Written by Melissa Sharp
“Then Moses said to God, “Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they say to me, ‘What is His name?’ what shall I say to them?” And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” Exodus 3:13-14
As you can imagine, being an ultrarunner means that I have a lot of ultrarunning friends, also known as crazy people who share my love of running 50 and 100 mile races. One of those friends, Jill Brockman, teaches kindergarten. To say that I adore Jill would be an understatement. She and I have not only run hundreds of miles together, but we are sisters in Christ who share a similar story of overcoming decades of abuse and coming out on the other side stronger for it. We also share a special bond as the mothers of adopted children. And while all of our girls are amazing (I have one and she has two), what Jill’s youngest daughter, Jozie Ann, did over the holiday is a powerful illustration of the goodness of God in the life of a praying mother.
At 4:26 p.m. on December 31, 2024, while many people were making preparations to celebrate New Years Eve, 24-year-old Jozie Ann was already celebrating in a most unique way… by crossing the finish line of the “Across the Years Ultra” after running 100 miles! Pretty impressive right? As someone who’s been blessed to complete several 100 mile races, I will tell you that every long distance race comes with its own unique challenges, obstacles, hurdles, and complications. However, there’s more to Jozie’s story than meets the eye. Her life has been full of challenges since her birth in North Asia. Her mother, Jill, who ran 75 miles of the race with her tells the story…
Jozie was adopted from an orphanage in Western Siberia at age two, along with her sister who was three. I was not able to conceive. But little did I know, God had bigger better plans for me with these two girls. The struggles and triumphs of being their mom has made me a better human.
A little over a year after Jozie’s adoption she was diagnosed with an auto-immune disease that affected the pons of her brain called A.D.E.M. At age four, she basically lost the ability to walk or speak and lost all of her balance. Jozie then spent many years relearning those skills that come natural for most. Then in junior high she developed scoliosis so severe that her organs were in danger and she had to have two titanium bars surgically fused to her spine. We like to joke that she grew 2 inches in a day! This took months of recovery and rehab. Doctors told her no activity with “impact” such as roller coasters, horseback riding, rock climbing…and so on.
Jozie describes herself as “a fighter and stubborn.” She handled all of this with a smile on her face, never complaining and always displaying a positive attitude. She was always determined to overcome. She became immersed in the running community due to my running addiction. She ran 5ks and then a couple half marathons at age 19. Then while serving as a volunteer at Bad Dawg, she “accidentally” jumped in at the last minute to run a 50 miler. After the 50 miler in 2023, she was determined to do a 100 mile race.
She picked “Across the Years in Arizona” because it had a 72 hour cut off Running 1.4 mile loops over and over until you hit 100. She completed it in 52 hours with 34 hours of actual moving time). It was mostly concrete and a little bit of dirt. She was able to take breaks to sleep, eat, or fix her feet. Her determination was infectious. She had spectators and other runners on the course cheering and encouraging her. She was literally smiling and joking with people the whole time. It was very emotional for me as mom to pace her and witness her determination. It was a blessing to see how easily she made friends and encouraged others. She even has her own fan base now!
I know that Jozie would have not had the life she does if she had stayed in that orphanage. Her medical issues alone would have shortened her life. But neither would I. Having her and her sister in my life has made me do things I never thought I could do. These ladies have also made my life FUN and purposeful. My mom said God gives the hardest challenges to the strongest people. I’m a better person because God meant for them to be mine. Jozie is a true example of the “I can do all things through Christ” strength and inspires everyone around her!
Jill’s mom said that God gives the hardest challenges to the strongest people. Affliction can keep us on an upward cycle because when we engage the power of God, the challenges make us stronger. You see, Moses wasn’t always the strong leader who we picture stretching his hand out over the Red Sea parting the waters so the Israelites could pass through. He was once a man who questioned God. He asked HOW can I do what You have called me to do? God answered by saying, “I AM WHO I AM.” God was telling Moses that He was all-knowing, all-being, all-powerful, and all-merciful. Moses came to believe and experience this.
So don’t fear challenges my friend. Embrace them head on, knowing that God will use the tests and trials in your life to make you stronger by growing your faith and confidence in Him. This is the great God we serve and the great God who displays and extends His boundless love, knowledge, grace, and mercy to us!
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that You work all things for the good of those who love You and are called according to your purpose. Help us to understand this Lord, so that when (not if) we go through tests and trials, we can consider them pure joy for the strength and perseverance they are producing within us. Thank You for being a Father who loves us so much that You would allow us to go through situations that cause us to become more like You, Lord. It’s in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!
Melissa Sharp is an ultra runner and running coach who has completed more than 100 marathons and ultra marathons. Melissa has learned how to keep running the race of life for the glory of Christ even though she endured decades of domestic abuse. Melissa is a survivor. Through her daily blog thejoyfilledrunner she inspires others to live in the strength of Christ.
