The Best Grief Counselor

“He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.” Isaiah 53:3-4 ESV

In a tragic story titled “Michigan ultrarunner collapses, dies during 100-mile Colorado footrace” published over the weekend, it was reported that Michigan resident Elaine Stypula, a sixty-year-old ultrarunner, collapsed on a high mountain trail outside Silverton only three hours after the start of the Hardrock Hundred, a 102.5-mile endurance race in the southwest Colorado mountains. Authorities were alerted to a runner's collapse at 9:02 a.m. Friday, according to a press release from the San Juan County Sheriff's Office. Deputies, along with Silverton Medical Rescue personnel and a Flight For Life helicopter team responded to Gold Lake, a small body of water along the Little Giant Trail east of Silverton. Ground teams were able to drive within a quarter mile of the runner's location before hiking in. Despite intensive rescue efforts, Elaine was pronounced dead at 10:27 a.m. Race organizers expressed their sadness Friday and promised to make grief counselors available "to any and all" in the community at the Silverton Gym. 

And, you know, while grief counselors (those people trained to help individuals cope with loss and adjust to life after a significant bereavement) can most certainly help hurting people navigate their feelings of sadness, we would do well to remember that there could be no greater grief counselor than Jesus Christ. You see, the Savior was “a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” having undergone experiences beyond what a mere human could ever endure. Yet, “he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows” because He loved us enough to die for us. Which means that not only will Jesus never leave us or forsake us, but He will comfort us in ways that no one else can, helping us to make sense of the things that happen in this life and pointing us to the future that awaits every believer who remains faithful. 

So, if life has you in need of a grief counselor, look no further than Jesus Christ my friend. He is the One who sticks closer than a brother and has the credentials to counsel, console, comfort, and encourage you like no one else can. And the best part? Jesus is always available and accessible “to any and all” who call out to Him in prayer. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for being a God who can fully empathize with our grief and sorrow, having experienced it for Yourself. When we are in need of comfort Lord, help us to look to You rather than to the world. Help us to remember that we aren’t immune to the trials and troubles of the world but that we do have a Counselor to walk with us through all the trials and troubles. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

God Makes our Feet Strong

“The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. For the director of music. On my stringed instruments.” Habakkuk 3:19 NIV

In an interesting story titled “Why I’m Hanging Up My Carbon-Plate Shoes – At Least Until My Feet And Ankles Are Stronger” published by Runner’s World recently, Olympian Paula Radcliffe said on her podcast that the growing pain in her ankle during the race meant she couldn’t put her foot down by the finish line and afterwards ended up in a wheelchair. She was wearing Nike’s Alphafly 4s, the latest technology. ‘I think the super shoes were just too aggressive for my foot,’ she said… Strong feet are essential. That’s what Tony Bignell at Nike, tells Radcliffe on her podcast. “Super shoes stop your feet moving around, your metatarsals, your toes. You’re kind of put in this artificial position. So that’s great because it makes you faster, but that’s bad because eventually it makes you weaker…’ The writer of the story, who developed a rare stress fracture after wearing the super shoes exclusively, said “There’s a lot of research into how fast these shoes can make you and almost none into whether super shoes cause more injuries. Believe me, I’ve looked. In the meantime, I’m hanging up my carbon shoes – at least until my feet and ankles are a lot stronger.”

And you know, when it comes to strong feet and ankles, Habbakuk declared that the sovereign Lord was his strength and made his “feet like the feet of a deer” so that he could “tread on the heights.” No doubt, the prophet used the imagery of deer's feet to describe the sure-footedness God provides, enabling believers to run speedily, jump effortlessly, and stand firmly on high places in a way that no super shoe ever could. Furthermore, the image of a deer, known for its agility and ability to navigate challenging terrain because of the unique design of their hoofs, conveys the idea that God equips believers to stand firm in the face of trials and to easily scale the walls of opposition.  

So, when it comes to your spiritual race, don’t look for a super shoe to make you fast my friend. Look to the Lord to make you strong, agile, and swift instead. Doing so will allow you to travel the road ahead of you and reach the finish line injury free.

Heavenly Father, thank You for making our feet like deer that we might have the confidence to stand steady on shaky ground and to overcome the difficult terrain that comes with being a follower of You. Help us to boldly go wherever it is you’ve called us to go Lord, knowing that You have equipped us for every good work. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Pursue Work that Means Something

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 NKJV

In a story titled “York County runner set to compete on international stage with her four-legged best friend” published by Fox43 News earlier this week, it was reported that Angela Coco and her dog, Abby, are set to compete for Team USA at the 2025 Canicross World Championships in October. Coco and Abby's journey to the international stage began just over two years ago, when they first discovered and set their sights on the international competition that includes the emerging sport of Canicross in their list of events. After months of training and racing, Coco built up a resume that got her selected for the national team, who she will be heading to the world competition with. "I started out doing Canicross with [Abby] for fun, because she was my running buddy. We found an activity [we] both liked, then, once I qualified for Continentals last year, I got really aggressive, started training super hard, and now we made it to Worlds," said Coco. "I first found out about it two and a half years ago. I never knew it was a thing. So, since then, I've been fighting for it, and we got it. It was incredibly exciting and validating, because all the hard work we did meant something."

And, you know, when it comes to putting forth hard work that means something, Paul was very clear that “the work of the Lord” is never done “in vain.” In fact, our labor for the Lord is not only not in vain but it has eternal value as compared to so much of our life’s work that will cease to have meaning in years, days, or even minutes. Which is the very reason we are commanded to "be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” In other words, we are to remain fully committed to the Word, unwilling to compromise on the Word to fit into present culture, and found preaching the Word at every opportunity— completely exhausting the time, talents, and riches God has given us in service to Him, working to store up our treasures in heaven rather than on earth no matter what trials, troubles, or hardships we might face in doing so. 

So, knowing that only what we do for Christ will last into eternity, let us be “abounding in the work of the Lord” my friend. Let us make knowing Christ and making His great Name known our chief mission so that our hard will have meant something when we leave this world. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that only what we do for You will have any lasting value. Help us to truly understand this Lord that we might not chase after fame and fortune at the expense of winning souls, knowing that to be known by You is better than to be known by the world. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Make the Choice to Do Better to Be Better

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about motivation (after all that's what we do here right?). But first, let's take a look at the meaning of the word as defined by Psychology Today: Motivation is the desire to act in service of a goal. It's the crucial element in setting and attaining our objectives. Motivation is one of the driving forces behind human behavior. It fuels competition and sparks social connection. Its absence can lead to mental illnesses such as depression.

Based on that definition, you can see why it's important to not only gain this priceless personality attribute that will get you to the finish line, but to keep it at all costs. This was something that was on my mind as I read a post yesterday put out by my dear friend Nadine Albrecht, who is one of the most motivated and motivating people that I've ever had the blessing of meeting. But even Nadine has her moments as captured in her post... 

"Had zero motivation/desire to get any movement in. I thought about counting the volunteering I did with my husband at the Senior Center today, but my conscience knew better.

I was going to go to the gym this afternoon but instead I sat in the recliner until it was too late. I was gonna just accept that I wasn’t going to do a workout but again…that nagging conscience.

I changed and laced up my running shoes and headed out. It was a little humid and the gnats were obnoxious but as I was on my way back home I came upon the spot that pushed me to get my crap together 4 years ago.

I couldn’t walk a quarter mile before calling my husband to come get me. I was comfortable being uncomfortable and unhealthy. I used to justify being that way because I was always busy doing something and I was able to get things done… but, if I’m being honest, it was a struggle and I paid for it.

I’m grateful for the nagging conscience because I’ve made the decision that I’m not going back to that person. I may have to adapt things at times but I know better now and I will do better!

So 4 miles done…slow and sweaty but I’m grateful for the ability to do it!"

So where did Nadine's seemingly newfound motivation come from? It came from within. It came from remembering where she started from (see the above photo) and the decision she made four years ago (and one she continues to make day after day) to "do better" even if that means having to "adapt things at times." On a side note, did you notice the gratitude that Nadine expressed? She acknowledged that the 4 miles were not completed under ideal circumstances... they were slow and sweaty... BUT, she chose to be grateful for the ability to complete the distance no matter what. This feeling of accomplishment will serve to motivate her the next time she needs some newfound motivation! Amazing how that works isn't it? We do something we don't feel like doing, we then express gratitude for it, and it serve as a springboard to continue doing better!!!

So, with the start of "official" Bass Pro Marathon/Half Training starting this Saturday with the Recycle Run, I hope you’ll make the decision to get motivated and to stay motivated. And remember... there will be times when you'll have to adapt, times when you'll have to complete your workouts in less than ideal conditions, and times when you'd rather be sitting in the recliner. But by making the choice now to "do better" so you can "be better" each and every day (and to be grateful for every step forward), you'll have that springboard that will propel you to complete the training so you'll be ready to step up to the start line this fall. I hope to see you there! Happy Running!

Jesus Broke the Barrier

“For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,” Ephesians 2:14 NIV

In a story titled “Beatrice Chebet Goes Sub-14 and Takes Down the 5K World Record” published by Runner’s World over the weekend, it was reported that Chebet averaged just under 4:30 mile pace to break the world record by two seconds… In addition to becoming the first woman to run under 14:00 on the track, Chebet has also broken the barrier on the roads. On New Year’s Eve in 2024, she ran 13:54 at the Cursa dels Nassos road race in Barcelona, Spain. Chebet’s resume is one of the most impressive in track and field. At the Paris Olympics last summer, she won gold in the 5,000 and 10,000 meters, and she also owns the world record in the 10,000 meters, 28:54.14, which she set at Prefontaine last May. Wow right? 

And, you know, when it comes to breaking barriers, the Bible tell us that Jesus broke down “the dividing wall of hostility” between the Jews and the Gentiles by His outpouring of blood on the cross, thereby making “the two groups one.” You see, Jesus doesn’t simply give us peace but Jesus is our peace. Which means the work of Jesus on the cross “destroyed the barrier” between Jew and Gentile and set them on common ground as equals, at peace with God. Hence the reason Paul wrote “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” 

So, knowing that Jesus “destroyed the barrier” among believers, don’t put any walls back up my friend. Regardless of race, gender, or social standing, we are all one in the body of Christ and must treat one another that way if we are to model Jesus’ example of peace to the world. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that believers are one in the body of Christ. In light of that Lord, help us to not make any distinctions or divisions among us that we might be seen as a unified family, connected by our love of You. In your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

God Restores Like Cool Wind on a Hot Day

“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,” Acts 3:19 NKJV

After finishing up round 11 yesterday morning (out of 12) of the 4x4x48 event (aka the Goggins Challenge) that has become an annual 4th of July weekend charity event, I began to yearn longingly to be home in the coolness of the air conditioning. Not only had I already completed 44 miles over a period of 40-plus hours, but had done so in the intense heat and humidity of July (running four miles every four hours) on a hot high school track—all while camping on-site with my husband for the duration of the endurance run. To say I was being drained (as were the other participants) by the sultry conditions (and the sleep deprivation) would be an understatement. So you can imagine that my friends and I viewed what happened just minutes before it was time to set out for our final four-mile run, as a gift from God, Himself. As we prepared to start, we smiled as we felt a cool wind begin to blow and felt the refreshing of the gentle rain that soon accompanied it—wind and rain that cooled the air and stayed with us until every runner was done. Is God good or what? 

And, you know, when it comes to “times of refreshing” that come from the presence of the Lord, the Bible tells us that when a person repents of their sin and turns to God, they are converted into a new creation.  This conversion, according to the Amplified Bible, brings refreshing and restoration from the Lord that’s like “a cool wind on a hot day.” Think about it this way, sin not only drains us in the same way prolonged intense heat does, but it creates a chasm between us and God that leaves us wearied, depleted, lonely, worn-out, overheated, weak, and tired. The good part though is this… when we turn from our sin and run back to God, the Lord restores us like a cool wind on a hot day. 

So, if you’ve strayed from the course, and find that you’re exhausted and fatigued by the sin in your life, take heart my friend. The Lord blots out the sin of all those who turn to Him and bestows on them the times of refreshing they so desperately yearn for. Run to Him and be restored. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for promising to restore and refresh all those who turn to You. Lord, in a world filled with weary and worn-out people, help us to spread the message that there is hope for a new life in Jesus. Thank You for being the God who saves all those who call upon Him.  It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Let us Celebrate the Freedom Christ Provided

"For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1

With Independence Day upon us, you might be noticing the many flags on display as you head out for your morning run. And if you've chosen, like many other runners, to participate in a 4th of July race, you might even see runners wearing red, white and blue while carrying it. You could safely say then that most Americans are still pretty proud of that 'ole flag'. I know I am! And with good reason. You see, 'Old Glory' represents the day our country's founders declared independence from Great Britain. Did you know, though, that each part of the flag stands for something? The 50 stars stand for the 50 states and the 13 stripes stand for the 13 British colonies which declared their independence on July 4, 1776. The colors also stand for something. The white vertical stripes signify purity and innocence, the red hardiness and valour and the blue signify vigilance, perseverance and justice. 

Speaking of flags, there is another flag that should be displayed with pride too… the Christian flag. You see, this flag represents the day believers were granted the greatest freedom of all... deliverance from the power of sin. The shade of red on the cross symbolizes the blood that Jesus shed on Calvary. The blue canton represents the waters of baptism as well as the faithfulness of Jesus, and the white represents Jesus' purity. Regardless of their differences in appearance though, these flags together serve as a reminder that we are “One Nation Under God,” and a country that’s been blessed by the Creator Himself. 

So, in the words of John Adams (a signer of the Declaration of Independence) as penned in a letter to his wife 250 years ago, let us commemorate this day “as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty” and let us solemnize the day “with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore.” And might I add… let us go for a run (or walk) as we count our blessings and thank our God for allowing us to live in the greatest country on earth. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for setting us free from the yoke of slavery and the bonds of tyranny. My solemn prayer is that this country would celebrate our freedom every day with solemn acts of devotion to you, the great God Almighty. Help us to be united as “one nation, under God" as we wave our white flags in total surrender to You, Lord. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!