Our one word for February is #FREE and we’d love for all of us to get out our chalk, pens, paints and cameras and capture the freedom statement we are leaning into this month.
It could be the truth of who you are in Christ, or a sentence you want to declare that speaks freedom to you where you’re at right now.
Write it on asphalt, a piece of paper, your arm … wherever you like! Just share a picture of you and your freedom statement with us. You can either share it on our facebook wall or tag us in your own wall post.
Here’s Megan Gahan writing her #free statement, “Megan is Appointed.”
For more about how this idea came about check out Megan’s February 6 post below.
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“… that day, on a deserted racetrack in the woods, I felt like God just wanted His girls to be girls.”
By Megan Gahan | Twitter: @MeganAGahan
Not too long ago, God showed up at an abandoned racetrack in the woods.
My companions—some of the most courageous women I’ve ever known—were a handful of residents from Mercy Ministries. I had the honor of walking beside them as Fitness Director for the program.
We were spread out along the trail at Campbell Valley Park, great giant pines stretching high around us, the sun winking through the branches. Squirrels scampered across the mossy path, and tiny chickadees pecked away at seed left by those who’d come before us.
The girls chattered away, thrilled to be out in this God-dusted haven. With their bouncing ponytails and bright smiles, the kindly seniors passing by would never have guessed the deeply painful stories buried underneath those worn hoodies.
As the well-trodden path narrowed to a one-inch faded trail, the trees parted and gave way to a vast open field. The path was barely visible, but we kept on, finally arriving at our ultimate destination: a large paved track.
I suppose it was a racetrack, although I’d never seen any cars on it. An imposing black oval, it seemed ridiculously out of place among the whispering woods that had once again surrounded us like noble guardians of a sacred space.
I invited the girls to sit in the grassy center. As I passed out powdery bits of chalk, borrowed from my three-year-old niece, I had a moment of doubt.
“Maybe this is an odd idea for a fitness class,” I thought.
From my pocket I pulled out a leaf of papers the girls knew well– the Who I Am In Christ statements. Pages filled with verses detailing such powerful truths, such as, “I have the mind of Christ;” “I am holy and without blame before Him in love;” “I am victorious.”
I asked them to insert their name into the passages most meaningful to their own journey, and write it onto the track.
After a moment of prayer, they scattered to claim their space on the asphalt racetrack.
I took a second on my own to ask God to speak specifically to His precious daughters. My words could not capture the purpose and intention I felt in the moment, and I needed God to fill in the gaps.
My eyes opened slowly and I looked around. All the girls were splayed out on the pavement like five-year-olds.
I swatted the grass off my sweatpants and began to quietly walk around.
Then I began to read:
— Samantha* is a daughter of the King.
— Tanya* is the apple of His eye.
— Bree* is a new creation.
— Hannah* is FREE.
— Natalie* is clean.
— Julia* has a hope and a future.
My eyes began to well up witnessing such bold declarations. Declarations of such unadulterated hope and joy and freedom, I could practically hear the angels of heaven cheering as they stood to their feet. I could sense God’s presence enveloping every corner of that space, protecting the moment. Looking over His girls.
The pieces of chalk were worn down to dust by the time our little band bounded back through the field. Every bit had been pressed deeply into the pavement.
It seemed fitting when I thought of how much had been released on that track.
The road ahead would not be easy for these young women. In the months to come they would face abandonment by those they trusted most, battles with addiction and eating disorders and devastating histories of abuse. Big and messy issues. Issues that speak to just how heartbreaking this world can be.
But that day, on a deserted racetrack in the woods, I felt like God just wanted His girls to be girls.
He wanted them to giggle. And play with chalk.
And remember Whose they are.
I think God wanted to give them a little sliver of heaven.
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Dear SheLovelys, we’d love to know and we’d love for you to join us:
- If you were to write a statement on that racetrack today, what would it be?
- Where is God nudging you to more freedom?
- What do you want to lean into this month?
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* All names were changed in order to protect the privacy of the Mercy residents. Also, in order to give us a glimpse of that day on the track, Megan went back to the woods with her sister recently, re-enacted the day and took these pictures. She’s kind of a rockstar.
Well hello there! My name is Megan, but you can call me Megs or Meg. I love thick books, scalding soaks in the tub and breaking out into song. I don’t share desserts. Ever. After working in fitness for the past ten years, I am currently fumbling through my first year of motherhood with the sweetest little boy ever. Discussing body image, Jesus and proper push-up techniques gets me excited. I blog about whatever tickles my fancy here.
Images by Shannon Delmonico
@meganagahan
Latest posts by Megan Gahan (see all)
- I Belong Here - May 1, 2013
- Building a Nest at the Altar - April 3, 2013
- Strength Will Rise As You Wait, My Daughter - March 6, 2013
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