How ’Bout Them Racers?

The people who walk beside us help shape who we become.

Verse: “Walk with the wise and become wise.” (Proverbs 13:20)

This past weekend, I traveled to Kentucky to celebrate a special milestone: my nephew’s induction into the Sports Hall of Fame at Murray State University. The ceremony honored athletes from baseball, softball, football, volleyball, track and field, rifle, and basketball. The accomplishments were impressive, but what stayed with me most weren’t the statistics—it was the stories.

Every honoree shared how choosing to attend Murray State (home of the Racers) changed the trajectory of their lives. They spoke with deep gratitude for the people who shaped them: coaches who pushed them, family members who supported them, staff who guided them, and teammates—even rivals—who challenged them to grow. Their reflections brought Proverbs 27:17 to mind: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

As I listened, I couldn’t help but think about the Christian journey. Just as these athletes made a life-altering decision to become a Racer, we experience our own transformation when we choose to follow Jesus. Scripture reminds us in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that “if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here!” When we commit to “playing” for Team Jesus, our lives begin to change under His leadership.

And just like those athletes, none of us arrived where we are spiritually on our own. Each of us has people who prayed for us, encouraged us, taught us, or nudged us toward faith. Hebrews 12:1 paints this picture beautifully: “We are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses.” Our mentors, parents, pastors, teachers, and friends are part of that cloud—cheering us on and helping us grow.

We may never give an induction speech, but taking time to remember the people who shaped our spiritual lives is a powerful practice. Paul modeled this kind of gratitude when he wrote in Philippians 1:3, “I thank my God every time I remember you.”

So here’s a challenge for the week: since the year is still young, consider adding one more resolution. Reach out to someone who has influenced your faith—a mentor, a leader, a friend—and offer them a heartfelt thank you. You never know how much it might mean.

Have a GREAT week!

Adapted from Lead with Faith, Play with Purpose by Andy Dooley