Suggested Reading: Exodus 3-4
The hardest part of being a mom is watching your child struggle through something you can’t fix for them. This past year, navigating the teen years and a tough gymnastics season was a crucible for both Cindy and me. Through it, our faith deepened, and so did our relationship.
What seemed like small setbacks in my eyes were mountains in hers. And because they mattered to her, they mattered to me.
Not getting her bar skills in time, which meant sitting out her first two meets, crushed her spirit.
Catching the flu and trying to regain her strength felt like climbing an impossible hill.
Falling into the trap of comparison and envy brought on waves of doubt.
Dreaming of Eastern Nationals, yet feeling it was just out of reach, ushered in a tide of unbelief.
Despite encouragement from her coaches and from us, there was one thing Cindy had to learn the hard way:
No one can believe for you. She had to find belief for herself.
I imagine that’s how Moses felt when God called him to lead the Israelites. Even though God clearly promised His presence, laid out the plan, and showed him the power he'd be given, Moses still responded with uncertainty:
“What if they will not believe me or listen to what I say?” Exodus 4:1
Even after God gave him power to perform miracles with his staff, Moses protested:
“Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent… I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” — Exodus 4:10
He wrestled with his calling and his confidence. But in the end, he was obedient, even when he didn’t feel ready. Maybe that’s where real belief begins: in showing up, taking the next step, and trusting God with the rest.
Cindy did just that. She kept training, kept showing up, and kept listening. She had her own burning bush moments, words of truth spoken by her dad and me during late-night talks and hard days.
We reminded her:
Delays happen, but God can be trusted.
Your body may feel weak, but your spirit doesn’t have to be, God is your strength.
Compete for the glory of God, not to be better than others, for applause or medals.
Give your dreams and desires to Him, He knows the plans He has for you, and they are good.
At the Ohio State Meet, she walked in with doubt and left with mixed feelings. She placed first on beam, but the joy felt flat.
She spotted a necklace at a vendor booth and said she wanted it. I told her I would get it if she made it to Nationals. I saw the doubt in her eyes, but I answered with confidence. I told her I believed in her so much that I would buy the necklace before she even competed at Regionals and will gift it to her when she was one of the top seven to make the team. But I also told her this:
It won’t happen just because I believe. It will happen when you believe.
And so, she made a plan. She took her thoughts captive and reframed them with truth. She worked with purpose, cheered for others, and shifted her focus to glorifying God. She didn’t just make the Dream Team and qualify for Nationals she found joy again. Joy in the process. Joy in the journey. Joy in the sport she loves so much.
Trust in the Lord with all her heart and lean not on her own understanding, but in all her ways acknowledge him so he can keep her paths straight. -Proverbs 3:5-6
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