Faith and Miles: Devotions and Reflections for the Runner's Soul
"Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe."
- Aurelius Augustinus
One race that changed a boy's life for the better, forever, when he found out he could run.
Chapter One: A Watershed Moment: The Power of Belief
As a ten-year-old, I was the kind of boy who blended into the background—a quiet, reserved soul who often went unnoticed by my classmates. With few friends and a lack of confidence, I preferred to keep to myself. Academically, I was between average and slightly below, avoiding participation in school activities that could highlight my shyness. Even my attempts to join the school choir landed me at the back, where my less-than-stellar singing voice could be drowned out.
Life felt not only lonely but also daunting. I faced bullying, and the fear of older kids waiting for me on my route to school haunted me daily. They would threaten and push me around, demanding money and warning me not to tell anyone. With my self-confidence already low, I bottled up my struggles, convinced that enduring the bullying was just part of life. I continued to suffer in silence.
Then came a defining moment—an unexpected spark that would change everything. I was invited to participate in a 75-yard dash foot race against my entire school. My heart raced, but a coach, recognizing something special in me, encouraged me to take the leap and run. To my astonishment, I won, crossing the finish line with a wide margin that stunned my classmates. Suddenly, this shy boy who sat in the back of the class was cheered and carried around the playground—an extraordinary celebration of my unexpected victory.
That victory caught the attention of my elementary coach, Mr. Springer, who took the initiative to reach out to my parents. With his foresight and support, I found myself in a summer track program that would prove life-changing. It was as if a new door had swung open, revealing the potential I never knew I had.
With newfound confidence, my grades improved, and I gradually emerged from my shell. My coach and parents' encouragement became the cornerstone of my transformation, leading to athletic success and personal growth. With this new self-esteem, I learned to stand up to the bullies who had once cornered me.
Before long, I was not just running for fun; I was running competitively. I became a state track and field champion and finished second at the United States National Junior Olympic Championships in Ithaca, New York. My journey didn’t stop there. Thanks to athletic and academic scholarships, I attended college as the first member of my immediate family to do so. I graduated with honors, earning an outstanding student-athlete award, serving as co-captain of the university track and field team, and setting collegiate conference and a school record.
Running has woven itself into the fabric of my life story, a journey carved out by divine grace and the unwavering support of remarkable teachers and coaches. These incredible individuals recognized potential in me that I had yet to discover. Their encouragement ignited a spark, transforming not just my capabilities but my entire perspective on what I could achieve.
Life Reflections
I think of Jeremiah 29:1 as I reflect on that short 75-yard dash. “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope”.
It’s amazing how one moment can change the course of your life forever. For me, that moment occurred during a 75-yard dash all those years ago. It was there, under the watchful eye of a loving God, that I found the breakthrough I desperately needed—a way to shed my insecurities and step into my true potential.
Picture this: a simple race that seemed insignificant at the time, yet it set me on a path of positivity and growth. Just think how powerful one person’s belief in you can be—like Mr. Springer, who saw my potential before I could even see it myself.
Surrounding ourselves and the young people in our lives with those who genuinely care can make all the difference. The real treasure in life lies in the advocates who create invaluable opportunities that help others shine.
Reflecting on my journey, I’m filled with gratitude for the coaches who recognized my potential, even when I was blinded by my own limitations. Their unwavering faith ignited a fire within me—a desire to strive for excellence and push beyond what I thought was possible. Sometimes, that one belief from someone else is all it takes to unlock the incredible potential that lies within us.
Sports became so much more than just running for me; it was a gateway to discovering hidden strengths and a vital connection to my community. Running transformed into a lifeline, allowing me to pursue personal goals and uplift others along the way.
I share this journey hoping to inspire you to nurture the talents of the kids around you. You never know—the belief you instill in them could be the spark that ignites an incredible journey in their lives. With faith, love, and the support of those around us, there truly are no limits to what we can achieve together.
Questions for your Prayer and Reflection
1. What is one joyous watershed moment in your life that you are grateful for as you look back on your life? How did it impact your life?
2. How can you use your watershed moment in your journey now to help and serve others well?
3. How can you connect your child, grandchild, foster child or other child with a life-changing experience today that will positively change their life forever?
4. What false narratives keep children closest to you from reaching their God-given potential? How can you help them break the false narrative cycle and reach their potential?
Read why I am writing this blog series if you missed it here: Faith and Miles: Devotions for a Runner's Soul
This picture was taken at ten years old, marking the moment when running changed my life for the better in countless ways. Thanks to genuinely caring coaches, I discovered something at which I could excel. One moment like a simple 75-yard dash can genuinely transform your life in ways you never imagined.