I remember seeing the signs for Jim Thorpe growing up in Pennsylvania. I remember driving passed the town named after him many times as a girl. But it wasn’t until I was older that I realized who he was – or what he did.
If you look closely at the photo, you will notice that Jim is wearing two different socks and shoes. I know today, our kids included, like to wear different pairs of socks – because it’s a cool and fun thing to do. But for Jim, he wasn’t making a fashion statement or setting a new trend here, he was fulfilling.
Jim was an American Indian from Oklahoma and he represented the United States of America in the 1912 Olympics. On the morning of his competitions, his shoes were stolen.
Story is told, it was either Jim or his coach ended up finding replacement shoes by rooting through a garbage can – the same ones you see him wearing in this picture. They weren’t a perfect fit; in fact, they were two different shoes and one of them was too big in size. To ensure a better “fit” Jim wore an extra sock on that foot with the ‘big’ shoe.
Jim competed as planned. Wearing the garaged found shoes, an extra sock and representing the United States of America. Jim won two gold medals that day in 1912.
I can think a several reason why Jim could have handed in the towel that day, some were very personal. I can’t help but think many of us, if placed in his shoes, would have pretty quickly given up, but Jim didn’t.
- What an example of staying the course.
- What an example of actively running the race that is set before him.
- What an example of not giving into the excuse’s life handed him that day. Life sometimes throws you lemons, doesn’t it? Life isn’t always fair. Life can be glorious. Life can hurt. Life “steals” your shoes sometimes, doesn’t it?
Jim didn’t resign to the excuse of “I have no shoes.” No, instead Jim said, “I have a race to run.” There was no option – he found shoes.
Jim lived proactive: the results:
- Jim raced.
- Jim won 2 gold medals.
How about you? How are you running your race of life?
- Don’t let your “stolen shoes” stop you from running the race the Lord has set before you.
- Only you can run the race He has set before you – because there is only one you!
- If you don’t fulfill it, no one will.
Jim fulfilled his that day. Will you fulfill yours today?
Read with me in Hebrews,
“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” Hebrews 12:1-3.
I don’t know who was Jim’s example, but I do know who needs to for us.
Paul wrote, “…But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” Philippians 3:13-14.
Is Jesus your example?
Life “steals” your shoes sometimes, but Jesus is the life-giver. Which one will you put your stock in?
Run for Christ! Run.
In Christ I am SHE {Saved. Hopeful. Empowered.}
In Christ I am SHE 