Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith. // Hebrews 12:1-4
“Who wants to run and who wants to talk?” I asked my ministry team as we planned our new Be Love Revolution summer clubs for the high school girls. Weekly, the Running Club runs through town and finishes at the local parish for noon Mass. The Conversation Club gathers at a local coffee shop to talk about life with Jesus, before meeting the runners at Mass.
Guess which club I lead? My spirit is so willing; I want to run, to glide effortlessly alongside my young sisters in Christ while I expound on the countless analogies between running and the spiritual life. But alas, my flesh (in particular my back) is weak. Instead, I sit surrounded by eager young disciples sipping iced lattes. To my delight, both the runners and the talkers are learning so much about what it means to persevere in running the race that lies before us.
For instance, today as the runners pass by the window of the coffee shop, we wave and cheer them on, inspired by this cloud of witnesses who are making physical sacrifices on a hot summer morning not just to stay fit, but more importantly, to embrace sisterhood and community. The one and only rule of the Running Club is that no one runs alone—either ahead of the pack or left behind. In our race toward Heaven, we need one another’s encouragement and presence as we traverse the hills and valleys of this marathon.
As for the Conversation Clubbers, we show up, week in and week out. Together, we persevere in faith. Together we identify and fight the temptations of discouragement, unbelief, and weariness. We share our burdens and confess the weaknesses that hinder our race.
Both the runners and talkers are helping each other keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith, Who has gone before us as the Way, the Truth, and the Life to lead us Home.
Sister, are you talking the talk and running the race? We are all runners, engaged in the most epic race with the most glorious prize. Who are your running buddies? Who calls you on to persevere, to fight, to win? And above all, are your eyes fixed firmly on Jesus, the Victorious One?
Keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. // Debra HerbeckClick to tweet
Debra Herbeck is a Jewish convert to the Church who serves extensively in youth and women’s ministry. She has directed Pine Hills Girls Camp for 40 years and counting, and is the Founder and Director of Be Love Revolution. She and her husband have four children and twelve grandchildren. She is a contributing author to Blessed Conversations: Dwell and Misericordia and the author of the Blessed is She 2026 Lent devotional Who Do You Say that I AM? Find out more about her at renewalministries.net.
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