Last February, we played at Louisiana Tech. We were tied for 2nd with them, and had beaten them at our home, so it was a huge game. We got behind quickly, and were never really in the game. As I was walking to the locker room, a bit discouraged, a southern lady dressed in tech gear, stopped me. At first I expected to be taunted, but I saw a huge smile, and relaxed. She asked me if I was Jane, James Bryan Smith's friend? I smiled and confirmed that I was, but still not knowing where this was going. Then she asked to see the KC that I had written on my hand. When I showed her, she hugged me and explained how Jim's "stuff" was changing her life...and she had read chapter seven that morning, she was so excited to meet me. We visited about her experiences for a few moments. Then I hugged her, and walked away. You see, the Lord knows when we need encouragement, and sometimes, He chooses to use another kingdom dweller to remind us of the things He wants us to know. I was very aware of His hand at this moment, and thanked Him for the gentle reminder. I also thanked Him that even though we had been beaten, I had represented Him in a way that I believe I am supposed to. Kingdom coaching in this world is challenging, and we never know who is watching how we represent Him. What if I had screamed and hollered and gotten a technical? Would she have spoken to me?

This week, I am going to stray a bit from my usual questions about the chapter and give you a little more of a pep talk:

There is an old saying, there are two kinds of coaches, those who have been fired, and those who are waiting to be fired. We, as coaches, agree to play in this arena and know the rules, we must win, or join the group who has been fired. When I look around, or visit with coaches, I can see and feel the panic of what it would feel like to enter that group. I, of course, have entered the first group and have come to understand that the real true statement should be:

There are two kinds of coaches, those who coach by His Kingdom principles, and those who do not. You see, we can't really control if we get fired or not, but we can really control HOW we coach.

Jesus calls us to be His apprentices and to be extraordinary. You and iIcan do that, but we need His help.

We must understand Kingdom identity(I am Jane in whom Christ lives) and Kingdom awareness (I am in the strong and secure Kingdom of God). And we must understand we need more than these new narratives and exercises, WE NEED THE POWER OF THE INDWELLING CHRIST.

If we are indwelled by Christ who became poor that we can become rich, we will be rich. No matter how little we have, we will be "more than enough" people. (change this to coaches). And yet, without being "more than enough" people, (COACHES), our wanting will always out space our having, and we'll end up perpetually exhausted and forever dissatisfied." Miroslav Volf  Read that quote, and ask yourself 2 questions? As a coach, does your "wanting always out space your having? Are you perpetually exhausted and forever dissatisfied, as a coach?

If your answer is yes, persevere with Jim's books. I am living proof that you can change and not operate like that. I promise you it will be a wonderful journey as you continue to put on the character of Christ.

If you doubt the power of His identity/awareness, read Josh Hamilton's book, Beyond Belief. Quite an amazing story of the MVP's journey to the only thing that could satisfy and heal his soul - Jesus Christ.

Keep the Faith,
Jane

p.s. The exercise this week, pretty challenging huh? I'm still not able to sincerely pray for a few coaches. Help me Jesus!! (: