While I could sit and list a bunch of random thoughts I've had during the week leading up to today, I want to fill this space rallying behind one of my dear friends, and loyal blog commenter's cause. You all know her as momo925 - but to me, she is Monica Gonzalez!
This is the email she shared with friends and colleagues last week:
If you are receiving this email, it is because you are either a friend of mine, a co-worker, or both. I am PROUD to let you all know that I am raising funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) as a participant in their Team In Training program. I'm asking you to help by making a donation to my fundraising campaign.
On September 27th, I will participate in The Westchester Triathlon! WOO HOO! Can you tell that I am SUPER EXCITED?!! This endurance event will include a .9 mile swim, a 26 mile cycling portion and 6.5 mile run. Pray for me! lol I feel like this will be one of the most meaningful and challenging things that I will do in my lifetime, and I know that with your help and support, I will SUCCEED!!
Please use the link in this email to donate online quickly and securely - plus learn more about my progress! You will receive a confirmation of your donation by email and I will be notified as soon as you make your donation.
If you prefer not to donate online, please feel free to donate by giving me a check or money order (payable to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.) OR you can make a cash contribution directly to me, which I will forward on your behalf to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Each donation helps accelerate finding a cure for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. More than 823,000 Americans are battling these blood cancers. I am hoping that my participation in Team In Training will help bring them hope and support. No amount is too small because every little bit counts.
On behalf of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, thank you very much for your support. I greatly appreciate your generosity.
P.S. I would appreciate it if you would forward this email to as many people as you can to encourage them to donate as well.
Thanks again,
Monica
How awesome is she!!??
Monica isn't participating in this triathlon as the result of a personal tragedy or emotional crisis. She's simply giving of herself and her time to help make someone else's life a little better. While this is a journey to help save lives, I can only imagine that it would serve as a spiritual journey for her as well.
A triathlon would seem like a daunting task to many of us, but Monica is definitely up to the challenge. She has all of the tools she needs to use her gifts creatively to help someone else. Having that sort of awareness of the power we share is our Divine inheritance - it helps us to lead a more meaningful life. Without this awareness, life would have no purpose.
We sometimes take our health - our very lives - for granted. It's easy to take up a cause when we or someone we know is directly affected. Actually, even then it's not so easy. But the real challenge essential to our growth and development is calling on our spirit every day to see where there is an opportunity to learn, grow and serve. In setting this goal for herself, Monica is setting a new course for optimism, a new opportunity for self-evaluation and an exercise in faith. While raising money for a worthy cause, she will also challenge her mind to focus, her body to train and her spirit to do God's work. Monica is drawing on her personal resources - and us - to help her complete a life-transforming goal. Let's not let her down.
There's a saying that "there is no end to what a living world will demand of you." I'd also like to add that there's no end to what a living God will demand of you. To whom much is given, much is required. Like she said, every little bit counts - so let's help as much as we can as we join Monica in racing to save lives.
-b
p.s. It's still Random Thoughts Thursday..so GO!
