Today's guest post is written by my hard-working husband. He took a much needed break from his dissertation writing to share about the story of a friend and the impact his new book has made on him personally. He stayed up until 3am reading it yesterday, not being able to put it down from the time he opened to the first page. I hope you enjoy his thoughts, and enter to win an autographed copy of this powerful story mailed straight to your doorstep. Maybe you'll even order a copy or two yourself, to support and spread the news of a God who never lets us walk alone.
***
More than just a story about the most difficult track and field event—the most underappreciated track and field event, Bryan Clay’s Redemption story is one that connects with the most significant questions in my own life and, I believe, with all our lives. Do I have what it takes? Does God still want me, broken and messed up? What does success look like? What do I do when I doubt myself and doubt God?
Through these pages we not only learn about the character of Bryan Clay the champion, but we are reminded of the character of his God—the God who pursues and redeems. Like some of the best stories centered around sporting events (Rudy, Chariots of Fire) I was riveted by his account of the most grueling event track and field has to offer. Especially vivid was the portrayal of his 2008 Gold Medal performance at the Beijing Olympics. His commitment to excellence, training and discipline, seep through the words on the page and I find myself yearning for increased levels of the same in my own life.
One of the most poignant moments for me came in a description of one of his earlier meets--before his name carried the weight that it does today. Not knowing where he stood after a number of events Bryan's coach and mentor leaned down and said, “you’re winning.”
I had to take pause…
Similar to Bryan and I bet similar to you, as a Christ follower, doubts about myself, my purpose, and my importance to God’s mission here on earth are spoken in the silence of my mind. Through Bryan’s story I heard ABBA remind me—John, you’re winning, don’t give up now.
Perhaps what I love even more is that there is no ‘won’ in the Christian life. There is no past tense.
‘Winning’ is bound by temporality, it is chronological, it is now…..and then now….and now again. It is action, it is continuous. Every event, thing, relationship, hurt, scar, and success has the capacity to be redeemed for His glory, as the hope of winning is sealed due to Christ’s eternal victory.
‘Winning’ is bound by temporality, it is chronological, it is now…..and then now….and now again. It is action, it is continuous. Every event, thing, relationship, hurt, scar, and success has the capacity to be redeemed for His glory, as the hope of winning is sealed due to Christ’s eternal victory.
I believe that may be the word for His church through Bryans book. When your head is down and you neglect to look at the score within your own life, Jesus—the God who redeems, catches your eye and says you are winning, don’t give up now.
Thanks Bryan for that reminder. Godspeed in 2012.
Read another review HERE
Thanks Bryan for that reminder. Godspeed in 2012.
Read another review HERE
Would love to win a copy of this book! Seems like such an inspiring story! :)
I would love a copy of this book. He is my role model