DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
ONWARD & UPWARD
© NaimaLett.com/blog

Olympic closing ceremony, source

The Olympics went out with a bang.
Literally. Fireworks lit up the sky.

204 countries represented in the final parade of nations.
80,000 fans packed Olympic stadium.
300 million more are estimated to have watched the closing on TV.

These games did not disappoint.

And I was fully engaged:
– swimming with Michael Phelps to win the most medals in Olympic history,
– flying with Gabby Douglas into the gymnastic history books, and
– dashing with Usain Bolt, Allyson Felix and all the track and field stars!

I watched everything from marathons, gymnastics and swimming to volleyball, basketball and mountain biking (which interrupted the rhythmic gymnastics competition – ummm, yeah).

There’s something about seeing the world’s best athletes compete at the highest level, having trained for years, giving it their all.

Well, it’s onward and upward from here.

Some are going out on top – retiring with medals and endorsement deals.
Some, return home without a medal, but with the forever distinction of being an Olympian.
Others will jump back into training and prepare for Rio in 4 years.

Onward and upward.

Yesterday, I preached Part II of “Don’t Give Up”. The author of the letter to the Hebrews 12:1-3, encouraged believers:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

We are encouraged to run our race of faith with the same perseverance that Jesus endured the cross, focusing on Him in the same way that He focused on the joy He would experience when He sat back down in glory.

Onward and upward for us too!

Be encouraged.

Whether you medal this week or not, book that acting gig or not, get that promotion or not, keep your head up. We have a pioneer and perfector of our faith who paved a sure path for us to follow… one that leads to a pretty magnificent place. No offense, but Olympic Village has nothing on heaven… Just saying.

Onward & upward,
Naima

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