Lance Armstrong

----- Original Message -----
From: "Forthright Magazine" <forthrightmag@fastmail.fm>
Lance Armstrong can truthfully be described as "a
legend in his own time." He is currently engaged in the
Tour de France, a bicycle race that covers a 2,200 mile
route throughout France and bordering countries.

The race would be hard if the course was flat, but much
of the course goes through the Alps. This is not a race
for weekend bikers.

At age 38, Armstrong has been described as a Methuselah
in the sport. When you recall his health crisis from
1996, the amazement factor increases.

Given little chance to survive his cancer, Armstrong
not only overcame the illness but went on to win seven
consecutive titles in the Tour de France, a feat never
before reached.

Last year he came out of a three-year retirement and
finished third in the event. Writers have exhausted
the superlatives to describe this man and his
accomplishments.

Perhaps Armstrong's most impressive feat is the
establishment of the LiveStrong Foundation. Founded in
1997, the organization provides support for people who
have been diagnosed with cancer.

Last year alone his efforts in the Tour de France
raised $50 million for this cause. Most recognizable
are the yellow armbands with the word "LiveStrong."
Seventy million have been purchased by people on every
continent (except Antarctica).

Rewind to 1996. Who would have blamed Lance if he had
decided to give up his dream upon hearing the bleak
prognosis he was given? Instead, he chose to live
strong.

Christians are challenged to live strong. "Therefore
strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble
knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that
what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be
healed" (Hebrews 12:12,13, NKJV).

Sometimes we're the ones giving strength to others. At
other times we're the ones in need. But strength is the
key to surviving our race.

Paul also sounded the call: "Finally, my brethren, be
strong in the Lord and in the power of his might"
(Ephesians 6:10).

Without strength we'll fall by the wayside. We'll
conclude that the mountain before us is greater than
our ability. In saying such things we forget that it
is God's might that strengthens us.

Like Armstrong, we're in a race. After pointing to
people of faith who have gone before, the writer of
Hebrews 12:1,2 gave this exhortation:

"...let us lay aside every weight, and the
sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us
run with patience the race that is set
before us, looking unto Jesus, the author
and finisher of our faith..."

To keep the strength flowing as you run, don't look at
the mountain ahead. Look to the one who gave his life
for the opportunity you now enjoy.

Tim Hall