The 2012 London Olympic Games are over, but memories may linger, especially if you were surprised by them. Women's gymnast Gabby Douglas, the sixteen year old dynamo who won two Gold Medals, gave praise to God for her achievements. "I send my praises up to Him, and He sprinkles blessings back down on me. It's a dream come true! Thank you everyone for praying for me!"
Some pundits took issue with her hairdo and others praised her achievement as an African-American, but Gabby brushed it all off saying, "Oh yes, that too. But gotta give God the glory."
Gabby wasn't the only American athlete who shared her faith at the games. Swimming medalist Missy Franklin (our girl from Aurora, CO) said, "God is always there for me. I talk with Him before, during and after practice and competitions." Aries Merritt, Gold Medalist in the 110m hurdles said, "Words can't even explain how I feel right now! Giving God all the glory,"
There were other champion athletes to voice their Christian faith and give God credit for their achievements. Lauren Cheney (Soccer), Vincent Hancock (Shooting), Jacob Wukie (archery), David Boudia (Diving), Lolo Jones and Sanya Richards-Ross (Track & Field), and Marlen Esparza (Boxing) all gave God public praise. Even Jamaican world record sprinter Usain Bolt said, "Nothing possible without God."
Interestingly, each time the Christian faith was shared in some way, the interviewer overlooked it. God evidently was not a factor in their winning. All references to God were purposely ignored, treated as just some kind of personality quirk.
All kinds of other stories were shared, including one that said Team USA should have won more medals, considering our size and wealth. Some writers just can't be pleased!
But I think God was pleased He got at least some recognition. I know Christians were pleased to hear it. After all, He is the Creator God who gives the abilities, resources, time and opportunities to all of us, whether we're competitor, spectator or critic.
As the Jamaican lightening Bolt said, "Nothing possible without God."
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