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| 29.9.06-20.11.12 Caden is alive forever more. |
I can't believe it's been a year since Caden Beggan died. That little boys life had a HUGE influence on me. The strange thing is, that came after he passed away. As many of you will know, I have been running with Moody Bible Institute's Cross Country team. It has been a pleasure to be a part of a Moody Sports team, and I loved it so much, but there were also the horribly difficult trials that it brought.
For those of you who don't know who Caden is, he is a little boy from a town near where I live. When I heard the story of what had happened to him, my heart broke for him and for his family. God used this to really open me up to praying, and to ask others for prayer too. Between the 23rd of October, the 20th of November 2012, Caden fought Meningococcal Septicemia, but after four weeks of fighting, he passed away.
I struggled so hard with the news, even though I didn't personally know him. I felt like I knew this little boy like the back of my hand. His funeral was the first I have ever witnessed, and it was beautiful. I watched through the online stream, as I was still studying in England. I really struggled with God over why this had all happened, and why it had affected me so much. Now, on the 20th of November 2013, I know the reason why.
We often forget how much of a blessing it is to have the simple things. I remember being challenged about the cross country team here at Moody. My reply was always, "I'm not good enough," "I'm not fit enough," or something along those lines. Not only was I lying to myself, but I was lying to everyone else.
Caden had been in my mind one day when I was challenged about running, and all of a sudden I had this tiny voice questioning WHY I couldn't go out and run? I have been blessed with two perfectly working legs, that had been made strong from sports all through high schools. Who was I to say I couldn't do it when I hadn't even tried. Remembering the life Caden may have had on earth, without his natural limbs suddenly made me feel very selfish, and just not right.
I arrived at Moody, knowing what I had to do, and honestly, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. All I knew was that I was doing it for God's glory, and to remember Caden.
I can't believe that the season is over. I never got to run at a meet, but I got to be a part of the team. I got to go from running to the end of the street, to running a 5k. You might be reading this, and thinking that's pathetic, but for me, I'll take that. It has been a roller-coaster of emotions, and I came close to quitting, but God gave me the strength. I have had so many cool opportunities with being a part of the team, and I am so thankful.
"THIS SUCKS!" "It's absolutely s c o r c h i n g here." "I RAN 5K!!!!" "I crossed over the road and got to the driving range. I NEVER KNEW IT EXISTED! BOOM BABY." "IT HURTS" "run 100 metres flat out.. I decided to just go for it, and I think I kind of surprised coach."
I'll never forget Caden Beggan, and the impact he has had, and is still having in my life. It's been a year, and I know why God had me as a prayer warrior for this little guy. I can't wait to spend time with him one day.
