I Am Beautiful

Yesterday I participated in the She is Beautiful 10k in Santa Cruz.  There was PINK power, women of all ages, moms with jogging strollers, mothers walking with their daughters, grandmas and strengths of all levels.  It was a race to HONOR ourselves and our womanhood.    It was such joy to see all my Pink Ladies running in the race, high fiving and encouraging one another.  For some this was their first race, some broke PR's and some challenged their minds.  Sweet memories.


My dear friend Mireya participated in the 10k just 3 weeks after having her son (My godson) Jeshua.  She walked 6.2 miles and crossed the finish line with EMPOWERMENT!    If you don't know her, get to know her. She is full of life, she has a heart of gold and she is one of the fewest honest woman that I know.  We have been blessed to form a relationship that only God knew would be what it is today.  I am thankful that I witnessed her first race and there are many more to come.

This race was extra special to me because I celebrated being a WOMAN!  I was able to be free running along the coast, having peace, not having any worries and knowing I am Strong & Fearless.  It's been a rough few weeks but I felt that those challenges have equipped me to run this race.  As my body ached after mile 4, I knew that I had my faith to help me finish.  Only two miles left and I kept asking myself how do you want to finish this race?   Slow and tired?  OR... STRONG & FEARLESS?    I crossed that finish line feeling FEARLESS!   My heart was full of gratitude.  Seeing Alex and Max waiting for me was pure joy.  

My muscles were tight and they were offering a free yoga class.  I love yoga and has been part of my life since I was pregnant with Max.   Everyone should practice at least twice a week.  It's a good way to stretch, strengthen your muscles and clear your mind.   My favorite part of yoga is letting my mind relax, challenging my body to bend in certain ways and listening to worship music.   Note:  YES!  I believe that Christian woman can practice yoga.  Just as we can run, walk and dance.  

It was enlightening to practice by the ocean.  Hearing the waves crash, hearing the high five from fellow runners, hearing Maximus laugh and hearing my inner voice tell me "You are Beautiful".   I am not talking about the outer part of beauty - I am referring the inner beauty.  Often times we focus so much on our weakness, what others think of us and what the enemy tries to tell us.  I've battled with insecurity most of my life.  BUT!  Yesterday our teacher reminded of us to let it go!  Have peace with yourself.   Know that you are beautiful.  Hearing those words was a sweet reminder.  All I could do is let it go and smile!   Enough is enough!   I know who I am in Christ and I will choose life, blessings and be who God created me to be!  

No matter what I face in life I will always go after my dreams.  I will stumble at times but I will dust myself off.   I am unstoppable!    We have seasons of life that we go through.  We learn, we grow and we pay it forward.   These are all gifts.  If we continue to embrace each season, love one another and continue to grow our faith - even if it's the size of a mustard seed - we will continue to grow into STRONG, BEAUTIFUL, POWERFUL woman.  

Allow TODAY to be the day that you be who God has designed you to be.  Let go of fear, grudges and anger.   Treat others how you would want to be treated.  Love yourself. Love others.  Love God.