Great Book - "Running for My Life"

Lopez Lomong.

Age 6, living in Sudan, taken from his mother's arms by rebels.

Taken to a rebel training camp with hundreds of other boys.

Escapes from the camp with three other boys.

Runs for three days across the harsh Sudanese landscape.  Barefoot.  Hungry.  Lost. 

Arrives at the Kenyan border, sent to a refugee camp, officially a "Lost Boy" of Sudan.

10 years in the Kenyan refugee camp, surviving with 50,000 others, living in a hut with 10 other boys.  Loves soccer.  Loves to run.

Comes to America as a refugee, discovered as a runner with extraordinary talent.

Qualifies as a US Olympian, carries the US flag in the Beijing Olympics.

Knows that God has carried him every step through his incredible journey.

Just a few highlights from the book, "Running for My Life" by Lopez Lomong.  The story is a reminder of the harsh realities of life in Sudan, life in a refugee camp, and life in America as a former refugee.  Each step of his life is a journey of pain and difficulty and yet, from his viewpoint, a necessary part of God's plan for his life.  A plan that includes reaching sports' highest stage and using that stage to point others to the needs of Lost Boys and those suffering in the Sudanese conflict through his Foundation 4 South Sudan.

The book is also a reminder of how much we have in America in comparison to many around the world.  Questions roll through my mind.  Why have we been blessed with so much?  What should we be doing to help?  How will God view our stewardship at the end of our lives?  Are we doing what God expects of us?  Are we listening to His voice in our lives?  Do we see others' needs and do we act to help others?

I don't think the end goal is merely to feel guilty.  I think the end goal is to examine where we are in our lives and quietly listen to God, to do what He has for us.  It is not helpful for us to go in multiple directions, fueled by guilt, ultimately not accomplishing what God would have for us.  It is helpful for us to look to the needs of others and pray for God's leading toward the lives we should be involved with.

Take some time to read Lopez' book.  Take some time to meditate on what God has for you, at this point in your life, with the circumstances that he has placed you in.  Enjoy his goodness.  Share it with others.