A strange new sporting phenomenon has arisen in recent years wherein two opposing men square off across a table to engage in open-handed slap competitions. They take turns slapping each another in the face until one either yields or gets knocked out. It is a bizarre, unsettling sport to watch, but it can speak to … Continue reading Slapped silly
Category: defeat
A total loss of heart
“I felt moments away from a total loss of heart.” Can you relate to these words? John Eldredge wrote them in his book, Waking the Dead, but you or I could have written them just as easily. Feel their weight again: “I felt moments away from a total loss of heart.” It’s funny how these … Continue reading A total loss of heart
Weary yet pursuing
“So where you on the Richter scale, babe? How are you on a scale of 1 to 10?” Jessica asked me this question the other day, and it wasn’t nearly as easy to answer as it might initially sound. I had to answer it on multiple levels. I had to answer it practically. Practically, experientially, … Continue reading Weary yet pursuing
The Man in the Arena
A recurring theme in Theodore Roosevelt’s writings and speeches was “the man in the arena.” Here is one of his classic quotes about such a person—hopefully a man or a woman like you: “Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with … Continue reading The Man in the Arena
William’s 400-meter failure
During the past few months I have been volunteering as the assistant track and field coach at my daughter’s high school. I’ve loved it, and it has been the fulfillment of a dream I’ve carried ever since I first met Pat Stahl, the track and field coach who profoundly shaped my life in high school. … Continue reading William’s 400-meter failure