What a Second Chance!

DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
WHAT A SECOND CHANCE!

**Skip to 03:17 for race, 03:44 for Lolo

Life is full of second chances.
And what a second chance!

Remember Lolo Jones?
I recently highlighted her in the blog, Celebrity, Virginity & Celibacy.

Four years ago, the 3-time national champion hurdler and 60m record holder was favored to win gold for the US in the 100m hurdles at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. According to her Wiki-bio, Lolo had fought through a series of setbacks in childhood including homelessness, father in state prison, and parting with her family to remain in Iowa for high school in order to train in track and field. She then won several NCAA championships for LSU and rose through the ranks to win national titles and world championships, setting her up to win the Olympics.

But Lolo didn’t win.
She clipped the 9th hurdle, stumbled and finished a disappointing 7th place.

Lolo is quoted as saying, “You hit a hurdle about twice a year where it affects your race. It’s just a shame that it happened on the biggest race of my life.”

Bad went to worse.
Hamstring injuries. Spinal surgery.
Up & down. Up & down.
Injuries caused her to miss most of the 2011 season.
But she kept fighting.

photo source, Lolo Jones © Photo, Kirby Lee, USA Today

And this weekend, Lolo showed up to compete.
I watched the Saturday Olympic trials on NBC on my flight back to LA.
I have NEVER seen anybody so happy with 3rd place, but Lolo was ecstatic.

Why?
It’s more than 3rd place.
This is Lolo’s 2nd chance.

Lolo’s headed back to the Olympics.
For 4 years, she’s heard all about “the 9th hurdle”.

Now she gets a 2nd chance..
Win or lose in London, doesn’t matter. Lolo gets a do-over!

Anybody need a do-over today?
We all do sometimes, right?

I’m reminded of Jesus encounter with the religious leaders and a woman accused of adultery. Talk about the need for a do-over.

There’s a LOT going on in JOHN 8: 1-11, but what I’ll highlight today is the way Jesus extended mercy to sinners on both sides of the equation. He didn’t excuse the sin, but rather ministered to the sinner.

He challenged the religious leaders: “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” He also didn’t condemn the woman, but said, “Go. From now on sin no more.”

They all got do-overs – the religious leaders, the woman.
They got a second chance.

Be encouraged today, Fam.
Life is full of second chances.

You hit a hurdle and stumbled? Get back up. Don’t give up.
You made a mess or two or three? Repent. We have a God who is gracious.

Embrace your second chance.
I sure am,
Naima

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Naima Lett

Naima loves bringing stories to life, believes everyone should find a reason to dance daily, and savors every bite of her grandmother's bread pudding & sweet potato pie.