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It is a beautiful sunday and I bask in the glow of the day the Lord has made. How wondrous it is to know that with Him ALL things are possible. I have aches and pains unimagineable today but I love it. Please endulge me while I testify.
Saturday morning I arose knowing full well that I was facing a very difficult challenge. I prepared myself as best I could by having some carbs and high test coffee. As I drove south on I-275 I saw way in the distance A very small Bank of America building. I said to myself “It doesn’t look that big” but I also felt like that building was looking at me. As I got closer in downtown, I said yes...Its very big and tall but I will not be defeated by any giant. The song"live like you were dying” came on the radio and I began to think about my dad and how he taught me to never back away from any bully and to stand my ground always. There was my motivation for getting to the top. Not only to face this 500 foot tall bully that was looking at me saying that I couldn’t beat him, but once at the top I’d be that much closer to God and my father.
Jon, mere words cant express how thankful I am for your compassion. You are my brother man.
Long story short, the ascencion began. 1 story, no prob. 2 and 3 no prob. 4th big prob. This giant punched me square in the gut. I knew that the rest of way would be very difficult but I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. Slowly but surely with rest stops every 3 storys I made it to the 14th floor. 1/3 of the way there, exausted, heart well above target rate but I gotta keep truckin’. I took a short break but carried on.
Many racers passed me but this was not about them. This was now a dog fight between me and the bank. Every flight another victory and the giant was getting tired. Now I was looking at him. I reached the 30th floor with a decision to make. My legs felt crushed, my heart was racing, and my lungs hurt. I could take the elevator to the top and accept defeat or I could take the giant down. I pondered this dillema as I cooled down and walked to the elevator, I stopped and a very large voice spoke to me and simply said NO! It sounded like my dad. I listened and walked back to the stairwell, and remembered that wih God...All things are possible. 14 more flights to go. No more water breaks, only the promised land of the 42nd floor. Step by step I thought of my father, my supporters, Deb and the kids, my mom and how great it would feel if someone would just shoot me now. Then I heard Marty Strasen encouraging me. I looked up and I was at the 41st flight. The giant was about knocked out! I dont remember those last stairs, but I do remember the incredible rush of exitement and love and blessings that came from crossing that finish line in 32 minutes and 42 seconds. Praise God!
The view was fabulous, and the giant was out! No way could I ever have finished this challenge without Him. To God be all the glory! The giant said to me...I’ll get you next time. Now I can say....Bring it on. Face your fears. Stare them down, then take them down. You can do it. I’m praying for you...In Christ...Marty G.
P.S. My dogs name is Snickers. I’d like to change his name to carrot stick, but he won’t come when I call him that! Ha! Ha! Ha!
Posted by Patty Kim, Tampa, FL on 02/27 at 10:19 PM
Marty, you ROCK!! I can’t imagine tackling 42 flights of stairs, but you did it and persevered! I’m so proud of you.
Keep up the great work. You inspire me.
Posted by jon close, Tampa on 02/26 at 09:30 PM
My Friend it is wonderful to see all the people supporting you on this journey. You are making my adventure so enjoyable. The power is in us all it never leaves. Just as those who have gone before us never leave we just see them with different glasses.
We will talk soon. As a wise man once said “he who walks up twenty steps should now look for the elevator”. AMEN
Peace
JC
Posted by Lori Gorman, Brandon on 02/26 at 08:29 PM
Marty, You brought tears to my eyes. Not only from what you wrote today, but for how wonderful you look Not only do you look good but you look so happy. you have made me so proud and let me tell you how blessed you are to have the wife you do. She is such a beautiful person inside and out. THANK YOU Deb for loving my cuz and for suporting him like you always have. I love you both so much. Keep up the good work! all my love, Lori
Posted by Nancy Reese, Zephyrhills, Florida on 02/26 at 07:27 PM
Well, Marty, how are you going to top this? I thought the Gasparilla was great! You will leave me in the dust if we ever get together as a team! I’m very proud to be part of a team with such great people, you guys keep up the good work, way to go!! I know your faith is strong in the Lord! He does supply all of our needs.
Your teammate,
Nancy
Posted by Marion Rosati, New Port Richey, FL on 02/26 at 06:50 PM
Marty - Way to go. My “Hats” off to you. With Jesus on your side you can do anything. God Bless.
Your Sister in Christ
Marion
P.S. I will not take my hat off yet, but soon.
Posted by Corey Morris, Tampa Palms on 02/26 at 06:41 PM
Marty,
What can I say to you? God is a living God of Miracles and you are truly living one of those miracles now! God Bless you and keep on truckin’ brother! I am not so sure I could have done 42 flights of stairs but then again, hey maybe we could work that into our regimin?!
Love you Bro!
Corey
(Sarge)
http://www.sgt-musclehead.com
Posted by Debra Gonzalez, Lutz, FL on 02/26 at 06:12 PM
You never cease to amaze me. Just when I think I know the kind of man you are, you blow me away again! I am so proud to be married to you and to hear your beautiful testimony. Your faith and endurance truly inspire me and I’m so lucky to have you in my life. Keep on going, baby! Victory is yours. Ask and ye shall receive, seek and ye shall find.
All my love,
Deb
P.S. I think we’d have to change Tootsie’s name to celery stalk too!
Posted by Jill Zalich, Lutz, FL on 02/26 at 04:59 PM
Way to go Marty!!!!!!!!!! You are doing so well and I am so extremely happy for you and proud!!! Keep up the good work. You are well on you way for sure!!!!!! God Bless you!!!
Love, JILL
Posted by Jamie Kahns, Tampa on 02/26 at 02:16 PM
Congratulations Marty!
Thank you for coming out to our event! I didn’t think I could make it. It doesn’t happen too often where the event planner actually participates in her own event, I had only gotten a few hours of sleep and was up at 4am! My legs hate me. But my heart and soul shine with victory. What an accomplishment those 42 floors!
Thanks again for your support!
Sincerely,
Jamie Kahns
Director of Special Events
American Lung Association
http://www.stairclimbtampabay.com
Posted by Aida Gonzalez, Tampa on 02/26 at 12:14 PM
My dearest son words cannot express the pride that I have for you as a man. Your determination , humbility,love and your faith makes you who you are VERY SPECIAL!!! I know that you will suceed because this time you have put it in GOD’S Hands.Your faith can move a mountain!!!!!!!
I love you!!!!!!!!
Tu Madre!!!!!!
Posted by Alex Fernnadez, Miami, Florida on 02/26 at 10:24 AM
Marty, once again I can say that I have a cousin that I am very proud of. You are truly an inspiration for us all. Your faith , your determination, and love for life is a lesson for many.
I sat and read your blog and felt your pain through your words. I also felt the voices of my dear unlce your dad speaking to your soul to never give up.
So again you gave me another lump in my throat because you know how much I love you and I know how much you are trying to achieve your goals. Believe me primo, you will! May the glory of God continue to bless you and guide you through all this. All my love AlexF
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Posted by Rhonda Rooney, Spartanburg, SC on 03/15 at 02:22 PM
Hey Marty,
I have been thinking about you. I’m so proud of you. You look great and are really taking charge. Marathons, stair climbing, etc. Great Job!
Love, Sis. Rhonda