A lot of people consider me a "big guy". Especially when I'm working with kids, I feel sometimes like a huge monster. Sometimes they even tell me that they think I'm kind of scary because I'm just such a large person. But, that's to a kid. To me, I'm not some giant, but to them, I'm something that is huge and intimidating. In our lives, we have to remember that we are all "kids". We are going to face things that seem huge and intimidating to us, but to God, it's nothing at all. Let me introduce you to someone who has become a friend and mentor recently. His name is Rob Terry. Below is a picture of me and Rob together.
(Me with Rob Terry. Rob is staring me down.)
Now, Rob stands at 6'7" and weighs 320 pounds. Rob Terry wrestles for both Ohio Valley Wrestling and Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling. To anyone, he is a big dude. The picture above is of Rob staring me down, and if I didn't know him, I would be absolutely terrified. To be honest, I was a bit afraid even though I do know him. If Rob wanted to, he could destroy me. There is nothing I could do to harm him. If I hit him, he wouldn't even feel it. If I tried to put him in a restraint or a hold, he would throw me off. He could pick me up above his head and snap me in half. But isn't that weird? To some people, I'm a big guy, but to Rob, I'm absolutely no competition whatsoever.
(Me and Rob. Rob is about to destroy me with a right fist.
I'm flexing like I have any muscle whatsoever to be proud of at this point.)
So, what's my point with all this? Of course Rob could absolutely destroy me. Even though I'm a "big guy" to some people, I'm not to him. But why does that even matter? In my life lately, there have been some people who are very dear to me who are going through some really tough times. There's a little girl from my church named Madden who just had a tumor removed from her brain. Now, after the surgery, she's having trouble with her sight. It's a tough time for her, her mom and dad, and her siblings. One of my ministry partners, Jeff, has been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and it has spread to his lymph-nodes. It's a tough time for him, his wife, and his kids. Then there's a man named Don who means a lot to me. He and his wife have supported me literally since the beginning of my ministry - 13 years ago. Don has been battling thyroid cancer and now has had his thyroid removed. The doctors are hopeful, but still - what a tough situation for him, his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. These seem like huge situations to all of us down here on earth. And you know what, they are huge. The things these people are going through are awful and none of us wish it upon anyone - not even our worst enemies. And for any of us to handle these situations would be impossible. No human has the cure for cancer. It's really tough to be absolutely helpless in these situations, but what's really cool is that God is just like Rob Terry.
To God, our problems are like I am to Rob. Rob knows he can destroy me by lifting his pinky finger, and God knows He can tackle any of our problems with a single whisper. On our own, we can accomplish absolutely nothing, but with God, all things are possible. People, no matter what you are going through, God is bigger than it. Many of you know I've battled depression, addictions, and a myriad of other negative situations in my life. The only way I got through it all was with God. It might sound cliche or dumb, but it's the truth. If in your life you are battling something, maybe it's time to stop doing the fighting on your own and let God fight for you. Let the real Big Man step in and destroy whatever it is that's got you down. He is the only one who can handle it.
Let me end with a tiny story about how I got the pictures with Rob. Amateur wrestlers asking for pictures with the actual professionals is somewhat frowned upon, so I was really nervous to ask Rob to take the pictures with me. However, I explained the situation to him and told him the stories of Don, Jeff, and Madden. Immediately, he said, "Of course you can have the pictures. I'll do absolutely anything to help you out with this". Rob is an amazing guy - both inside and outside of the ring, and I'm very proud to say that I know him. God is the same way. We've got to ask. He may not always answer in the way we want, but if we don't ask, how can we hear His answer?
This post is dedicated to Jeff, Don, and Madden. I ask that you pray for them as they go through their treatments and recovery. And when you pray, please pray believing that God is big enough to conquer it all. Have the faith that God is in control and ask Him to take care of these people and their situations.
To Don, Madden, Jeff, and anyone out there going through something tough: Stay strong. Remember that God is bigger than any "opponent" you're facing.
"For nothing is impossible with God." (Luke 1:37 NLT)
FITNESS TIP OF THE WEEK:
Alternating Dumbbell Chest Press
This is an excellent move - especially if you've been locked into the normal barbell bench press for quite some time. Grab two dumbbells of equal weight. Lay on a flat bench and lift both weights in the air as if you're going to do a normal dumbbell bench press. However, instead of lowering both weights at the same time, lower only one side, keeping the other side in the air. Raise the lowered weight back up using a bench press motion and then lower and raise the other side in the same fashion, keeping the other weight extended in the air. Repeat the motion back and forth so that each side gets 6-8 reps. You'll be amazed at how this isolation of the two sides will cause your overall chest strength to increase.
Till next time homies,
Peace and much love
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