CityView Magazine

she admits she's wrong (that's a joke she's almost never wrong), talk though the calendar and solve the problems of the world. The government should pay us. Life is best lived in conjunction with other people. 3. I've learned the power of encouragement. I was running alone (my training partners were far ahead or far behind me) in a marathon a few years back, chasing a goal that was over my head and really hurting. My mind was working against me as I did the math on my time and measured it against how badly I felt. I rounded a corner and there was a group of volunteers. One lady, who I had never met and who I would likely never see again, looked me straight in the eye and with firm determination called out, "NUMBER 1600, (that was my race number in that particular race) YOU CAN DO THIS!" I felt the tears immediately well up in my eyes. How did she know I needed that so badly at that moment? Who put her there at the exact spot at that exact time? And, out of all the runners around me, why did she single me out? That encouragement was just what I needed at my lowest point; it carried me through all the way to the end. In the race of life, we are surrounded by people who are struggling in ways they cannot or will not articulate. It's amazing how one word of encouragement can give them the strength to carry on when everything else says they can't make it. Life is a race and God has called us to run it with joy, in His strength, even when it's hard and we're hurting. He's called us to run it with other people, to build relationships with them along the way. And, He's called us to be generous with our kindness and words of encouragement toward those around us - those we know and those we've never met. CV Michael has served as Senior Pastor of 8,000-member Manna Church for 29 years. He has run 19 marathons (26.2 miles) and two Ironman triathlons (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run) and innumerable races and triathlons of shorter distances. His wife Laura has run 16 marathons and two ultra races (50 and 75 miles). They have eight children and 12 grandchildren. F irst Presbyterian ChurCh Childcar Providede IT'S ALL ABOUT MARRIAGE ® Take part in the 7-week Alpha Course that explores relationships When: Begins January 8, 2014 Time: 6-7:30 PM Wednesdays. Can start with a meal beginning at 5 PM. Phone: 910-483-0121 Where: First Presbyterian Church, 102 Ann Street, Fayetteville Registration: Call or go to www. firstprez.com. Register by January 6th CityViewNC.com | 17

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