Below is my good friend Chris Lynch who in the picture is just finishing the Las Vegas ½ triathlon. Chris’s story begins after he and his wife Sharon moved to our city. He started several businesses and in the world’s eyes, had tremendous success. When the bottom fell out of the economy they basically lost everything and their businesses went bankrupt. They are losing their home, have lost one of their expensive cars, and they had to sell everything they didn’t need including the over 20 handbags that Sharon had originally paid over $200 each for.
Bj and I were in the same small group with them where the topic was Faith. Our study was concentrated in Hebrews 11 about the prophets of old and how imperfect their lives were but in the end they relied on their faith. As Chris and Sharon told their story to all of us – 18 in total, it was obvious that God was in the room. Their story would make any non-believer panic, but their faith is so strong that you could just feel their strength. The rest of us were experiencing the pain they should have had but didn’t. As they finished their story they thanked God for their health, their family (they have 3 wonderful children), each other but most importantly their God. The capper to the story is the majority of their family ties, who they are very close to, live in Southern California. You would think they would go running back to that security.
But no, they find their real security in the relationship with God, supported by their church, and the people they associate with like those of us pictured below.
When Chris and Sharon say they are happier now than they have ever been and mean it – that’s the kind of inner peace I want. Relationships with people like them provide such strength to help me finish the race. It feels real good…
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