SPORTS March 26, 2007 Issue

WHAT REALLY KEPT ME GOING

HOLLY HUFF BRULAND

I recently heard a panel of sports announcers discuss the phenomena of underperformance and overperformance. They were trying to pinpoint the reasons why some athletic teams with great physical talent don't fulfill their potential, while other teams considered to have less talent exceed expectations. The announcers agreed that the leading reason is what they called "the mental game."

I've found that relying on prayer, rather than on my own mental determination, helps me perform as an athlete. When preparing for an athletic event, I've often pondered a Bible story that ranks as one of the greatest overperformances in history: David's defeat of Goliath. How did a teenager who didn't exactly have all the trappings of an expert fighter muster the confidence to volunteer for combat with an infamous warrior? And, why did he choose to go into battle with a slingshot and five stones, rather than the king's sword and suit of armor?

I like to think those five smooth stones symbolize the precise spiritual truths that keep us spiritually focused on the power of God, rather than on the size of the physical obstacles we face. In my experiences as a three-sport high-school athlete and a collegiate field hockey player, I've often prepared for competitions by having a few simple spiritual concepts at the forefront of thought.