yesterday in raleigh i attended the "race for chase: a run to walk." this was an event set up for a friend, former broughton cross country runner, chase mann. this summer he was in a diving accident during a mission trip and was paralyzed from his shoulders down. i can't even begin to imagine this feeling. about to start college at the university of south carolina, headed towards freedom and then in an instant loosing total control. he's now in a wheel chair that moves by him blowing into a device. chase has been in the prayers of so many for so long, and he's been attending clinics in california and charlotte. i'm not up to date on anything much that's going on except i do know that he is getting some movement in his arms, and shoulders which is so so amazing. it's strange how God works, why do people have to be given such horrible event in their lives. questions only he knows the answers to. but yesterday out at the SAS soccer center the support from this community was absolutelyastounding. they had about 1,000 people signed up for either the run or walk, and more in volunteers and supporters. they definitely raised a lot of money which is so great. seeing everyone come together like that made me so thankful for the wonderful people i am surrounded by and for this great community that i come from. and for chase to watch all these people out there, running for him, taking part in what was such a passion for him must be so hard but maybe great at the same time, to see how many people love him and are behind him. it just breaks my heart. it really makes you take a step back and think about how precious every day is, and how blessed i am to be living such a wonderful life.

here's a picture my sister took of chase and some of the guys at a cross country meet earlier this year. if you're reading this, please keep chase and his family in your prayers....