THE RACE

Author: Nseobong Edeke
Date of Creation: April 2022

Emily had always been a talented athlete, but as she entered her teenage years, she began to feel suffocated by her coach’s constant instructions and criticism. She rebelled against his rules, feeling like she knew better.

One day, while training for the upcoming Championship race, Emily decided to go solo, telling her coach that she didn’t need his help anymore. Coach Roi was taken aback but respected her decision.

The day of the championship race arrived, and Emily was more nervous than ever. As she ran, she felt overwhelmed by the crowd’s cheers and applause.

Forgetting that Coach Roi had once told her “Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.” Her pride swelled, and she lost sight of the finish line. Disaster struck, and Emily fell hard onto the track.

As she lay on the floor, tears streaming down her face, Emily remembered Coach Roi’s words: “The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong.” While she cried out of pain and regret, Coach Roi appeared beside her, his face etched with concern.

“My daughter, get up and keep running,” he said.
“Do not give up. Just keep running.”

Emily rose to her feet, determined to make the most of her second chance. She focused on the finish line, ignoring the crowd’s cheers and chants. She ran with a new found sense of humility, remembering that the true prize was not the cup or the adoration of the crowd, but the strength and character she was building within herself.

As Emily crossed the finish line, she felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. Coach Roi met her, his eyes shining with pride. “I’m proud of you, Emily,” he said. “You didn’t give up, and you learned a valuable lesson. That’s what truly matters.” Emily smiled, knowing that she had learned a valuable lesson about humility and perseverance.

Later on, Coach left only to return a few minutes later with a prize. One worth more than the championship would ever give her. It was an imperishable crown.

I Corinthians 9:24-25
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.

Sizzling Sunday: 16th February 2025

Sizzling Sunday 129