POLAR BEAR 2010

This weekend is the Polar Bear Run. It has been 2 years since the cutest runner ever was in the field. Some of you may remember me writing about this last year (click here to read). This was the last 'big thing' Brock did before he died days later.

We again placed Brockie-Bands in 2,000 bags for the runners and volunteers. We were not sure we would do this again. However, after prayer and leading, we are glad to be a part of the Polar Bear Run. If you are new to the blog we say, "Welcome!" If you are back for the first time in a while, "Welcome back."

As Jesus said, "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world (John 16:33)." We hope you find encouragement here as you journey in this race called "LIFE."

As we were making the decision whether to provide the Brockie-Bands this year, we were encouraged by the stories many of you have shared about wearing yours. Our son, Mason's, coach wears his to every game to remind him that he is an example and needs to act with integrity as he "Lives Hard" on the field. Drew's fraternity brother wears his to remind him to "Love Hard" when dealing with his children, even when it is tough. And a runner friend wears his to finish his runs strong as if "Running to Jesus."

Our ultimate goal is to finish this race strong, so that, at the end, we receive the words we all want to hear from our Lord..."Well done! My good and faithful servant. Come and share my joy."

If you have a Brockie-Band story, it would make our day if you would please leave a comment. Tell us why you wear it or a conversation that has come from it.

And if you don't have one, the boys would love to send you one, free. Since I dropped the ball on this offer last year, the boys have 'assumed' the project :) Just send your address in an email to dnmeadows@comcast.net.

So, for inspiration...




RUN HARD!!!

Polar Bear Run '09

Thank you for all your prayers yesterday.
God carried us throughout the day. It was
overwhelming to see so many with the armbands on their wrists (and sometimes ankles).

I missed Brock so much all day long! I tried not to stare at little kids about his size as I longed to see him there. God truly used the armbands as a way to redeem this otherwise painful day for us. I have included some pictures from the day. Drew and Barrett ran the 2k. Drew ran with Brock's number from last year. Asa, Mason and their cousins, Anne and Hannah Meadows, ran the 5k.


My dear friend Shannon came to stand with me. As we cheered the runners on, we got a glimpse of the meaning of the verse from Hebrews 12..."Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses.....let us run the race." We were the witnesses cheering all the runners - ones we knew and ones we did not know. I have a feeling one day when we get to Heaven we will see that Brock was also cheering his Daddy and brothers on for this race too. How wonderful then to see everyone finish the race. Everyone did great. Hannah even won third place in her age division!

Among sweet memories of the day are these last two pictures.
The one to the left is our Pastor, Bryant Wright. We love this man and pray for him often. This is him finishing the race with his eyes focused on the prize. Notice the Brockie-Band on his arm. As he ran by the first lap, we were standing on the side. He called our name and raised his arm to show us his band. What a uniquely caring and personable pastor! Thank you Bryant!

Finally, in the last picture, I'm sure you recognize the Chick-Fil-A cow. He is also wearing a Brockie-Band on his arm, I mean hoof. Once again, God's people (and Cows) made us feel loved.

Many of you have asked about getting a Brockie-Band of your own. We will probably be ordering more. I'll let you know soon on that update.