One of the single most defining moments in my life took place when I was in seventh grade. I was a boy on the verge of setting some large personal goals in my academic career as well as in my athletic endeavors. What happened in early fall of 1992 changed my life. I've had many opportunities to share this story at various camps and speaking engagements.
During this time at River Falls Meyer Middle School, seventh grade students were given the option to choose between introductory level French or German as part of the exploratory unit. Each language was offered for one quarter. The goal was to introduce students to foreign languages so they would be able to make a better decision on what foreign language they would learn from grade eight through graduation. I chose French.
My French class met 4th period during the first quarter. Many of my friends also enrolled in French, but were in different class periods. I felt very self-conscious attempting to learn another language while being vulnerable in front of classmates that I was uncomfortable around and I just wanted to be with some friends. So, after the first week, I decided to "drop" French I. I thought I would maybe pick it up again later during the year or even try German. I didn't have a plan, but I made the decision to part ways with that class.
I went to the office and picked up a yellow drop form and brought in home to my parents. Together, we filled it out and I brought it to school the next day to have my teacher Madame (Lisa) Myhre sign so I could be released. What happened next it what changed me.
I sheepishly approached Madame before class and asked her to sign my drop form. She looked right through me and said something along the lines of, "Xavier (my French name), I'm very disappointed in you. Is this how you're going to handle everything in life when it gets difficult? Are you just going to quit?" I was completely shocked and extremely convicted on the inside. I put on my best tough guy face and gave her a half hearted grin. She signed the form and slid it across her desk. I picked it up and sat down.
I was terrified by what she said. Was I going to quit every time? I didn't want to be a quitter. I had huge dreams and big goals. I wanted to be a winner, not a quitter. Wow! I was perplexed.
I put my drop form in my backpack. All that was left for me to do was turn the signed sheet of paper into the office and I was done with 4th period French I. I remember thinking: If I do this, I will be a quitter the rest of my life. However, if I decide to make it work and push through it, I could be great. When I was able to look at it from that perspective, everything changed. I never turned in the form and Madame Myhre didn't mentioned the situation the rest of the quarter. She demonstrated tough love and I needed it.
I finished French I and took French every year through high school, completing French VI as a senior. I've been to France twice and have successfully navigated my way through Paris while communicating well with others. That's not what I got most from French class, though. I learned that quitting is hard and I don't want to be a quitter.
As I pursued my goals in academics and athletics, I was faced with many situations that I wanted to back out of. Almost daily, I recalled the conversation with Madame Myhre and asked myself what she had asked me in September 1992, "am I going to quit when things get tough?" No way! Not this kid. I wanted to be a winner and it took a seventh grade French teacher to say the right words with perfect timing to empower me to persevere and move forward no matter what the obstacle was in front of me. Everyone faces obstacles in life, but how one handles adversity truly reveals his or her character.
As a husband and father, I'm faced with new adversities and I still find myself thinking of Madame Mhyre often. You never know where a child (or adult) is at in their journey. Speak greatness into others because your words can change lives and, as a result, change the world.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Find your sweet spot...be great!
As a coach, I find myself having deep discussions with athletes about athletics and how they can relate to life. I make it my mission to build into the lives of my athletes and help them make decisions that will have a positive impact on them forever. Recently, my influence has overflowed into former or non-athletes. It's very exciting.
I believe that everyone is created with uniqueness and distinction for greatness! It's our responsibility as men and women to find our niche. We need to understand our strengths and abilities and change the world with what we have. I think of it like finding your very own "sweet spot" in life and successfully doing what we were put on this earth to do. That's different for everyone.
To be fully alive, we must find what we're created for and strive to be great at it. You're the only you that will ever live. If you don't do what you're created to do, the world very well may miss out on what it is that you have to offer. It's a big responsibility and humanity is counting on you. God wants to use you and He's equipped you with everything you need to fulfill your destiny.
I like using an analogy I remember from a sermon by Erwin McManus. He talked about how great Michael Jordan was as a basketball player--probably the best of all-time. He won championships, displayed sound character on and off the court and changed the game of basketball. As a basketball player, he was (and still is) the greatest.
Now, memories of Michael Jordan playing basketball are awesome, but do you remember him playing baseball? It was almost comical, wasn't it? What I find interesting about Michael Jordan playing baseball is that he was still better at that than 99% of the human population. He played triple-A for the Chicago White Sox and hit a measly .202, but stole 30 bases in just over 100 games. Michael Jordan was a very good baseball player, but not great.
Too often, I see individuals settle for being their own version of Michael Jordan playing baseball when they have the potential to be their own Michael Jordan playing basketball.
Be bold. Be confident. Do what you were created to do and be great!
I believe that everyone is created with uniqueness and distinction for greatness! It's our responsibility as men and women to find our niche. We need to understand our strengths and abilities and change the world with what we have. I think of it like finding your very own "sweet spot" in life and successfully doing what we were put on this earth to do. That's different for everyone.
To be fully alive, we must find what we're created for and strive to be great at it. You're the only you that will ever live. If you don't do what you're created to do, the world very well may miss out on what it is that you have to offer. It's a big responsibility and humanity is counting on you. God wants to use you and He's equipped you with everything you need to fulfill your destiny.
I like using an analogy I remember from a sermon by Erwin McManus. He talked about how great Michael Jordan was as a basketball player--probably the best of all-time. He won championships, displayed sound character on and off the court and changed the game of basketball. As a basketball player, he was (and still is) the greatest.
Now, memories of Michael Jordan playing basketball are awesome, but do you remember him playing baseball? It was almost comical, wasn't it? What I find interesting about Michael Jordan playing baseball is that he was still better at that than 99% of the human population. He played triple-A for the Chicago White Sox and hit a measly .202, but stole 30 bases in just over 100 games. Michael Jordan was a very good baseball player, but not great.
Too often, I see individuals settle for being their own version of Michael Jordan playing baseball when they have the potential to be their own Michael Jordan playing basketball.
Be bold. Be confident. Do what you were created to do and be great!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Going to the next level
Earlier this week, my brother told me that he's bothered by the phrase "going to the next level." What frustrates him is there's no substance to the phrase. He doesn't think it holds people accountable. It's arbitrary I agree.
I also talked to a colleague who mentioned that "going to the next level," isn't worth it if it's not fun. He was referring to youth wrestling. I agreed with him, too.
To me, this phrase is only relevant when there is accountability behind it and one is able to enjoy the process of going to the next level. What does that mean and what does it look?
If going to the next level means improving one's current condition, I'm generally all for it. However, the direction needs to be headed towards the development of the overall human being. It requires becoming a better person. It's not based on achievements or success.
Going to the next level includes character development, understanding one's significance and value, possessing a transcendent cause (something bigger than self) and movement in a positive direction. Without these, one cannot go to the next level.
An athlete, businessman, coach or anyone else may desire going to the next level and never move from from their current place because they refuse to see the big picture. If you see the big picture, you will constantly be going to the next level. It becomes a daily endeavor. One may reach new heights of acheivement and never go to the next level.
Are you ready to go to the next level? It requires all of who you are.
I also talked to a colleague who mentioned that "going to the next level," isn't worth it if it's not fun. He was referring to youth wrestling. I agreed with him, too.
To me, this phrase is only relevant when there is accountability behind it and one is able to enjoy the process of going to the next level. What does that mean and what does it look?
If going to the next level means improving one's current condition, I'm generally all for it. However, the direction needs to be headed towards the development of the overall human being. It requires becoming a better person. It's not based on achievements or success.
Going to the next level includes character development, understanding one's significance and value, possessing a transcendent cause (something bigger than self) and movement in a positive direction. Without these, one cannot go to the next level.
An athlete, businessman, coach or anyone else may desire going to the next level and never move from from their current place because they refuse to see the big picture. If you see the big picture, you will constantly be going to the next level. It becomes a daily endeavor. One may reach new heights of acheivement and never go to the next level.
Are you ready to go to the next level? It requires all of who you are.
Monday, January 18, 2010
We hold these truths to be self-evident
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. -- United States Declaration of Independence
On August 28, 1963, during the March On Washington Civil Rights demonstration, Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered one of the most important and powerful speeches in "what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation." Today, on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, it's important to recall the significance of this speech and honor Dr. King.
I sat down and watched the entire "I Have a Dream" speech this morning and was left speechless. The injustice that was taking place in our nation at this time is unfathomable. How this group of demonstrators stood up for their freedom is nothing short of admirable. King said, "let us not wallow in the valley of despair" as he encouraged them to look to the future with hope. Instead of "drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred," these demonstrators marched for freedom and love. They practiced what they preached.
King used a variety of public speaking techniques to get his point across, including repetition. We're all aware of his repeating the phrase "I have a dream" as he concluded his talk. However, another repetitive phrase caught my attention this morning, particularly "now is the time." His delivery is timeless and the phrase now is the time can be applied to the current condition of our nation. Have we seen King's dream realized yet? How far away are we? Now is the time.
Is everyone in our nation judged on the content of their character? How do you judge another member of the human race? Is it by their outward appearance our by the their soul?
On August 28, 1963, during the March On Washington Civil Rights demonstration, Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered one of the most important and powerful speeches in "what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation." Today, on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, it's important to recall the significance of this speech and honor Dr. King.
I sat down and watched the entire "I Have a Dream" speech this morning and was left speechless. The injustice that was taking place in our nation at this time is unfathomable. How this group of demonstrators stood up for their freedom is nothing short of admirable. King said, "let us not wallow in the valley of despair" as he encouraged them to look to the future with hope. Instead of "drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred," these demonstrators marched for freedom and love. They practiced what they preached.
King used a variety of public speaking techniques to get his point across, including repetition. We're all aware of his repeating the phrase "I have a dream" as he concluded his talk. However, another repetitive phrase caught my attention this morning, particularly "now is the time." His delivery is timeless and the phrase now is the time can be applied to the current condition of our nation. Have we seen King's dream realized yet? How far away are we? Now is the time.
Is everyone in our nation judged on the content of their character? How do you judge another member of the human race? Is it by their outward appearance our by the their soul?
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Give others a reputation to uphold
As a wrestling coach, I'm constantly looking for ways to improve. Obviously, I attend a variety of coaches clinics/seminars, view many state, national and international competitions and actively "pick the brain" of many other respected coaches to better equip myself to demonstrate wrestling techniques and strategies. In addition, I have sought out many resources to make me a better communicator and leader, among other things.
John C. Maxwell has become a staple in my development as a coach, leader and man. His most recognized book is the 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. Last year, we focused on one leadership law for 21 straight practices. My athletes learned a lot about themselves and their leadership qualities. It was extremely beneficial and very rewarding.
So, it comes as no surprise that I am being impacted by another one of Maxwell's books, 25 Ways to Win With People: How to Make Others Feel Like a Million Bucks (with Les Parrott). The book is well written, of course, and each chapter focuses on an individual way to "win with others." Chapter 6 resonated with me very well.
Give others a reputation to uphold.
To help inspire and motivate others to be successful, the authors encourage us to ask what is special or unique about each person you come in contact with. Think the best of them and you'll have an opportunity to influence them. Help them strive for something beyond their reach, but within their grasp so they will "play proud."
People perform consistently to how they're expected to. If you have a high opinion of people, you'll see people to great things. While working with others, great leaders have the ability to look past their pasts and give them a reputation for the futures.
As a leader, you need to see and speak to potential. Dig deep and find out what's unique about a person. Put an emphasis on affirmation and watch them become great. You'll witness lives being changed.
John C. Maxwell has become a staple in my development as a coach, leader and man. His most recognized book is the 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. Last year, we focused on one leadership law for 21 straight practices. My athletes learned a lot about themselves and their leadership qualities. It was extremely beneficial and very rewarding.
So, it comes as no surprise that I am being impacted by another one of Maxwell's books, 25 Ways to Win With People: How to Make Others Feel Like a Million Bucks (with Les Parrott). The book is well written, of course, and each chapter focuses on an individual way to "win with others." Chapter 6 resonated with me very well.
Give others a reputation to uphold.
To help inspire and motivate others to be successful, the authors encourage us to ask what is special or unique about each person you come in contact with. Think the best of them and you'll have an opportunity to influence them. Help them strive for something beyond their reach, but within their grasp so they will "play proud."
People perform consistently to how they're expected to. If you have a high opinion of people, you'll see people to great things. While working with others, great leaders have the ability to look past their pasts and give them a reputation for the futures.
As a leader, you need to see and speak to potential. Dig deep and find out what's unique about a person. Put an emphasis on affirmation and watch them become great. You'll witness lives being changed.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Think like a shark, act like a 5-year old
What comes to mind when you hear the word "shark?" For many of us, images reminiscent of a scene from Jaws immediately pop into mind. We've all heard stories of attacks on the beach and we shy away from vacations to Mexico to swim with the sharks. They're scary creatures. However, knowing what they're capable of, have you ever tried to go beyond their actions and get inside their minds? How does a shark think?
I'm not a marine biologist or zoologist, but I've learned a few things about sharks. They're very intriguing to me because they're confident with who they are. They know what they were created for and use all of their God-given abilities to fulfill that purpose. They are the top of the food chain, so they need to be most efficient in moving through the water stalking their prey. They need to hunt and eat. Sharks clearly understand what they're capable of and use their strengths to their advantage. They never stop moving forward throughout their entire lives.
Unlike dolphins, sharks don't use sonar. Instead they use an acute sense of smell and an unmatched electrical sensitivity. They pick up on the tiny electrical charges a potential morsel makes when it flexes its muscles. They have the ability to determine the electromagnetic fields that all living things produce. This allows them to find prey hidden in sand. Also, using their sense of smell, they can hunt creatures that are vulnerable. Think of the phrase, "smelling blood." This refers to a shark knowing when best to attack. They're smart and wise.
In addition, sharks are covered with skin that keeps pesky particles away and allows them to move quickly through the water. Their covering of dermal denticles protect their skin from damage and parasites and improves fluid dynamics so it can move faster. When they make up their mind, they won't be denied. They are the ultimate predators. They may have small brains, but have great problem solving skills, social skills and curiosity. They do precisely what they're created to do; they do it well and they do it with confidence.
In terms of actions, a 5-year old is a stark contrast to a shark. Instead of attacking and devouring, he/she collaborates and looks for the next adventure that will provide the most excitement and fun. They never take themselves too seriously. In the movie Uncle Buck, John Candy applauds the attitude of his 5-year old niece as a "silly heart."
5-year old kids thoroughly enjoy life because their minds have yet to be fogged by life. They demonstrate an innate reverence of God, loyalty to family, compassion towards others and an admirable zest for life. How many five year old kids look forward to nap time or bed time (contrary to adults)? They're too busy enjoying life.
Sharks and 5-year old kids are at the opposite end of the spectrum when it comes to each ones thought process and behavior. However, if we can learn to adapt parts of each, we'll begin enjoying life much more and finding more success in all areas of our life.
Think like a shark, act like a 5-year old.
I'm not a marine biologist or zoologist, but I've learned a few things about sharks. They're very intriguing to me because they're confident with who they are. They know what they were created for and use all of their God-given abilities to fulfill that purpose. They are the top of the food chain, so they need to be most efficient in moving through the water stalking their prey. They need to hunt and eat. Sharks clearly understand what they're capable of and use their strengths to their advantage. They never stop moving forward throughout their entire lives.
Unlike dolphins, sharks don't use sonar. Instead they use an acute sense of smell and an unmatched electrical sensitivity. They pick up on the tiny electrical charges a potential morsel makes when it flexes its muscles. They have the ability to determine the electromagnetic fields that all living things produce. This allows them to find prey hidden in sand. Also, using their sense of smell, they can hunt creatures that are vulnerable. Think of the phrase, "smelling blood." This refers to a shark knowing when best to attack. They're smart and wise.
In addition, sharks are covered with skin that keeps pesky particles away and allows them to move quickly through the water. Their covering of dermal denticles protect their skin from damage and parasites and improves fluid dynamics so it can move faster. When they make up their mind, they won't be denied. They are the ultimate predators. They may have small brains, but have great problem solving skills, social skills and curiosity. They do precisely what they're created to do; they do it well and they do it with confidence.
In terms of actions, a 5-year old is a stark contrast to a shark. Instead of attacking and devouring, he/she collaborates and looks for the next adventure that will provide the most excitement and fun. They never take themselves too seriously. In the movie Uncle Buck, John Candy applauds the attitude of his 5-year old niece as a "silly heart."
5-year old kids thoroughly enjoy life because their minds have yet to be fogged by life. They demonstrate an innate reverence of God, loyalty to family, compassion towards others and an admirable zest for life. How many five year old kids look forward to nap time or bed time (contrary to adults)? They're too busy enjoying life.
Sharks and 5-year old kids are at the opposite end of the spectrum when it comes to each ones thought process and behavior. However, if we can learn to adapt parts of each, we'll begin enjoying life much more and finding more success in all areas of our life.
Think like a shark, act like a 5-year old.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
The choices you make in freedom determine if you'll be free
After a lengthy conversation with one of my best friends, a true and authentic friend, I asked God to break my heart for what breaks His. Often times, we choose a path that is less than best for us as individuals for a variety of reasons. Today, I realized that the areas that we're most likely to "blow it," in terms of sinning against our Father, are places that we don't view sin as disgusting and freely choose to cross the line. God despises all sin and so should we.
Life is short. We hear this everywhere. Our society tells us that life is short or you only live once so live life to the fullest. What they're implying is that because life is short, we need to take advantage of the freedom to experience pleasures of many kind. This is one of the world's biggest lies. Life is, in fact, short, but don't short change your life.
We all have free will and the freedom to make choices. However, what gives you freedom is not the freedom to choose. It's the choices you make in freedom that determine if you'll be free. Just because you're free to make choices doesn't mean that you'll live a free life.
Some choices you make take your freedom. Maybe in your freedom you've made choices that have turned around and owned you. You may have the appearance of freedom and if you were to be measured and described by some geo-political definition you would be the most free person in the world, but you know more than anyone else how far your experience and existence is from being free.
A movie that paints a beautiful and haunting picture of where we could end up in our freedom is There Will Be Blood. It won several Academy Awards and is one of the saddest stories every told. It's sad because it's so close to reality.
Daniel Day Lewis plays a man who lives a life of greed and takes and takes and takes. The entire movie is about greed --taking what's not yours and stealing the trust of others. It clearly illustrates the corruption of the world which says it's all about my pleasure and my life and what I want and how it affects others doesn't matter. The movie starts and ends this way. It gives no glimpse of hope. It's a stark view of reality. Sometimes reality is scary.
As a Christ follower, God offers a glimpse of hope, but it's not in me. It's in Him. He promises that the "truth will set you free." Freedom doesn't make you free. Only God does. Jesus says in Matthew 16:24-26, "if anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?"
Left to our own devices, in our freedom we will lose our lives. Life is short and it's a terrible idea to destroy it. It's not about the freedom to choose because you might actually choose to give up your freedom. It's about "dying to yourself" and in your freedom, choosing to let God lead you because the Truth will set you free.
Life is not just short, it's priceless and precious. Don't destroy it. In your freedom, choose to be free.
Life is short. We hear this everywhere. Our society tells us that life is short or you only live once so live life to the fullest. What they're implying is that because life is short, we need to take advantage of the freedom to experience pleasures of many kind. This is one of the world's biggest lies. Life is, in fact, short, but don't short change your life.
We all have free will and the freedom to make choices. However, what gives you freedom is not the freedom to choose. It's the choices you make in freedom that determine if you'll be free. Just because you're free to make choices doesn't mean that you'll live a free life.
Some choices you make take your freedom. Maybe in your freedom you've made choices that have turned around and owned you. You may have the appearance of freedom and if you were to be measured and described by some geo-political definition you would be the most free person in the world, but you know more than anyone else how far your experience and existence is from being free.
A movie that paints a beautiful and haunting picture of where we could end up in our freedom is There Will Be Blood. It won several Academy Awards and is one of the saddest stories every told. It's sad because it's so close to reality.
Daniel Day Lewis plays a man who lives a life of greed and takes and takes and takes. The entire movie is about greed --taking what's not yours and stealing the trust of others. It clearly illustrates the corruption of the world which says it's all about my pleasure and my life and what I want and how it affects others doesn't matter. The movie starts and ends this way. It gives no glimpse of hope. It's a stark view of reality. Sometimes reality is scary.
As a Christ follower, God offers a glimpse of hope, but it's not in me. It's in Him. He promises that the "truth will set you free." Freedom doesn't make you free. Only God does. Jesus says in Matthew 16:24-26, "if anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?"
Left to our own devices, in our freedom we will lose our lives. Life is short and it's a terrible idea to destroy it. It's not about the freedom to choose because you might actually choose to give up your freedom. It's about "dying to yourself" and in your freedom, choosing to let God lead you because the Truth will set you free.
Life is not just short, it's priceless and precious. Don't destroy it. In your freedom, choose to be free.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
With glowing hearts
The countdown to the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games is underway. On February 12-28 we'll be privileged to see the world's greatest athletes compete. The Olympic Games are the biggest arena for individual heroism in sports and my heart strings are tugged every time I witness greatness on a grand scale.
The 1998 Games in Nagano are particularly meaningful to me. Many great memories took place during these two weeks. As a high school athlete, I accomplished some of the biggest goals that I had ever set. I also felt the exhilaration of a community supporting a local legend. Karyn Bye was the captain of the gold medal-winning USA women's hockey team. She was a native of River Falls and a great ambassador of sport and Olympism.
I was dealing with pressure of my own on a much smaller scale, but it was significant in my life. I was attempting to become the first undefeated four-time state champion in Wisconsin division one wrestling history. From Nagano, Karyn took the time to call me, wish me luck and remind me that all of River Falls is supporting me, too. Although she was far away winning an Olympic Gold Medal, she wasn't too busy to let me know that she was thinking of me and the greatness that I was striving for. It was a great perspective check for me and a defining moment in my life. I will forever understand the importance of "giving back" and the potential an act of simple kindness can have on someone, especially in the world of athletics.
That year, River Falls experienced a lot of great athletic feats. Small town heroes were made on a variety of levels and what took place behind the scenes is what I remember most. Obviously, the gold medal moments were significant and the Sports Illustrated recognition was special (Karyn was on the cover with an American flag draped over her shoulders and I was inside in Faces In the Crowd), however, those quaint moments that no one else was aware of are the best memories I have from February 1998.
You never know how special a small conversation can be. Karyn's call may have seemed insignificant at the time, but it had me glowing and motivated me to represent my community well. That mindset has yet to cease and when Karyn spoke greatness into my life, I made a commitment to attempt to speak greatness into the lives of others.
With glowing hearts, we'll embrace the Olympic Games and the greatness of high school athletics come tournament time. I'll watch with excitement as others reach their dreams, but I'll be looking with interest for the stories behind the scenes that make those dreams even more special.
The 1998 Games in Nagano are particularly meaningful to me. Many great memories took place during these two weeks. As a high school athlete, I accomplished some of the biggest goals that I had ever set. I also felt the exhilaration of a community supporting a local legend. Karyn Bye was the captain of the gold medal-winning USA women's hockey team. She was a native of River Falls and a great ambassador of sport and Olympism.
I was dealing with pressure of my own on a much smaller scale, but it was significant in my life. I was attempting to become the first undefeated four-time state champion in Wisconsin division one wrestling history. From Nagano, Karyn took the time to call me, wish me luck and remind me that all of River Falls is supporting me, too. Although she was far away winning an Olympic Gold Medal, she wasn't too busy to let me know that she was thinking of me and the greatness that I was striving for. It was a great perspective check for me and a defining moment in my life. I will forever understand the importance of "giving back" and the potential an act of simple kindness can have on someone, especially in the world of athletics.
That year, River Falls experienced a lot of great athletic feats. Small town heroes were made on a variety of levels and what took place behind the scenes is what I remember most. Obviously, the gold medal moments were significant and the Sports Illustrated recognition was special (Karyn was on the cover with an American flag draped over her shoulders and I was inside in Faces In the Crowd), however, those quaint moments that no one else was aware of are the best memories I have from February 1998.
You never know how special a small conversation can be. Karyn's call may have seemed insignificant at the time, but it had me glowing and motivated me to represent my community well. That mindset has yet to cease and when Karyn spoke greatness into my life, I made a commitment to attempt to speak greatness into the lives of others.
With glowing hearts, we'll embrace the Olympic Games and the greatness of high school athletics come tournament time. I'll watch with excitement as others reach their dreams, but I'll be looking with interest for the stories behind the scenes that make those dreams even more special.
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