RUN THE RACE

Hebrews 12:1-2: "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us 2) looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

My Grandfather recently passed away to go home and be with the Lord on April 19th, 2025 at the age of ninety-three. As I reflect on his life and legacy, I can't help but to recall how dutiful he was in everything he did. Grandpa Moore served as a deacon in his local church for over sixty years and performed countless hours of community service. He was truly the ultimate fan and supporter of basketball. I can vividly recall hearing his deep, monotone voice echoing across the gymnasium balcony during my varsity basketball games. I'm certain that in support of me, he was trying to 'encourage' the referees to assess the game fairly by pointing out some of their missed opportunities; I'm also certain that the referees may have not quite seen it this way. My grandfather would never turn down an opportunity to watch an NBA playoff game, preferably when his all- time favorite player Lebron James was playing. He would exuberantly rock in his chair and howl in excitement on spectacular plays, while jabbing me in the shoulder and reminding me how a particular play was "out of sight"!  As much as it pains me to say this, Grandpa truly believed that Lebron James is the greatest basketball player that was ever created to lace up a pair of shoes, and he would occasionally debate with us to defend his honor if we said something to the contrary. 

One trait that my grandfather maintained was his persistence to get things done. He was a man of strong conviction and made every effort to support someone and kept his word, regardless of the situation or time of day. Let it be known that he was still performing pushups every day well into his eighties, which sends a resounding reminder that there are no excuses in this Christian journey. There are days that we know we may not be at our best. The tasks at hand may seem even insurmountable and we may lack certain resources to complete the assignment, but the Lord will equip us with the necessary spiritual tools to make it across the finish line. The most critical thing we must consider in this hour is to always be on the move, even if we can only muster up enough strength to complete one task a day. The most pivotal element in the Kingdom of God is forward progress. My grandfather dedicated his life to serving the Lord and serving others. He finished his earthly assignment and now he can do his heavenly calisthenics before the throne room of God!

T. Matthew Moore

Wichita Scheels Exercise and Exercise Machine Manager