challenge.

Imagine being in my shoes: You're with your friends. You were so excited to do this... until you walked through the doors, that is. You feel jittery, kind-of freaked out at what you're going to do, yet you feel secure with your friends nearby. Yet as you are led away, your heart is pumping as you panic. What you feel like doing is being a lame-o and just asking for a replacement. But instead you puff out your chest and pretend to be chill about placing yourself in a potentially dangerous situation.

You go into the school's weight room. You are debriefed on what's going to happen to you, but you are so busy freaking out you don't hear a word. Your friends fill you in later and tell you not to worry, but you are starting to sweat. You hear people screaming in the next room, and your eyes are about as wide as watermelons. The man in the doorway with a gun is standing waiting for the cue. Suddenly, he shoots and the room erupts in screams. You hear the sound of running footsteps, and you know they are coming to save you. Men burst through the doors, and shoot down the armed man. A man yells at you not to move your hands, so you stand paralyzed with your arms raised above your head. You know that any sudden moves could mean being shot. But somehow, after you've been patted down and sent to the next mission, you start to smile. Because that was kind-of fun, actually.

That was one of the three scenarios I role-played in today for the police training this week. It was a new experience, and I enjoyed it. Acting as a hostage was not only helping the cops to practice protocol, but allowed us teenagers to see inside what would happen in a real raid (believe me, it has given me a new vigor to NEVER be the guy on the wrong side of the law!)

 

Ryan, Lizzy, Eric, Jacob, and me in our protection vests

Can you guess who was the bad guy?? ;-) I know hard choice... 

We all look pretty sketchy :-)

Yes it was scary at first. I really didn't feel like being blown to smithereens by the paint pellet bullets (thankfully, the police officers are better aim than me). I was nervous, but I was comforted by the fact that deep down, I knew all of it was pretend.

But truly, those police officers there today risk their lives to protect us. And that is not pretend.

I wish I could thank every person who has put themselves in danger to keep my country safe. For all those who take the brunt of violence for our protection. For all those who are injured or killed saving another's life. Those cops may not have really saved any hostages today, but they are preparing themselves for the day that they might need to. They are willing to sacrifice. They are brave, they are courageous, and they fight for justice. And I hope one day, I will be as fearless as them.

"God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."    2 Timothy 1:7