One of my dearest friends is Grappy. Yesterday we talked wrestling, mindset, faith, and gratitude. We both wish we could give the depth of our belief to many of his grapplers. They say the right stuff. Know it too. It’s the doing they are missing. Many are stuck in the “knowing/doing trap.” They know what they want to do when the pressure is on, they let their mind STOP them short.
As Grappy and I reflected, we counted our blessings for simply being here. My heart attack on March 27, 2021 changed my mind. It solidified my belief. I had felt life slipping away and it was NOT scary. A simple prayer centered my sorriness. “God, I’m ready to come home but I don’t want to leave.”
Grappy’s car accident on April 23, 2024 changed his. Revealed his faith. Challenged it. His has been a much harder road. His recovery is still ongoing. More surgeries remain. Still walks with a limp (amazing he walks at all). He cannot do what he once did with ease. Takes nothing for granted. You, friend, must wrestle with your fear, anxiety, and whatever other demons you have. Acknowledge them. Face them. Go through them.
The longer you wait, the more the mole hill takes on the form of a mountain. The more you look at the task, whatever it is, the more daunting it becomes. So, friend, change your mind. Widen your perspective. Humble yourself. Ask God for help. Other humans too. Look down and offer a hand. Look around and grab hold of one too. Look up and thank God for this present moment. See it all as one BIG gift.
Fear will lessen. Faith will grow.
Phillippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.”
What friend occupies your mind. Slow down. Reflect. Write. Meditate on the right things. Amen.
Live hard. Love harder…
That’s Grappy in the middle with the six dudes who cut him out of his car that dark morning coming to work out with me and the 3PP dudes. Thank you, first responders. Forever grateful…
BUILT TO LEAD 
…you truly have a sacred friendship. An interesting BTL “and” is that the word ‘do’ in verse is also translated “practice” in many other versions.