Welcome to “Athlos” a weekly blog which examines pillars of personal excellence and regularly brings together the worlds of Christian spirituality and sport.
Elevation
“The wind of God is always blowing…but you must hoist your sail”-François Fénelon
Intuition
We’ve arrived at Week 4 of our mini-series on life-changing listening. Today, we journey across the globe to Australia and New Zealand to salute the historic achievement of the Reggae Girlz, Jamaica’s national women’s football team who made history by qualifying for the knockout phase of the Women’s World Cup 2023. The accomplishment is all the more special as it comes on the cusp of Jamaica’s Independence Day on August 6th.
French theologian François Fénelon, cited above, beautifully expresses the rhythmic dance of divine grace and human endeavour. God is perpetually ready to thrust us forward but we have to play our part. We must hoist our sail so that it can connect with the majesty of heavenly winds.
The Reggae Girlz trust themselves and understand their worth. Their historic journey has had many bumps but their intuition, insight and inner belief have driven them to new heights. Their sails have been hoisted.
I believe that it is no different when it comes to our interior lives. God delights in providing us with the tools for spiritual success as we seek intimacy with him. He is attentive to our heart’s desires and to the inner quest for meaning and purpose. We must, however, make ourselves available to him by being present and proactive. God’s wind cannot propel a sail that has not been hoisted.
Inspiration
Inspiration is a much-needed fuel today. Never, ever doubt that you can be the source.
If you were inspired by this blog, please consider sharing it with one other person today. To learn more about these and other related themes that promote the cultivation of an integrated inner self, read UNBEATABLE! which is available on Amazon in print and as an e-book.
This Post Has 4 Comments
God’s wind cannot propel a sail that has not been hoisted. So true! We hoist sail when we follow God’s plan, even if we are not in control of the direction or how God sends his wind against the sail. Commentators mentioned that the “Reggae Girls” followed their coach’s plan excellently, even though on the football field it is so easy to move from the plan, while under pressure. For me, it is often difficult to follow a plan under pressure.
Thanks for these thoughts Maxwell. So much of the idea of hoisting our sails involves trust but we can get there if we persevere.
I am very proud of our girls for reaching so far. Jamaica continues to be etched in the hearts and minds of the world. In the same way, I have to be ready to sail by doing my part. Thank you.
Thank you, Michelle. Jamaican athletes in multiple sports teach us many life lessons.