From the Pulpit: Run for a cause
A team of 12 runners, drivers, event coordinators and supporters gathered at Avera Behavioral Health in Sioux Falls on Sept. 20 to begin a trek across the state of South Dakota, on foot. The journey would have them start in Sioux Falls, travel to Rapid City in a caravan of trucks and RVs. On Sept. 21 a runner was driven to the border of our state, let out of the vehicle and began running. These 12 runners will transit 437 miles from end to end of our state – the 437 Project! For what? That is what I asked a year ago as well. That seems like a long run, covering multiple days and nights – for what? To draw awareness to mental illness, particularly suicide in our communities. Each of these runners and volunteers have stories of why they offered to pound the pavement, take time off from work and participate in this grueling endeavor. All of these stories converge upon how mental illness and suicide has personally affected them through their families, friends or even their work. As one of the runners stated prior to departing, “I tell people it is OK to not be OK.” They are using one of the extracurricular activities that they love to do, run, for a great cause to bring attention to an illness which takes the lives of far too many people, young and old, each year in our state and nation. They bring awareness to the dignity and value of each human life. Everyone has a purpose, but we know that sometimes people struggle with finding what that purpose might be. The 437 Project brings hope to those who might feel hopeless and purpose to those who might be lost. Thank God for groups like these who bring activities together with worldly challenges to make a difference. This is just one example of men and women who see a need and want to make a significant difference.
Run to Honor is another national organization that recruits runners to participate in marathons to remember the men and women of our country who paid the ultimate price as Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Coastguardsmen and Marines in defense of our nation. Run to Honor began after the more recent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Runners run to ensure that the names of those heroes may never be forgotten. On the morning of that last marathon I ran in Duluth, Minn., I received a text of encouragement as I set out on the 26.2-mile run. In the text it listed the name of a Sailor who died the night before. As I began that race, struggling through dehydration and exhaustion, his name and honoring his sacrifice – the purpose of that race kept me going. He would be remembered. I ran for him.
Praise God for people in our community who find ways to bring attention to situations that can easily be forgotten, while using events to highlight a change that is needed in our society. What is it that you are passionate about that you might be able to align with one of your skills to better our local community? Every life is precious and it is our responsibility to bring His great light into the lives of all.
