From Doug

This past weekend I was able to head down to Atlanta and join a friend from church in the Publix Half Marathon. This was an especially awesome time for me since the friend I ran with was not only completing his first half marathon ever, but he was also celebrating having a healthier life style as he had so far been able to lose over 150 pounds.

My friend's name is Ben Dempsey. Many races I have run I have been able to enjoy the beautiful scenery, seeing such views as the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, along side lake Michigan in Chicago, downtown in the city of New Orleans, Disney World, the beach at Gulf Shores, and the list just goes on. The greatest view that I have seen in a race is seeing the face of someone accomplish something big for the first time.

Running with Ben (and fellow teammate Chad Rutledge) was amazing to know and see the determination he had to lose all the weight in order to become more healthy, and then see his face during the ups and downs throughout the race (a very hilly course). Ben suffers from very flat feet and running for any length of time is very painful for him. I would notice that going up many of the hills he would wince in pain and yet still he would continue to press on!

During this race I was reminded of what life is really all about. It is helping others on their journey and encouraging them when times are tough. Seeing Ben "ManUp" and press on was actually encouraging me as currently I have been in the middle of battling the stress of my position at work being relocated to another state as well as being faced with moving my family away from the church and family of friends that we have been so blessed with, not to mention my teammates who have poured their life into mine as well. If I am honest their are days when this battle is tough and I want to just stop give up, but I am surrounded by friends that are running along side me in life that have been their to encourage me to just keep one foot in front of the other.

This past week I have looked back at the Publix Half Marathon and the time I spent with Ben and it continues to bring a smile to my face to remember that although the miles are long and the uphill climb is painful, there is a finish line and there are friends by our side every step of the way. I thank God for everyone He has put in my life. I am also thankful that He allows me to be a friend to others and encourage them whether it be an athletic event or simply just the race of life.

Who is it that God has placed you next to in today's journey? Get out there and encourage them to keep one foot in front of the other, for the finish line is ahead and joy awaits us there.

Here is an article from the Atlanta newspaper earlier this year about Ben Dempsey.
http://www.ajc.com/health/atlanta-loses-weight/ben-dempsey-loses-145-839210.html

Thanks,
Doug