Passion Perspective Interview Part 2
We continued our interview by asking Julie how her faith has played a part of this journey.
What were your challenges-expected and unexpected? “As I began this journey, someone shared Luke 1:45 with me: “You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.” While writing the content of this booklet took chunks of time throughout a period of several months, the entire process of transitioning from a dream to reality actually took several years. It was my faith that got me through the delays due to other responsibilities and the dry times that come with writing. I kept returning to this scripture and other words God spoke to me about this “dream,” trusting God that He would fulfill that which He placed in my heart in His perfect timing. And as always, He was faithful.”
What were your blessing-expected and unexpected? “While the original intent of my “dream” was simply to create a booklet in a foreign language, Kerry Weisser challenged me to consider making an English version available as well. So I created an English version with the hope that coaches and athletes here in the States will also be encouraged to live out their faith through their coaching and playing sports life. An additional unexpected blessing occurred when an Athletes in Action staff expressed interest in having “Real Life Is Like Sports” translated into Arabic for those who serve overseas under her leadership. So we’ll see where God takes this.”
We asked Julie what wisdom she has gained through this experience.
What tips would you want to share with others? “When God gives you a dream, pursue it by faith. Make it a priority, and don’t stop until it becomes a reality! Most likely you will experience spiritual opposition, and it may take you longer than originally anticipated. But God will give you everyone and everything you need and bring it about in His perfect timing! Enjoy the process with Him and be sensitive to His promptings. Be patient. Expect delays. And trust God. After all, it’s all about Him and for His glory!
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What positives and negatives did you encounter while pursuing your dream? “I love team sports! And I’m thankful that this “dream,” this resource was created as a team! Along the way, I had people pray for me, encourage me, help me edit, translate the contents into another language, and give financially so that we could give booklets away overseas. I couldn’t have done this without each person who helped, and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.”
What wisdom have you gained personally? “While each of us has our part in the body of Christ, we truly need each other! This reminds me of an African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
How have you grown? “I love helping others, but sometimes it is difficult for me to ask for help. Working on this project placed me in a position where I needed to invite others in on the process. And what a huge blessing and inspiration each and every person was to me!!”
If you’d like to know more about Julie, her ministry with Competitive Edge Int’l, or how you could join her as a partner in ministry, check out Julie’s webpage at: http://ceisports.org/JCPrayerLetters/tabid/508/Default.aspx.
She can also be reached by email at Julie@ceisports.org.
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