Shelli Huether 8-Hour Honor Run
November 11, 2022
The Shelli Huether 8-Hour Honor Run was a run I was really looking forward to running: For one, it benefits military veterans. Second, my brother, Bryan—a combat veteran—would lead Runners' Church praise & worship with a new song playing his guitar, and would be running his first marathon and ultra the same day! Finally, it was in Brentwood, TN, on Nashville's south side, and our brother Todd lives on Nashville's north side. So brhter Todd's house was Runners' Church HQs for a few days.
Anita Decker, RD, was really supportive of our coming and bringing Runners' Church. I donated some books (Running, And Other Bad Habits, a humor book I wrote some years back), as well as Runners' Church stickers for packet bag swag, and was hoping for a good turnout before the race kicked off.
Unfortunately, the weather was brutal (cold rain), and even though we were under the shelter of the pavililion, I think people were huddled down in survival mode. No one showed up, even though Bryan led a beautiful song. I was really discouraged to the core as I've never had NOBODY show up! Bryan was the real encourager reminding me that ministry happens out there "on the trail", that the day's not over yet; God still has work for us to do.
It was such a great encouragement, and when the race kicked off, I hobbled on, still really gimpy from the NYC Marathon the previous weekend. Bryan ran strong and served as a Runners' Church ambassador like no other. By God's grace (and strength), I kept good spirits and just "ministered to the 'guy' in front of me" as I am wont to do, working my way up the field around the one-ish-mile loop.
Even though we had no one show up for Runners' Church service at this event, I know God was glorified. We met people and loved them "where they were". We gave out a number of RC singlets and even a jacket.
But perhaps the best takeaway for me, my fave memory of entire event, was running with my little brother! He ran his first marathon and first ultra (40 mi.) in the same day; I was just so proud of him, watching him overcome obstacles, and keep running with endurance the race set before him, despite the discomfort.
Jesus said that if we seek after Him, He will give us the desires of our heart. And while while we believers run our journey through this life for an imperishable crown, and are not to get too "fond" of the things of this world, it is wonderful when the Father of lights from whom all good things come, gives us such a simple thing as a memory to be cherished in "the land of the living".
And such was the chance to finish the race shoulder-to-shoulder with my brother, Bryan—a memory I'll always hold dear.
Run long and journey-on, because the Journey is ON!Mark
"Therefore, lift up your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed."~Hebrews 12:12-13
