LiveStrong Faith: Lance Armstong's rebirth, and Jesus the Cure for Sin

LiveSTRONG Faith by Ben King, http://tailwind89.wordpress.com, reprinted by permission)

*Publisher's note: Ben King is the reigning U.S.Road Race Cycling Champion.  This blog is printed here with his permission.  Please pray for Ben as a neo-pro with Team Radio Shack for the 2011 season.  Below he captures the essence of Lance Armstong's work as an evangelist for a cure for cancer and inspiration to patients and survivors, AND Jesus as the cure for the disease of sin.

By Ben King

The pitiful thing is that over the past twenty days I had been grooming those few nasty hairs sprouting on my upper lip in a shabby excuse for a mustache. As trashy as it was, I wouldn’t shave. It symbolized hope. Besides, I was only a few hairs short of Lance Armstrong who was also sporting a scraggly ‘stache to raise cancer awareness as part of Movember’s campain. It is the same reason that dozens of burly NFL players had dressed in pink the previous month. When I was young I lost my grandfather to cancer, but a routine physical checkup never ended with the life shattering news that my time may be up. As a member of the Trek-LIVESTRONG cycling team, however, part of my job description is to “proudly wear the LIVESTRONG brand, helping to spread awareness for the global cancer fight.” It seemed appropriate to state in my bio that I was “most excited” to represent the cause, but could I define the cause? It became my priority to develop a personal understanding of the value of LIVESTRONG’s mission throughout the season. The exploration drew remarkable parallels to my understanding of the Christian mission.

During my freshman biology teacher’s lecture, dread and righteous hatred throbbed in my throat as she described the way cancer invades, perverts, and kills. My first impression of this inner decay was “it is the epitome of evil.” Malignant cancer is the perfect synonym for sin. Although it may spread slowly, once the disease occurs, it remains. Exercise and diet may slow it down but neither will remove the disease. In the same way good deeds cannot dispose of the sin in a life. Once you have sinned, you are a sinner. Once you have cancer, you are sick. It is a condition that cannot be bartered with. It’s not fair, and its the meanest thing on earth. Give a patient a knife, point out the tumor, and he is still helpless to cure himself. The chilling truth is that millions are benighted or live in denial of these death waging dooms. Like a redeemed sinner, Lance reacted to his rebirth into life after cancer by reaching out to those affected by the disease through creation of the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

LIVESTRONG employees go about their work with a religious fervor. Because these are faith comparisons, do not get the idea that they go about judging the cancerous, beating medical texts, or any other negative religious stereotype. For a people in supposed celebration of hope this hypocrisy would be revolting. What I mean is that they race to work, smiling and eager to provide hope and promote the LIVESTRONG brand. Lance is a passionate anti-cancer evangelical. In conjunction with his dramatic 2009 cycling comeback, Lance set out to make LIVESTRONG disciples of all nations through his global cancer campaign. Beginning in Mexico with our Trek-LiveSTRONG U23 team, Lance raced around the world gathering pledges from dozens of world leaders to commit to fighting cancer. He preaches beside his LIVESTRONG saints believing that awareness will inspire life saving action.

The next time I saw Lance was post Tour de France in Aspen, Colorado. We rolled along a bike path bordering a crystal river between snowcapped mountains, and I wished we were fishing instead of training. Stroller pushing jogger moms did double takes as Lance greeted each of them sprightly. I commented that because he didn’t win the Tour de France the media hype surrounding his comeback must have focused the spotlight on his cause rather than his athleticism. He bobbed up and down on his pedals as we skirted a rock wall, “you know, that’s exactly it. I mean, I didn’t try not to win, but this comeback has done so much good for LIVESTRONG, and I’m having as much fun on the bike as ever.” Lance did not allow his pride to prevent him from his most important objective, and he knew exactly where to point the attention.

Jesus, facing a radically divergent defeat, had been thrashed to pieces and as the blood drained from his wounds and the spit dried on his face and the nails tacked him up to expire and rot in public view, “the people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, ‘He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.”’ (Luke 23:35) Instead of shaming them with one more miracle, Jesus prayed, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:32) In surrendering Himself, he fulfilled his mission providing a cure for sin. Sin upset the perfect equilibrium of God’s creation, and like cancer sin causes death. Since God’s “cause” is to know, love, and be loved, He performed this mystical blood transfusion as a blameless sacrifice to restore our spiritual health. LiveSTRONG and Christ exist for hope of life in the face of death. LiveSTRONG is a church for those affected by cancer.

A boy with pale freckled skin and creamy orange hair stood beside our deliciously decorated dinner table. “Who asked this question?” Lance asked. Doug Ulman, president of Livestrong, had selected it from a bin of submissions as the last to be addressed during the Ride for the Roses awards banquet. The fragile looking boy had already been identified as a cancer survivor. His awkward stance and downward gaze seemed almost abashed of his condition, yet his participation displayed vast appreciation and humility. Lance continued, “The question is: What do you think about while you ride?” His answer was less practiced than others he had given that night, and he hesitated searching himself for the answer. “The road, my schedule, family, my new son,” are among the things he ponders during those therapeutic hours in the saddle, “-but I also think about you.” The boy’s mother choked on her Adam’s apple and a hot stream of tears escaped her eyelids. As our director Axel Merckx says, “Lance is much much more than a sports figure. He is an inspiration.” Inspiration of real hope. Hope that is represented by the LIVESTRONG cause.

What One Couple Can Do, Another Can Do

She'd been angry most of their marriage, and he'd been morose.  Both had good reason for their emotions from life before they met each other, but they'd accrued their own history through their own interactions.  It was a caustic combination, and a post-mortem on their marriage would show that it had been ready to blow for a long time.  In August 2003, Sharon had had enough.  She asked Richard to get out of the house.  He obliged, understanding that compliance with his wife's demand was his only choice if their marriage was to have any chance.

An incredible saga ensued.  I know, because I was their counselor and eventually their marriage coach.  They warned that they might be one of the most difficult cases I'd ever seen.  They were right.

But even though death knocked at the door of their marriage throughout their 16 month separation, it didn't die.  Why not?

Sharon desperately and stubbornly pursued God. She wanted to obey Him more than she wanted her out of her painful marriage.  She persisted through intensive Bible studies, Prayer, Christian Counseling and godly friendships. 

Richard was fueled by a strong conviction about something Jesus said, “Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate,” (Mark 10:9) so he stubbornly refused to be a party to any voluntary dissolution to his marriage. He too spent much time in Bible study and pursued God through worship, prayer, counseling, scripture and more.

Janurary 1, 2005 is an unforgettable day for Rich, Sharon, their kids and those who love them.  About 200 of their friends, family and Church gathered for their reconciliation ceremony.  It was a lovely and exhilarating time of worship, prayer, renewal of vows, and even repentance by all for periods of unbelief in the miracle that this incredible couple pursued. Later this month they will celebrate their Silver Anniversary!

The point?  What one couple can do, another can do.

It get's better.  The rest of the story is that the Wildman's now minister to couples around the world through the ministry God birthed through their reconciliation.  It is appropriately titled, Stubborn Pursuits, and you can find them through their website, www.stubbornpursuits.wordpress.com.

This is the first of the multitude of stories we believe that God is going to share through Transformational Publishing.  What's your story, or a story you've been a part of?  Remember, releasing such stories into the lives of other's may be the inspiration needed for them to faith for the transforming miracle they're hoping for.

God bless,
Jeff Williams, Founder

What to Write

What to write?  Write what you know about, what you've lived and experienced, what you're passionate about, that which can help others as you have been helped.

The economy of the Kingdom of God is about paying it forward...giving to others from what God has given to us.  Interestingly, this is also the best way to retain what you've received. It keeps you fresh and grateful, and provides built-in accountability to practice  what you are preaching to others. For example, the married couple that struggled in the past to save their marriage is reminded of the heart and skills they need to use to stay healthy as they teach the same to others.


Do you think that you don't have anything new to say; that the story of what God has done in you isn't unique, fresh or compelling?  Let Him and others be the judge of that.  Even if your story of transformation is similar to the story of others, it is unique because you are unique, and the way you tell it will be unique.  And the way others hear it will be unique.  Write in faith, dispense what you've written (on this website, on your website, your own blog, a self-published book, etc.) and wait for a grateful reader to surface.  Trust that there is at least one person out there that needs to hear your story (i.e., the story of what God has done in your life), to inspire and equip them to cooperate with His plan to transform their life!

Does the mountain look too big to ascend? Does the elephant look to big to eat?  You've heard the answer to both: "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" - Confucius.  And an elephant is eaten one bite at a time.

Trust that I'm not lauding myself with the following example, but rather making an attempt to bridge you from thinking about writing to writing.

My reluctant journey to accept the identity of writer by actually writing with purpose was two years.  It began with motivation to be helpful to others.  It began simply as an act of faith that God would call my mind to something helpful when I opened my laptop.  Miracle of miracles, He brought things to mind day after day.  Eighteen months later I'd logged 5 days/week , writing about 350-700 words per entry. No one was more surprised than me. I didn't know how much I had to say; rather, I didn't have any idea that He wanted to say so much through me.


So there's the challenge.  Steward today by sitting down to a blank page to pray, "What would you have me say?"  Often He will have already brought a person or a group to mind.  He's had me write to married couples in crisis and pain, and so I write as if speaking to them.  An effective question that has helped to develop many an outline has been this, "If I have only one opportunity to speak to this person/group, what must be said to inspire and equip them?"

What's your story?  Recovery from hopelessness in a relationship? Survival of teen pregnancy? Recovery from drug addiction? Overcoming a debilitating mental or emotional illness? Successful negotiation of extended family conflict? Adjustment to a cross-cultural ministry setting? And on, and on it goes.  The content it is possible to write about includes all of life!

What to write about?  Write about what you know that might be helpful to people God brings to mind or across your path.  And never, never, never underestimate the potency of the uniqueness of your story, and the unique way that He inspires you to tell it.


Ok, now go open a blank Word document, and pray for inspiration.

God bless, Jeff

How to Write

How to write?  Write passionately, from the heart, as if you are delivering a baby. "Just get that baby out"

David Yeazell gave me the best single piece of advice about writing, "When a woman is giving birth she isn't concerned about the baby being all cleaned up for presentation to the family, right?  What is she focused on?  Just getting the baby out.  That's how it works best when you have something to say, just get it out.  Don't worry about cleaning up grammar, punctuation, or even making sure that all of your sentences make sense or paragraphs are tight and succinct...just get the baby out."

The second best piece of advice was also from David, and is related to the first, "Go where your heart is when you write.  You might start in the middle of the book, or the end.  Go where your focus is and write where there is energy.  Don't force yourself to write in sequence from the introduction to the final summary...just get it out.  You can organize and fill in later.  Trust that what is in your heart and mind has  been put there by God, just get it out as it comes to you.  Edit, sequence and organize later."

The most common barrier to writing that I've heard is, "I don't know where to start."  David's advice answers that question.  Start by getting out whatever is in your mind and heart, today.  Trust that the rest will come.  It's like building a puzzle.  If when you look at the pieces scattered on the floor in front of you, there are several that are easy to fit together, go ahead and put them together, and go from there. 

How to write?  Write with passion, from your heart, with little concern about cleaning your baby up as it comes out.  There's time for that later.  The most important thing is to get it out.  You can clean it up at leisure later, (or better, have someone help you).

Let's review: 
Why write? - For others
When? - During "best-energy" times of your day
Where? - Wherever you are when God gives you a download, AND wherever you are comfortable/focused.
How? - With passion, and lack of concern about making it perfect while you are getting it out.

Next week is WHAT to write. "You mean I have something to say that others might want/need to hear?"

Blessings, Jeff

Where to Write

"You're getting an idea of something to write about, aren't you?  I know that faraway look in your eyes, and the telltale sign is reaching for a scrap of paper, a napkin, etc....now I know what it's like to live with a composer or some other kind of artist", Jill said.

Where to write?  Answer #1 is: Wherever you are when you get a divine download about something that needs to be shared with others.  Steward what God is giving you by making notes to remind.  Sometimes it's a phrase or two, or several bullet points.  I've stopped on my bike to pull out my phone to type a note, or to record the thoughts.  The idea is to make notes that you can use later to more fully develop your thoughts.

Answer #2 - Wherever you are comfortable and most productive.  My two favorite and best places are the love-seat in our piano room or the back porch; laptop on my lap, and feet propped up.  No one in the room, as quiet as possible, with a view of woods, trees, or some other natural landscape to ponder while sewing thoughts together into paragraphs and paragraphs into pages.

A comfortable and private place lends to the discipline of writing, which is making the choice to put yourself in a position to download or develop divine downloads for others.  After all, that is the purpose of writing, the good of others (i.e., inspiration, instruction, equipping, etc.).

How's it going?  Where will you write? 

When to Write

"When do you have time to write all this stuff?"  It's the most common question from readers and aspiring authors.  They realize from their own experience that writing is hard and takes time.  The answer to their question is, "When you make the time."

Once you are convicted that God has given you something to say, and you become convinced that is essential to put it into written words to archive it for others making time is fairly easy; well, at least there is adequate motivation to make time to express your mind and heart through the written word.

My best time for writing is in early in the morning when my energy is high and my mind is fresh.  Mid to late afternoon works well too.  Often by then I've accrued some reflections about a topic, and feel ready to put the pen to the page (fingers on the keyboard, but pen to the page sounds more poetic, :).  When is your mind most clear and creative?  When is your high energy period of the day?

The bottom line is that if God has given you something to say that it will require time and energy to say it.  Start small to develop the habit of writing as a discipline in your life.  Set aside 30 minutes to sit at your keyboard every day, or 5 days/week, or 3 days/week...whatever.  Just do it.  Get started.  See what God does during that time; what He inspires you to put on the page.  Go where your heart is at the moment. As you write, day after day, the message you've been given will take shape.  Sentences form paragraphs, and paragraphs form articles or chapters.  Develop one thought at a time, one after the other, expressing what is in your heart for that writing period. 

When to write?  Whenever you set aside best energy time to write.  Now, writing on deadline is a different story, because you might have to keep writing into periods of the day that you aren't at your best.  When this happens, take breaks.  Change the channel, as Tony Schwartz instructs in his book, "The Power of Full Engagement".  After 45 minutes to 75 minutes, get up, take a break, get something to eat, exercise, read something else, etc.; whatever rejuvenates you.  Then, if you still need to get something out per a self-imposed or external deadline, you'll be able to keep going for another period. 

When to write? Today.  In faith, make the time, then ask God to give you the words that He wants others to hear.

I'm looking forward to reading what He gives you to say!

Jeff

Why Write?

Three friends called on three consecutive days with the same message, "You need to write, Jeff."  What was happening?  My work as a traveling salesman for a national association wasn't very satisfying at the time, and I was searching for direction.  Little did I know that guidance would come in a series of three brief phone calls from three friends who didn't know each other. The last one was the most memorable and compelling. 

Bill's voice was unmistakable due to his Jersey accent, "You need to write young man." Bill (Dr. Secor) was one of my graduate school professors.  His advice had always been on the mark, so I paid attention,  "I don't get it, sir.  I love books and respect books. There's nothing new to say!" I protested.  "Well, I don't agree with that, but let's suppose there isn't.  Still the way you say things is unique. So, if you say old things in a new way, it might be for someone that needs to hear it that way."  Hmm, he had me.  Writing for the good of others, not fame of money could compel me to write.  Still it was another year before I actively began stewarding what I'd learned by penning it for posterity.  It would take another "intervention" from a different group of friends to activate me.

"You need to write, Jeff" six friends almost said in unison one summer evening on our back deck.  "Your writing, even inspiring emails have helped us in our relationships (i.e., marriages), and with God. You've been given a gift, and you need to use it for others."  "That does it" I thought.  I need to pay attention.  "Okay" I said.  I will.  The rest, as they say, is history.

In faith, I began writing a daily devotional for these six friends.  Five days a week I invested 45-90 minutes on average in reflection, prayer, writing and re-writing of messages for these friends.  Eventually the distribution list grew to about 400 people scattered around the globe.  Prisoners, pastors, pro athletes and soldiers were among the readers.  No one was more surprised by how God was using these words than me. The endeavor lasted for 18 months and generated almost five books of content.  Eventually my childhood pastor insisted on sponsoring the self-publishing costs for book #1, "These need to be read by others" he declared as he handed me the four figure check.  Surreal.

Now, almost weekly, I either receive an email or run into someone who quotes something from the book. It's stunning that the words written in obedience to the mandate of friends, family and mentors have inspired, encouraged and equipped others, but then again, it's not. Writing is one of the most powerful methods God has used to reveal Himself to humanity.  Think about the Holy Bible.  Words written by men many centuries ago come to life on a daily basis in the lives of millions of people around the world.  Innumerable books have been written about that book, and quotes from it appear in innumerable other books.  And the impact of the stories, principles and commands contained therein is incredible.  It is the book that changes lives.

Why write? I write because it is a way to participate in God's divine plan to inspire and equip people for the life He created us to live; full life, abundant life, purposeful life.  While the enemy seeks to kill and destroy, He wills us to live abundantly purposeful and meaningful lives. 

YOU NEED TO WRITE!  Does this sound familiar?  How did you discover that God wants you to steward your life for others and to pen it for posterity?  How has He already used it?  What else does He want you to say?

Next week I'll write about when to write followed by where, what and how.  By the way, I'd love to read what you've written, and perhaps help it to be read.  Perhaps we could help each other, and thereby help many others....Perhaps you have written something that you would like to share; an inspiring story, something you've learned.  Perhaps we could publish it here?

Blessings, Jeff