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
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