Never Give Up the Fight to Get Better: Lolo Jones & Evander Holyfield

No matter where we grow up, no matter who our parents are or which zip code we live in, each of us will meet challenges. And in those moments, we have a choice: do we give up, or do we keep going? Today we talk with two athletes who, with God by their sides, have endured the sting of defeat and the joy of victory. Lolo Jones is one of only ten athletes who have competed in both the Summer and Winter Olympic games. Lolo shares how some of the hardest moments of her childhood helped her to compete on the world stage. When he was growing up in Atlanta, Evander Holyfield found community (and a hint at his athletic future) at the Boys Clubs of America. He shares how his mother and his faith guided him into a storied boxing career, and why sometimes our defeats are more instructive than our wins.

Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:

Sarah Young

Jesus Calling Podcast

Jesus Calling books

Jesus Calling Weekly Prayer Call
Jesus Calling app

Serving Our Savior in the Spotlight: Josh Turner and Michael McDowell episode 

 

Lolo Jones 

Salvation Army
Hurdles of Hope Foundation
London Olympics

 

Evander Holyfield

Atlanta’s Boy’s Clubs of America

 

Riddick Bowe

Michael Moorer

Mike Tyson

Lennox Lewis

John Ruiz

Muhammad Ali

Interview Quotes:

“I definitely think that my hardships molded me for the life that I would have to go through later.” - Lolo Jones 

“This statistic of kids that have incarcerated parents—it tremendously increases their chance that at one point in their life, they will be incarcerated as well. I wanted to break that chain.” - Lolo Jones

“I know my childhood strengthened me for a time to stand on the world stage and compete.” - Lolo Jones 

“If I go through hardships, I know to say, ‘Okay, this really, really hurt me. This is frustrating. I wanted this so bad, and it was ripped away,’ instead of being like, ‘How could you, God?’”- Lolo Jones

“As Christians, we try to predict how God's going to use us, and when He doesn't use us in that manner, we become hurt.” - Lolo Jones 

“I became who I am because I really wanted to please my momma. My mom was so disappointed so much her life, and I wanted to be that joy.” - Evander Holyfield

“Having setbacks paves the way to show you how good God is.” - Evander Holyfield

“Every time you mess up, you've got to have Somebody who will give you another opportunity.” - Evander Holyfield

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Enjoy these videos on Jesus Calling YouTube channel:

Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0 

Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O 

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