Live Each Day With Courage

"You can't accomplish anything from the sidelines. Have the courage to get in the game." This is how baseball legend, Cal Ripken, Jr., concluded his speech at Missouri State University's Public Affairs Conference. I find this remarkable not because Mr. Ripken was a 19x All Star, World Series Champion, 2x AL MVP, AL rookie of the Year, 2x Gold Glove Award winner, 8x Silver Slugger Award winner, or 2x MLB All Star Game MVP. (I'm not a baseball fanatic - I just know how to find information on Wikipedia). No, I find Mr. Ripken's advice remarkable because he holds the often loathed "Participation Trophy." My generation, the Millennials (or Gen Y), could also be described as the "Trophy Generation," as a feeling of entitlement plagues us like a cancer. We expect trophies just for showing up. This is despicable.

So when is it okay to be honored with a participation trophy? When you hold the record for most consecutive games played in the MLB! That is one of many accomplishments Mr. Ripken made during his professional career. His participant in each of the 2,632 consecutive games is what led to all of his individual awards and team accomplishments. Without getting in the game, Mr. Ripken would be a footnote in history.

I wonder how many life events Mr. Ripken played through all those years? How much physical pain? How many birthdays, weddings, or funerals? How many family problems, money troubles (yes, the wealthy have these too), and bad days? How many times did he simply not feel like going to work but showed up anyway?

It takes courage to get in the game. Mostly because we fear failure and rejection. But finding the courage to participate breaths energy and change into our lives. Some days just showing up when we really don't feel like it is exactly what the moment calls for. Motion begets momentum and momentum births success.

Overcome your fear with faith. Have faith that through all things God works for the good of those who love Him. By putting your faith in God you can suit up and play the game of life rather than being a spectator.

Live this day with courage.