Thoughts on the HP Houston Marathon

Bob Lowry
Member of Texas Chapter ESM

At most events I attend with the Texas Chapter of Extreme Sports Missions, I try to take a few photographs.  I'm not a professional photographer by any stretch of the imagination; but sometimes I capture an image that is exactly what I am looking for....one that depicts my idea of the essence of our purpose in serving Jesus through ESM.  Occasionally I'll get a shot that really blesses me and reminds me of why I joined ESM.  Recently ESM had a HOOPLA station located at mile 20 in the 2005 HP Houston Marathon (www.hphoustonmaraton.com) .  ESM was there to lift up the name of Jesus.  Our tools consisted of our Gospel-promoting banner, the ESM T-shirts worn by our group of "HOOPLAERS", and the love of Jesus in our hearts.  We know that our all out cheering and shouts of encouragement undoubtedly were heard and appreciated by thousands of passing marathoners.  The Bible records the Apostle Paul encouraging himself and us in Philippians 4:13 with the words, "we can do all things in Christ who strengthens us”.  This sign was staged for all the runners to read as they passed.  It is our prayer that this verse caught the attention of many runners who may not have ever read it.  And to those runners who already familiar with this verse, we hope it was a reminder that Jesus and part of His body of believers were right there along side of them in their effort to complete the race.  "Therefore as we have opportunity let us do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers".  (Galatians 6:10)

I tend to take a lot of pictures.  I don't know what others see in these photos, but God uses them to remind me of his purpose for ESM, and what my motivation should be in trying to serve the people who participate in extreme sports.  When I looked at the photos taken that day, the Lord kept guiding me back to two shots.  As I dwelt on these two, the Lord began to impress upon me that they represent important principles in our Christian lives and ESM's mission.  (You can check out these photos in our photo album on the Blog.)

At the anticipated time for Team X4J’s marathon athlete, Patricia Cugini, to approach our HOOPLA station, Jean Allison had completed her stretching and warm-up and was ready to spring onto the course to accompany Patricia with some step-for-step, side-by-side exhortation and encouragement.  Jean is also a distance runner for Jesus and became increasingly excited about running part of this race along side of her sister in Christ.  As Patricia approached us she looked deeply absorbed in the grueling task of pushing her body to the max; but once she spotted our station, she raised both arms and jumped and shouted with joy.  I snapped my camera just as Jean leaped out onto the course drawing another glorious shout from Patricia.  Neither of them would consider the resulting photo as a very good likeness of themselves, but we'll just blame the photographer for that.  However, what I found to be profound were the gestures their faces projected to one another.  To me, what was captured in that moment was the biblical principle that as brothers and sisters in Christ we are to always be about the business of encouraging one another.  Here was the one running after being engulfed in a battle in her mind and body for nearly two hours fighting to finish the race and not give up.  There was the other standing, rested and ready, maintaining a patient vigil on the sidelines waiting for the opportunity to join in to help and encourage her in the time of struggle.  Immense joy radiated from their faces.  It didn't seem to matter which one needed the encouragement.  They were now running the race together just as the Bible tells us to, "Encourage one another and build each other up."  (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

The other photo epitomizes one of ESM's most powerful tools... our banner with the name of Jesus in big, bold letters.  The photo is not of the banner itself, but it is shot of five runners simultaneously casting their glances toward that Name above all Names.  The five looked as though they could have come from very different walks of life, but here they were engaging in a common struggle... to finish the race.  I wondered what had been going through each of their minds here at mile twenty.  Had they thought of slowing down or even quitting or were they keeping their focus on the finish line some 6+ miles away.  “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witness, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.   Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith…”  (Hebrews 12:1-2a)  Surely our cheering had caught their attention, but I'm certain from where I was standing that the sight of the Name of Jesus on our banner pulled their focus beyond us.  Jesus said, "But I, when lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself."  (John 12:32)   They were momentarily distracted from their concentration on the race as their eyes strained to focus on Jesus’ name.  I wondered what the name of Jesus meant to them, or if it meant anything at all to them before now.   Perhaps they already knew Him?  "For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life."  (John 6:40)   Was Jesus asking at that moment the question he had asked Peter, "But what about you?  Who do you say I am?"  (Luke 9:20)  Was there any response from these five?  We hope so.  We know that no one can look upon the name of Jesus and not make some kind of a decision in their mind and heart.  That is why the banner of Jesus goes with ESM wherever we serve.

All who competed in the HP Houston Marathon had a goal to complete the race.   We should pray that all participating in extreme sports would make heaven their greatest goal in life.  "Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.  They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever." (1 Corinthians 9:25)

Comments

[Servant4Him]

This was one of the most awesome ESM blogs that I have read. It was a blessing to read. I am so excited that ESM could be a part of this big event and that people did see the Name Above All Names - Jesus!

[Billy Walter]

you suck

[Bob Lowry]

For Billy W., Glad that you are reading the blog. Presumably you participate in one or more extreme sports, which means you one of those ESM serves in the name of Jesus. Let us know if you ever have a legitimate need that we can help you with.