Life as a quadriplegic has many facets and “trust” in others is one factor many struggle to embrace. A lot of what I do daily is an act of trust in some form or fashion because much of what I do requires someone else’s hands or involvement to assist me with life’s essentials. It’s not something I say In jest or take lightly, in fact it’s been one of the hardest things to fully describe. Trusting others doesn’t just involve believing that someone is capable or reliable, it also means making yourself vulnerable and believing that others will live up to your expectations, and act in your best interests. It means you have to admit you need help, let down your guard and accept help, and “trust” that people are who they say they are. That can be a big ask, and not everyone is prepared or willing to accept the risks of making themselves that vulnerable.
I say all of this because the Marathon in a nutshell was a crash course in trust and something that really hit home for several of our sponsors and especially Cameron. It wasn’t until he sat down in the Marathon chair and allowed himself to be pushed, feeling how easily it would tip back with the slightest pressure, understanding that the slightest slip could cause us to be separated as a pair, and that having no brakes meant I was fully reliant on his strength to help keep us from being tangled with other runners. Also that I was fully vested.
Some people ask what my contributions were in the duo effects of the marathon. Part of it was for me to push and assist when I could, but the biggest part was to feed into my partner, encourage him when he needed it, communicate with racers to our right and left, pass him fuel and fluids along the miles, and to trust!
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10).
On those days when you’re anxious, tired, or dismayed, continue to trust. God’s got a plan.
