Life's a Marathon Journey: "Love my neighbor as myself"???

When I started this blog, it was with the intent to document the journey I decided to embark upon in hopes of completing a 26mile full marathon. I made a choice to run a marathon because I wanted to prove to myself that I had the stamina, endurance and overall ability to do it. I needed to prove to ME that if I worked hard enough at something that seems completely impossible, that I could accomplish it. I wanted the "quitter" Rochelle to be gone and the athlete within me immerge. Although I haven't run in over two years and I've deferred my Disney marathon race
twice, I'm still on an amazing marathon journey. This journey includes graduating and receiving a Bachelors of Science Degree from Oral Roberts University; emerging and living within a culture that is opposite of my upbringing and operating in full time ministry.

My health and physical conditioning has taken the back burner to school, work and life in general. But this summer has proven that my health is essential to any quest in receiving collegiate degrees, living within other cultures or doing anything. In June I was diagnosed with double pneumonia and stayed in the hospital for 9 days. I was really sick and still suffering the residual effects of this horrible condition. But my health can never take the back burner to any goal or pursuit of achievement.

The Pharasies tried to trick Jesus when they asked Him, "...which is the great commandment in the law?" Jesus reply, "...love God...love your neighbor as yourself."

I've got the "love God" down and I can "love others" but....I'm horrible at loving others as "MYSELF!" If I don't care of myself or value myself, how can I love others in a healthy way? So how about this, I am going to love and value myself for a while. I'm not going to kill myself with my thoughts or with the things that I eat. I can't afford to do that because I have too much to offer this world!