Soccer player’s story illustrates God’s faithfulness through trials

[Came across this inspiring story last week and felt it was definitely worth sharing here. I’m just summarizing; you really should go read the whole thing, in Kaitlyn’s words, over at SharingTheVictory.com.]

Kaitlyn Amos grew up wanting to play soccer for Baylor, following both the team and the university from junior high on. In February 2006, her dream was realized; she was offered (and accepted) a scholarship to play at Baylor. Then things began to fall apart; a broken collarbone the summer before she enrolled ended her hopes of making the travel squad that fall, and then a mysterious illness during spring practice sapped her energy and abilities even further. In September 2007, a cardiologist diagnosed Amos with dilated cardiomyopathy, a weakened heart that cannot pump blood efficiently and caused her fatigue and other symptoms. With the diagnosis came the doctor’s strong suggestion that her playing career was over.

While her family sought a second opinion about the possible end of Amos’ career, her shot at playing finally came; just a few days later, she was put into the game early in the first half. In a cruel twist of fate, however, a collision with an opposing player tore Amos’ ACL, definitively ending her season. But Amos (pictured at right on crutches) didn’t see it as cruel, or fate; as she writes, “the knee injury actually spared me from having to make any soccer-ending decisions.” She was instead able to focus on her heart problems.

That offseason, Baylor hired a new soccer coach, Marci Jobson, who saw Amos’ heart for the team and offered her a team manager position. Amos’ words again:

“Even in the midst of my sorrow, I was encouraged by Coach Jobson’s faithfulness to her word… Over the course of my last two soccer seasons at Baylor, the Lord gave me everything He had promised… Had I not torn my ACL, my very life would have been jeopardized. Had my parents and family not prayed without ceasing, despair would have swallowed me. Had Coach Jobson not stepped into the picture, I’d have lost all relationships with my teammates. Had I not suffered loss, I would not understand my Redeemer the way I do now.

“All through college, the Lord repeatedly implored me to carry on. I discerned His voice saying, “Kaitlyn, this is the way—My way. Walk in it.” He stripped me of pride, false identity and worldly glory so that my story could truly reveal His glory. In the end, it points to divine sovereignty, fatherly intimacy and rich goodness.

“Though I may never again fit the world’s definition of an athlete, I will finish the race—the Kingdom race. Only now, I run with more of Him and less of me. Christ’s surpassing greatness in my jar of clay. Physical weakness of which I now gladly boast for the sake of His glory.”

This is what being a Baylor Bear is all about.

Sic ’em, Kaitlyn!

[So many of Baylor’s students leave here with extraordinary stories to tell, and their stories continue long after they leave campus. Baylor graduates are changing the world, and many prospective students are eager to come to Baylor for this reason. But they need your help. The President’s Scholarship Initiative aims to raise $100 million to assist Baylor students in their pursuit of the distinct educational experience offered nowhere else; help support the students of tomorrow by making your gift today.]