Undefeatable Attitude

During the “Christmas in July” celebration of the Today Show in N.Y. on July 26, 2005, Katelyn Wilbanks, from Catoosa, OK was awarded a full scholarship from OU, the University of Oklahoma. This award will allow her to graduate and fulfill her dream of studying to become a physician and help other children.

This teenager has a dream that no one can take away from her. Katelyn was born with Spina-bifida, a deformity of the spine causing her mayor health problems and physical impairments; her prognosis was totally negative. But the love of her family members and her own will to survive, proved the medical community wrong, empowered her and gave her the tenacity to overcome each and every obstacle in her life. She’s endured 54 surgeries so far and lost her left leg, yet, her attitude remains positive and her smile is contagious. David L. Boren, president of the university, handed the award which covers four years of room, board, tuition, books, etc. Katelyn is currently a sophomore at her hometown’s high school,and meanwhile, the university also arranged to have Katelyn tutored from now on, so she’ll be ready to enter the University when time is due.

One can only admire and marvel at such a young life and her accomplishments so far. It is a powerful testimony to many who succumb under the tiniest amount of pressure and adversity. So much endured, yet so positive and determined to beat the odds and be of help to others!

Are you facing struggles and hardships? Are you down and ready to give up? Or are you counting your blessings amidst your trials and looking for ways to beat the odds, and better yet, make a difference in someone’s life?

Success in life is not determined by the lack of struggles and setbacks. It is determined by our will to overcome and by our positive attitude. No wonder Solomon, the wise man, said: “Being cheerful keeps you healthy. It is slow death to be gloomy all the time” (Proverbs 17:22-Good News). This has proved to be true in Katelyn’s life.

Next time you feel tempted to feel sorry for yourself, remember… success is determined by our attitude, not our circumstances. Why not cheer up and dare to make a difference in someone’s life? It will certainly make a difference in your life as well.
©Rhodi Alers de López, 2005-07-26

What motivates Michael Phelps and other great athletes?

Paul recalled the Olympiads when he wrote: “Surely you know that many runners take part in a race, but only one of them wins the prize. Run, then, in such a way as to win the prize. Every athlete in training submits to strict discipline, in order to be crowned with a wreath that will not last; but we do it for one that will last forever” 1 Corinthians 9: 24, 25.

Athletes put forth a great deal of effort and discipline to keep their bodies in shape and train for the competition. Endurance and perseverance go hand in hand with these. It takes commitment to carry on, overcoming the obstacles in the way. When not so motivated, focusing on their goal surely ignites the spark of energy that takes them through the rigorous training.

Whether or not an athlete wins gold, silver, bronze, or no medal at all, they’re on a quest for excellence. They are committed to do their best. To win one gold medal is an achievement in itself. But American athlete Michael Phelps won 6 gold and 2 bronze medals in the 28th Olympiads, the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece. What an achievement! He has definitely represented well our country and brought more attention to the swimming sport!

A young lady, Kirsty Coventry, won gold, silver and bronze medals representing Zimbabwe. Another great Olympian, Justin Gatlin, saw his dream come true by conquering the 100 meter final race in 9.85 seconds. He is now considered the fastest man in the world. It’s awesome to see these and so many other fine athletes give their best under so much pressure!

Their example of commitment, perseverance and focusing is worth imitating in our daily lives. And I ponder: Am I doing the best I can sometimes or always? Do I try harder because of the recognition anticipated after a big accomplishment or is my quest for excellence obvious even in the smallest, unnoticed tasks? In everything I do, I want to do my best. The prize of doing each task to the best of my abilities might not be a gold, silver or bronze medal, but there’s great satisfaction in a job well done.

Another thought strikes my mind: Regardless of our physical abilities we too are all athletes, competitors in the Olympiads that decide our eternal future. There is a goal most worthy of our commitment and daily focus: Heaven; and a reward more enticing than gold itself: the crown of eternal life.

In this race, we are called to bring attention to Jesus Christ, not ourselves. Are we on a quest for excellence in our walk with the Lord? Are we focused and motivated? Are we persevering or wavering before the obstacles? Each trial endured will strengthen us and make us fit to reach our goal. Our heavenly coach is right by our side each step of the way. His grace made provisions to ensure our own victory and he did not give up, even under the pressure of death. We must not give up! We must focus!

The Apostle Paul’s advice is: “As for us, we have this large crowd of witnesses around us. So then, let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, and of the sin which holds unto us so tightly, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us. Let us keep our eyes on Jesus on whom our faith depends from beginning to end” (Hebrews 12: 1, 2). When facing trials and difficulties our coach’s words bring encouragement: “…Be faithful unto death, and I will give you a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).

Michael Phelps’ name is forever linked with great swimming. I'd like my name to be forever linked to Jesus Christ. It took commitment, effort, patience, great discipline and sacrifices for Michael Phelps and all the other athletes to get to Athens and compete. In the end it is well worth it! It comforts me to know that when we get to heaven we will not have to compete. There will not be one prize better than the other or competitors without a crown. And the trials and sorrows endured will be dimmed by the glory and splendor of heaven and the joy of living with our father. Will you be counted with the achievers? Will your name be forever linked with Jesus? Victory awaits! Are you running to win?

I long to see Jesus face to face, thank him personally for what he's done for me and feel his loving embrace! He is my motivation to run and win!

My Prayer

Dear Jesus: Please, help me represent well The Kingdom of Heaven. Help me stay focused and run to win, and bring glory to your precious name. Amen.

©Rhodi Alers de López, 2004