Homesickness for Batson and Jackson plaguing our early visits to UAB has begun to lift. Frequent trips to Birmingham are allowing me to feel more a part of the city than my occasional shopping trips had allowed. But it takes work to open a heart to new people when you feel a tug in a different direction. Our Batson friends made it natural and easy to feel love and compassion. My first prayer upon learning we would be seeking treatment at UAB was Lord, please let us find mercy in Birmingham.

Mercy is more than the sum of its synonyms. Compassion. Pity. Forgiveness. Kindness. Forbearance. Sometimes mercy is appreciated most for what is NOT sent our way. Our English word comes to us from the Latin mercedem meaning reward, gift, or kindness. As to how it gets to us, Spurgeon says, “The Lord’s mercy often rides to the door of our heart upon the black horse of affliction.” The sorrow may be intended for us – to soften a cold, hardened heart – in preparation for his visit to us through the pain of another that we might answer with mercy from within.

I’m in Birmingham tonight (Saturday, 2/11) in preparation to run the Mercedes Half Marathon tomorrow (I’ll attend the race church service, I promise). I was attracted to the race when a friend ran it last year. I like the challenge of running the pretty rolling hills throughout the city. I also like the looks of the blingy finisher’s medal. A shiny replica of the luxury car’s hood ornament. Who wouldn’t? As I continued my study of the role of mercy in my faith, I stumbled upon a providential connection. The word Mercedes is from that same Latin root and comes to us through the Spanish word for mercies. The race benefits local kids in need of early intervention to thrive intellectually.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. (Matt. 5:7) As clear as our utter inability to earn our salvation is the call to work out our faith in doing good works. Having mercy. Maggie’s cancer has opened my eyes to a world of sick and hurting people. I’m dedicating this run to Batson warriors. I’ll be donating to Maggie’s Over the Edge page – money that goes directly to help sick kids – $10 for every mile. Mercy also involves holding treasures loosely so we may have hands free to give, my “blingy” medals included. I’ve picked out a special little Batson warrior who deserves it more (maybe I can tell you more about him later). Check out Maggie’s team page. If you feel led, you can donate there. I’ll be sure to share more about the race after I recover.

https://www.firstgiving.com/team/341860