Hope Solo’s overcoming spirit

 

Goalkeeper Hope Solo knows how to rise above adversity. Her father abandoned the family, went to jail multiple times, lost touch with her for 10 years, and then died before he had a chance to watch her star on the U.S. national team. Never the victim, she’s the most feared goal-stealer inside the box.

In her autobiography, she states: “It’s a complicated thing, knowing how much pain my father caused in my life and the lives of others whom I love, yet still holding love for him in my heart. No matter what he did, he was my father. He helped create the person I am. He just didn’t know how to be a husband or a father or a responsible member of society.”

Focus on the good, let the bad fall by the wayside, and shut out your opponent. Hope is by no means a Christian, but she’s learned some very Christian lessons. Overcoming is the essence of Christianity.

 

The beauty of Christianity: forget the past

The beauty of Christianity is you’re never condemned to the past. The future is always bright.

No matter what failures, struggles and curses lay behind you, they ARE BEHIND YOU. God holds beautiful things ahead. The past is over and done with, forgiven and forgotten. You don’t have to repeat evil habits. People talk about moving on, but Christianity actually does it.

Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. — Phil. 3:13 NIV.

If your past ministry is one of scarcity, tomorrow will be one of prosperity. Pray to break out of the prison of sameness. When you enter your prayer closet, treasure in your heart the reality that while yesterday was ugly, tomorrow is beautiful.