We are now 4 months into the race, and I have noticed a theme when we share Noelle’s WRGY story with people. Everyone says, “WOW! That is so cool! I wish I had done something like that!”. Most people also ask, “Aren’t you worried about her?”. Well, do you want the truth? No. No, I am actually NOT worried about her. I think our society has been paralyzed with worry and anxiety. I have been a victim myself, but Noelle’s story is different, and I will tell you why.
Phillipians 4: 6-7 NLT
I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give, so do not be afraid or troubled.
When Noelle told us she wanted to delay college, her dad and I were against it. It took us months and months (and lots of prayer) to realize that we needed to “let go” and allow her to make her own decisions. While Mike and I decided to stand behind her 100%, we needed a sign from God that she was on HIS path for her. If you’ve read all her blogs, you know that originally she was not selected as a racer, which planted seeds of doubt in all of our minds. I am so glad that Noelle listened to God and fought for her spot in Squad Y! By early December 2018, she had been accepted and switched her focus to fundraising. Her dad and I were overwhelmed by the amount of money she needed to raise, but GOD WASN’T! Within a few months she had over $4000, then that doubled, and THAT DOUBLED!! She was fully funded in just over 6 months of fundraising! At that point I exhaled because I knew that Noelle had heard God, and more importantly was OBEYING.
When the racers launched in Atlanta in September, I did not cry. I couldn’t cry because Noelle was SO EXCITED and I was so excited for her. I told her, “Don’t think I won’t miss you just because I am not crying!”. 4 months later, I miss the heck out of her, BUT I am still so excited for this season in her life. She will return to Austin in June a whole new woman of God with so many experiences to share.
Once again, if you read her blogs, you know she got a pretty serious concussion her 2nd day in Malaysia. We started getting phone calls about 10-11pm Texas time. The signal was spotty and we were unsure of exactly what was going on (refer to: I have a hole in my skull *not clickbait). By the time we knew the whole harrowing story, Noelle was telling us herself while cracking jokes. ALL of our family and friends wanted to know why were were not on THE FIRST flight to get to her. WELL, the answer is peace…supernatural peace. Look people, we can sit and worry and fret as if we have any real control over a situation halfway across the globe, but the truth is that we do not. All I had to do to find peace in this situation was to look back at ALL THE WAYS God had moved on her behalf. She is his precious daughter, and she is obediently following His call; therefore, He will protect her!
Luke 12:25 NIV
Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?
So, with 5 months left on The Race, I am looking forward to that day in June when I get to give my girl a great big hug! Then I want to sit down and experience (through her stories and her actions) her growth, not only in Christ, but also through every soul she touched and that has touched her.
I LOVE YOU SO MUCH NOELLE!!!
Blessings,
Momma/Mary
Momma!! This is nol on someone else’s phone reading this. You are incredible, I love you so much!!
Mary, we’ve been following along with Noelle’s journey and in awe of all her experiences. Noelle is one strong, amazing young woman. She is certainly an inspiration to other young girls. Kudos to you and Mike for your strength and beliefs to get you through the months of your ‘baby’ girl across the world experiencing a whole different way of life.
Mary, I completely agree. I learned the lesson with a son in Iraq in Fallujah in full combat. I realized my worry could not possibly help him, but by prayer my God could. And I know with Jesse he is in God’s will and timing and place. Even though he was thin when he left and had lost 12 pounds since then I know God is caring for him better than I ever could. The peace is real.
I love you too, Nol!!!
Thank you so much! We are so proud of our girl and so excited to see the next adventure God has planned for Squad Y??
YES DEBI! God loves Jesse even more than you do, which is so hard for our human mind to comprehend. I will join you in prayer that Jesse is able to find and eat nutritious food and that his body makes full use of the nutrients. I am so grateful for His peace that passes all understanding!
Love the mom blogs! Wise words Mary, thanks for sharing from your heart.