Wednesday
Jul152020
On Race and Running
Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at 11:38AM “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).
Today’s topic is running with races. Not running races. Running WITH races – different races of people. People with different ethnic backgrounds. Different color skin. Perhaps from another mother-land. Maybe different languages.
Much in print today on the topic of race – or racism – is volatile, inflammatory, angry or bitter in nature. I’m writing from a different angle – the view that the sport of competitive running is a great equalizer – and conduit – of improved race relations…a meeting ground where the adversity of the course, the trail, or weather, brings us closer together in a common pursuit: reaching the finish line! Faced with the same challenging course, we learn respect for all who show up to undertake the challenge!
So think of it – at the starting line of a race, people of great diversity gather. We have different education backgrounds; different cultural and/or geographic backgrounds; different ages; different genders; height, weight, physical conditioning, you name it! At the starting line, variety rules.
Looming ahead, however, runners face two common opponents: 1) the clock; and 2) oneself. And those two opponents bring us together in pursuing a common goal – arriving at the finish line in the best time possible.
Now, there will only be one male and one female overall winner. But, in the end, you are your own opponent, attempting to beat last week’s time.
In pursuit of that goal, we manage to lay aside, disregard, or ignore the ocean of differences running ahead of us, beside us, and behind us. “We press on toward the goal” (Philippians 3:14).
True, competitive running is not the answer to all the deep racial wounds tearing at our nation’s soul. My belief is only Jesus can supernaturally change a person’s heart and spirit through regeneration…literally, becoming a new creature. He’s the hope for civility, peace, and justice. He taught me to pray,
“Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven”
(Matthew 6:10).
But running IS a great platform where so MANY people of infinite differing backgrounds and training can gather on the same course and enjoy the element of competition and sport. Often the result is common respect. Common
concern for one another. Common celebration of week-to-week victories.
And that is a “good thing” to think on.
Much in print today on the topic of race – or racism – is volatile, inflammatory, angry or bitter in nature. I’m writing from a different angle – the view that the sport of competitive running is a great equalizer – and conduit – of improved race relations…a meeting ground where the adversity of the course, the trail, or weather, brings us closer together in a common pursuit: reaching the finish line! Faced with the same challenging course, we learn respect for all who show up to undertake the challenge!
So think of it – at the starting line of a race, people of great diversity gather. We have different education backgrounds; different cultural and/or geographic backgrounds; different ages; different genders; height, weight, physical conditioning, you name it! At the starting line, variety rules.
Looming ahead, however, runners face two common opponents: 1) the clock; and 2) oneself. And those two opponents bring us together in pursuing a common goal – arriving at the finish line in the best time possible.
Now, there will only be one male and one female overall winner. But, in the end, you are your own opponent, attempting to beat last week’s time.
In pursuit of that goal, we manage to lay aside, disregard, or ignore the ocean of differences running ahead of us, beside us, and behind us. “We press on toward the goal” (Philippians 3:14).
True, competitive running is not the answer to all the deep racial wounds tearing at our nation’s soul. My belief is only Jesus can supernaturally change a person’s heart and spirit through regeneration…literally, becoming a new creature. He’s the hope for civility, peace, and justice. He taught me to pray,
“Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven”
(Matthew 6:10).
But running IS a great platform where so MANY people of infinite differing backgrounds and training can gather on the same course and enjoy the element of competition and sport. Often the result is common respect. Common
concern for one another. Common celebration of week-to-week victories.
And that is a “good thing” to think on.