Ok. So, I saw these guys give an in-depth, inspirational interview on "Oprah" a while back...and I balled like a baby.
Then, just today I received the below video from my own Dad through email...again, wept profusely.
The love, investment, bond, respect, and spiritual connection between this father and son is moving to the point that I feel as though it literally reaches through whatever screen I am watching and seizes my heart.
I've included the basics of their story as told by Wikipedia...After which, the video will not only show you Team Hoyt's story in action, but it will also paint for you a very real picture of who our Heavenly Father wants to be for us, a fraction of the sacrifice He gave, and how, through Him, we are more than conquerers! (Make sure your volume is up!)
I can't imagine this won't grip and move you deeply...Boy, it sure has done that in me!
“Team Hoyt is a father (Dick Hoyt) and son (Rick Hoyt, b. 1962) in Massachusetts who compete together in marathons, triathlons, and other athletic endeavors. Rick was disabled at birth by a loss of oxygen to his brain because his umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck, and he also suffers from cerebral palsy. Dick carries him in a special seat up front as they bike, pulls him in a special boat as they swim, and pushes him in a special wheelchair as they run.
Thanks to his parents, who ignored the advice of doctors that he would live life in a persistent vegetative state, and Tufts University engineers, who recognized that his sense of humor indicated intelligence, at the age of 12, Rick was able to learn how to use a special computer to communicate, using movements from his head. The first words he typed were, "Go Bruins!", and the family learned he was a sports fan. They entered their first race in 1977, a 5 mile benefit run for an injured lacrosse player who was a schoolmate of Rick's.
Dick is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the Air National Guard. Rick earned a college degree from Boston University in special education, and now works at Boston College. They continue to compete in races, and are also motivational speakers.
As of January 31, 2008, Team Hoyt had participated in a total of 958 events, including 224 Triathlons (6 of which were Ironman competitions), 20 Duathlons, and 65 Marathons, including 25 Boston Marathons.[1] They have also biked and run across the USA, in 1992 — a 3,735 mile journey that took them 45 days.
When asked what one thing Rick wished he could give his father, his reply was ‘The thing I'd most like is that my dad would sit in the chair and I would push him once.’”
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Footprints: The Remix
"God loved the world so much that He gave his one and only Son, so that anyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 (New Living Translation)
What an amazing gift, Salvation. Freedom from the everlasting death of sin. What could possibly be better?!...Well, I actually have an idea of one thing that just might be the icing on that particular cake.
"...I came so they can have eternal and real life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of." John 10:10 (The Message)
You see, not only does God intend to grace us with an indescribably amazing forever-life in heaven...He very much wants us to experience the fullest, richest, most satisfying and thrilling life here on Earth, as well!
I know too many Christians who literally rob themselves of God's best. (I find it interesting to note the first half of John 10:10 says, "A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy...") They do this by meandering through life with a "whatever" mindset. They figure their salvation is "good enough." They suppose following Jesus "most of the time" will suffice. Basically, they are content with mediocre. Well, I challenge that.
I'm sure many of you are familiar with the classic "Footprints" poem, having either read it each time you were in your grandparent's bathroom, received a Hallmark card fashioned around it, or had it forwarded to you through email...213 times. It is a great piece, and very touching. Below, however, I have included a re-working of the poem that speaks to me even more profoundly. Read it. And, let's agree never to settle for "OK."
Footprints
by Beth Moore
Imagine going to heaven and standing by God as he lovingly shows you His plan for your life. It begins with the day you are born. Once you received Christ as Savior, everyday that follows is outlined in red. You see footprints walking through each day of your life. On many of the days, two sets of footprints appear. You inquire, "Father, are those my footprints everyday, and is the second set of footprints when You joined me?"
He answers, "No, my precious child. The consistent footprints are mine. The second set are when YOU joined ME."
"Where were You going, Father?"
"To the destiny I planned for you, hoping you'd follow."
"But, Father, where are my footprints all those times?"
"Sometimes you went back to look at old resentments and habits. Sometimes you chose your own path. Other times, your footprints appear on another person's journey because you liked their plan better. Sometimes you simply stopped because you would not let go of something you could not take with you."
You are silent for a moment, contemplating, and then ask, "But, Father, we ended up Ok, even if I didnt walk with you every day, didn't we?"
He holds you close, "Yes, child, we ended up Ok...but, you see, 'Ok' was never what I had in mind for you."
What an amazing gift, Salvation. Freedom from the everlasting death of sin. What could possibly be better?!...Well, I actually have an idea of one thing that just might be the icing on that particular cake.
"...I came so they can have eternal and real life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of." John 10:10 (The Message)
You see, not only does God intend to grace us with an indescribably amazing forever-life in heaven...He very much wants us to experience the fullest, richest, most satisfying and thrilling life here on Earth, as well!
I know too many Christians who literally rob themselves of God's best. (I find it interesting to note the first half of John 10:10 says, "A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy...") They do this by meandering through life with a "whatever" mindset. They figure their salvation is "good enough." They suppose following Jesus "most of the time" will suffice. Basically, they are content with mediocre. Well, I challenge that.
I'm sure many of you are familiar with the classic "Footprints" poem, having either read it each time you were in your grandparent's bathroom, received a Hallmark card fashioned around it, or had it forwarded to you through email...213 times. It is a great piece, and very touching. Below, however, I have included a re-working of the poem that speaks to me even more profoundly. Read it. And, let's agree never to settle for "OK."
Footprints
by Beth Moore
Imagine going to heaven and standing by God as he lovingly shows you His plan for your life. It begins with the day you are born. Once you received Christ as Savior, everyday that follows is outlined in red. You see footprints walking through each day of your life. On many of the days, two sets of footprints appear. You inquire, "Father, are those my footprints everyday, and is the second set of footprints when You joined me?"
He answers, "No, my precious child. The consistent footprints are mine. The second set are when YOU joined ME."
"Where were You going, Father?"
"To the destiny I planned for you, hoping you'd follow."
"But, Father, where are my footprints all those times?"
"Sometimes you went back to look at old resentments and habits. Sometimes you chose your own path. Other times, your footprints appear on another person's journey because you liked their plan better. Sometimes you simply stopped because you would not let go of something you could not take with you."
You are silent for a moment, contemplating, and then ask, "But, Father, we ended up Ok, even if I didnt walk with you every day, didn't we?"
He holds you close, "Yes, child, we ended up Ok...but, you see, 'Ok' was never what I had in mind for you."
Monday, June 23, 2008
Chics! (Of the Human--not baby bird--Variety!)
Not so long ago, I was asked to offer my thoughts regarding Women's Issues in today's society...Whoa. What a loaded topic. But, these people clearly knew who they were dealing with, so they kept me reined in with specific questions to answer, rather than a completely open forum. *wink* Thought I would share my responses with you, and let them speak for themselves. Hope they meet you somewhere you are today!
What women's issues concern you the most today?
Self-image and true purpose in life. I meet with young women and girls on a regular basis—both personally and in my job—and a common thread I see and hear is an inaccurate perspective and misplaced emphasis on image. I also believe that far too many women—and men as well—live their lives without any deep purpose bigger than themselves. They aren’t focused on building a legacy that makes an impact or having a mission worth dying for…Most are far too self-absorbed and distracted by instant and temporary gratification to invest their lives into the things that will ultimately and actually matter. I believe this ties directly into the image problem, as well. Of course your self-image is not going to be great when who you are is based on unworthy things.
How have women's rights, or lack thereof, affected your life experiences in particular?
It has been an interesting, dual-edged sword. On the one hand, my mother is a Pastor—a notoriously male-dominated role. I’ve grown up in a family, and with surroundings, that have always shown and taught me the equality of women—both through her job, and just in the respect and credibility given to women in the social circles I have lived. However, there is another hand of my mother being a Pastor...There’ve been numerous times in my life where I have experienced the disdain of some people, personally or vicariously, who believe a woman is not qualified or appropriate to fill that leadership role.
Growing up was there a certain woman who acted as a role model for you? What did you admire about her?
Yes...my Mom. She has always been able to manage a million things…Be a nurturing, loving, always present Mom, a leader, there’s nothing I have watched her attempt that she couldn’t handle, a great, supportive, partnering wife, awesome at her job, dependable, unflappable, yet fully feminine and compassionate…She has some how managed to be an amazing working woman, stay-at-home mom, wife, teacher, pastor, friend, and lady—simultaneously. It’s awe-inspiring.
If you could create a super-hero for all young girls to look up to, what characteristics would they have?
Honesty, integrity, servant’s heart, intelligence, purpose, kindness, generosity...
What is your hope for women in the future?
To aspire to what I’ve said above…Not to be the next "American Idol," "Pussycat Doll," or Hef's "Girl Next Door." Make your life—every moment of it—about something so much bigger than yourself that it has the potential to change the world!
What women's issues concern you the most today?
Self-image and true purpose in life. I meet with young women and girls on a regular basis—both personally and in my job—and a common thread I see and hear is an inaccurate perspective and misplaced emphasis on image. I also believe that far too many women—and men as well—live their lives without any deep purpose bigger than themselves. They aren’t focused on building a legacy that makes an impact or having a mission worth dying for…Most are far too self-absorbed and distracted by instant and temporary gratification to invest their lives into the things that will ultimately and actually matter. I believe this ties directly into the image problem, as well. Of course your self-image is not going to be great when who you are is based on unworthy things.
How have women's rights, or lack thereof, affected your life experiences in particular?
It has been an interesting, dual-edged sword. On the one hand, my mother is a Pastor—a notoriously male-dominated role. I’ve grown up in a family, and with surroundings, that have always shown and taught me the equality of women—both through her job, and just in the respect and credibility given to women in the social circles I have lived. However, there is another hand of my mother being a Pastor...There’ve been numerous times in my life where I have experienced the disdain of some people, personally or vicariously, who believe a woman is not qualified or appropriate to fill that leadership role.
Growing up was there a certain woman who acted as a role model for you? What did you admire about her?
Yes...my Mom. She has always been able to manage a million things…Be a nurturing, loving, always present Mom, a leader, there’s nothing I have watched her attempt that she couldn’t handle, a great, supportive, partnering wife, awesome at her job, dependable, unflappable, yet fully feminine and compassionate…She has some how managed to be an amazing working woman, stay-at-home mom, wife, teacher, pastor, friend, and lady—simultaneously. It’s awe-inspiring.
If you could create a super-hero for all young girls to look up to, what characteristics would they have?
Honesty, integrity, servant’s heart, intelligence, purpose, kindness, generosity...
What is your hope for women in the future?
To aspire to what I’ve said above…Not to be the next "American Idol," "Pussycat Doll," or Hef's "Girl Next Door." Make your life—every moment of it—about something so much bigger than yourself that it has the potential to change the world!
Monday, June 9, 2008
Asking God "Why?!"...
So, awhile back I heard from a friend who lives out of state. She was experiencing an incredibly difficult time in her life--it just seemed as though the hits kept comin', you know? She had emailed me with her thoughts, feelings, frustrations, and confusions--and to be honest, I felt a little overwhelmed. I didn't know what I could tell her...You see, I am a fixer, and though I very much wanted to, I just couldn't fix her circumstances.
Recently, I have had other people I care about in similiar periods of life--the details may be different, but the struggle and pain the same. Even myself, and my whole family, have been experiencing loss and disappointment on a variety of levels as of late.
I'm confident there are also many of you out there going through a chapter that involves discouragement or questions, hurt or anger, betrayal or depression...or maybe all of the above, and even some I didn't mention. Makes me think of this quote: "Everyone I know is either in a crisis, coming out of a crisis, or headed into a crisis."
-Andy Andrews
Just today, I came across the letter I eventually was able to pen back to my friend...It encouraged me. Maybe it will do the same for you...
Dear Friend,
I'm so sorry to hear things are rough...Gosh--sometimes it just feels like the bad never really ends, doesn't it?! :/ I wish I had a magical answer or insight. But, I don't. I wish this, not only for you, but for myself as well, because I also sometimes feel the "neverendingness of crap", so to speak. I do know, however, that God is in control--no matter what it looks like to me. Just for ONE instance, I was praying last night and this morning for little Bryan--my brother, Zack and his wife, Amanda's 3 year old nephew. He has horrible eczema that just wreaks havoc all over his poor little body and face. His skin is rough, raw, itches. He can't really swim, be in the sun, use fragranced lotions. There are certain foods he can't eat. And, most of all, it is really painful for him. They've been to doctors upon doctors who can't seem to figure out how to truly help. He is the sweetest little boy, and so adorable--and I just can not for the life of me understand why he has to go through this. I have cried over it many times, and am welling up now as I think of it. I have prayed and prayed that God would heal him--and I am not the only one. I was asking God again last night and this morning, "WHY?!...Why won't you heal him?!" And, suddenly, very clearly, I was impressed with the reality that I don't know everything, but God does. Maybe there is some reason things are the way they are without visible change. Maybe there's something coming down the road in Bryan's life and God knows this hardship is necessary--or at least useable. I changed my prayer and asked that God would do His best by, for, and in little Bryan. That He'd help me keep faith that He will never allow this child to suffer needlessly. I prayed that God would, first and foremost, secure the health and future of Bryan's heart and soul--even if that means, for some reason, that his skin is never healed. God is the ultimate puzzle-piecer and strategizer. Like sometimes when I play Tetris people watching think I have made a big mistake because I put a piece in place that looks like I have blocked myself off, and I'm certainly going to lose. What they don't realize is, I have seen the side of the screen where the next three pieces you're going to get are shown, and I know that my move was the best one in light of what is coming. Do you see what I am saying? Being that I trust Jesus so much, I trust that He is working the puzzles even when I think His moves dont make sense--and even when they hurt. Doesn't mean it's easy or that I don't fret and fuss and screw up--I do. :/ But, ultimately my faith is in Him. I know yours is, too. Steven Curtis Chapman has this song called "Believe Me Now." It really encouraged me a while ago when I was going through a period of "neverending crap." And it still encourages me today. (When other periods of "neverending crap" continue.) I've included the lyrics below. There's one particular line in the bridge that was the first thing to catch my attention. I was crying in my office one day a couple of years ago with my head down, asking God "why" and to please just take the pain away. I had a CD playing in the background. This was a CD I had heard every song on before, but for some reason this one never stood out to me. "Believe Me Now" was already more than half over, and I hadn't consciously heard one word of it when suddenly the melody and the voice broke through my crying and my prayers, and I heard this line from the bridge, "I am the God who never wastes a single hurt that you endure." Now, I don't always know how that's going to play out--frankly, I'm not sure I have yet seen the full outcome of that truth in any area of my life--however, I believe it with my whole heart. God is good. God is faithful. God loves us. God Reigns. Those things are facts, and can handle the weight of our hope.
Thanks for listening to me--these thoughts were as helpful to me to get out, as I hope they are for you to read.
Much love,
Rachel
Believe Me Now
by Steven Curtis Chapman
I watch you looking out across the raging water
So sure your only hope lies on the other side
You hear the enemy that's closing in around you
And I know that you don't have the strength to fight
But do you have the faith to stand
and Believe me now Believe me here
Remember all the times I told you loud and clear
I am with you and I am for you
So believe me now Believe me now
I am the one who waved my hand and split the ocean
I am the One who spoke the words and raised the dead
And I've loved you long before I set the world in motion
I know all the fears you're feeling now
But do you remember who I am?
Will you believe me now Believe me here
Remember all the times I told you loud and clear
I am with you and I am for you
So believe me now Believe it's true
I never have I never will abandon you
And the God that I have always been I will forever be
So believe me now
I am the God who never wastes a single hurt that you endure
My words are true and all My promises are sure
So believe me now Oh believe me now
So believe me now Believe me here
Remember all the times I told you loud and clear
I am with you and I am for you
So believe me now Believe it's true
I never have I never will abandon you
And the God that I have always been I will forever be
So believe me now Believe me now Believe me now
Recently, I have had other people I care about in similiar periods of life--the details may be different, but the struggle and pain the same. Even myself, and my whole family, have been experiencing loss and disappointment on a variety of levels as of late.
I'm confident there are also many of you out there going through a chapter that involves discouragement or questions, hurt or anger, betrayal or depression...or maybe all of the above, and even some I didn't mention. Makes me think of this quote: "Everyone I know is either in a crisis, coming out of a crisis, or headed into a crisis."
-Andy Andrews
Just today, I came across the letter I eventually was able to pen back to my friend...It encouraged me. Maybe it will do the same for you...
Dear Friend,
I'm so sorry to hear things are rough...Gosh--sometimes it just feels like the bad never really ends, doesn't it?! :/ I wish I had a magical answer or insight. But, I don't. I wish this, not only for you, but for myself as well, because I also sometimes feel the "neverendingness of crap", so to speak. I do know, however, that God is in control--no matter what it looks like to me. Just for ONE instance, I was praying last night and this morning for little Bryan--my brother, Zack and his wife, Amanda's 3 year old nephew. He has horrible eczema that just wreaks havoc all over his poor little body and face. His skin is rough, raw, itches. He can't really swim, be in the sun, use fragranced lotions. There are certain foods he can't eat. And, most of all, it is really painful for him. They've been to doctors upon doctors who can't seem to figure out how to truly help. He is the sweetest little boy, and so adorable--and I just can not for the life of me understand why he has to go through this. I have cried over it many times, and am welling up now as I think of it. I have prayed and prayed that God would heal him--and I am not the only one. I was asking God again last night and this morning, "WHY?!...Why won't you heal him?!" And, suddenly, very clearly, I was impressed with the reality that I don't know everything, but God does. Maybe there is some reason things are the way they are without visible change. Maybe there's something coming down the road in Bryan's life and God knows this hardship is necessary--or at least useable. I changed my prayer and asked that God would do His best by, for, and in little Bryan. That He'd help me keep faith that He will never allow this child to suffer needlessly. I prayed that God would, first and foremost, secure the health and future of Bryan's heart and soul--even if that means, for some reason, that his skin is never healed. God is the ultimate puzzle-piecer and strategizer. Like sometimes when I play Tetris people watching think I have made a big mistake because I put a piece in place that looks like I have blocked myself off, and I'm certainly going to lose. What they don't realize is, I have seen the side of the screen where the next three pieces you're going to get are shown, and I know that my move was the best one in light of what is coming. Do you see what I am saying? Being that I trust Jesus so much, I trust that He is working the puzzles even when I think His moves dont make sense--and even when they hurt. Doesn't mean it's easy or that I don't fret and fuss and screw up--I do. :/ But, ultimately my faith is in Him. I know yours is, too. Steven Curtis Chapman has this song called "Believe Me Now." It really encouraged me a while ago when I was going through a period of "neverending crap." And it still encourages me today. (When other periods of "neverending crap" continue.) I've included the lyrics below. There's one particular line in the bridge that was the first thing to catch my attention. I was crying in my office one day a couple of years ago with my head down, asking God "why" and to please just take the pain away. I had a CD playing in the background. This was a CD I had heard every song on before, but for some reason this one never stood out to me. "Believe Me Now" was already more than half over, and I hadn't consciously heard one word of it when suddenly the melody and the voice broke through my crying and my prayers, and I heard this line from the bridge, "I am the God who never wastes a single hurt that you endure." Now, I don't always know how that's going to play out--frankly, I'm not sure I have yet seen the full outcome of that truth in any area of my life--however, I believe it with my whole heart. God is good. God is faithful. God loves us. God Reigns. Those things are facts, and can handle the weight of our hope.
Thanks for listening to me--these thoughts were as helpful to me to get out, as I hope they are for you to read.
Much love,
Rachel
Believe Me Now
by Steven Curtis Chapman
I watch you looking out across the raging water
So sure your only hope lies on the other side
You hear the enemy that's closing in around you
And I know that you don't have the strength to fight
But do you have the faith to stand
and Believe me now Believe me here
Remember all the times I told you loud and clear
I am with you and I am for you
So believe me now Believe me now
I am the one who waved my hand and split the ocean
I am the One who spoke the words and raised the dead
And I've loved you long before I set the world in motion
I know all the fears you're feeling now
But do you remember who I am?
Will you believe me now Believe me here
Remember all the times I told you loud and clear
I am with you and I am for you
So believe me now Believe it's true
I never have I never will abandon you
And the God that I have always been I will forever be
So believe me now
I am the God who never wastes a single hurt that you endure
My words are true and all My promises are sure
So believe me now Oh believe me now
So believe me now Believe me here
Remember all the times I told you loud and clear
I am with you and I am for you
So believe me now Believe it's true
I never have I never will abandon you
And the God that I have always been I will forever be
So believe me now Believe me now Believe me now
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