Freed-Hardeman University

 

Competitors for Christ Newsletter Volume III, Issue 3

May 2025

View Previous Issues Here

 

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"The Coffee Bean"
by Jonathan Estes, Athletic Director
 

I have several Jon Gordon books on my bookshelf and have recommended several to colleagues and students over the years when they are searching for ways to improve perspective or grow as a coach, teammate or leader in general. One of his books, The Coffee Bean: A Simple Lesson to Create Positive Change inspires and motivates by using a parable to teach some valuable life lessons about resilience, attitude, and overcoming adversity.

In The Coffee Bean, the main character is struggling with several challenges- both personal and professional. He receives guidance from a mentor, who uses three simple items: a carrot, an egg, and a coffee bean to teach the young man about how we respond to life's difficulties. 

1. The Carrot: When placed in hot water (representing tough situations), the carrot becomes soft and weak. This symbolizes how, when faced with adversity, we may become vulnerable and lose our strength.
2. The Egg: The egg hardens when placed in hot water, symbolizing me when I become rigid, defensive, and emotionally hardened in the face of adversity.
3. The Coffee Bean: The coffee bean, on the other hand, changes the water around it, transforming the environment. It represents when I use a positive attitude and inner strength to not only withstand adversity, but also improve the situation I am in. 

The message of The Coffee Bean is that we have a choice in how we respond to life's challenges. If I behave like the coffee bean, I can bring out the best in myself and others, turning obstacles into opportunities.

Several of the New Testament writers, led by the Spirit of God, make similar comments.

Romans 5:3-4 "And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope."

1 Peter 4:12-13 "Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial, which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy."

James 1:2-4 "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."

I don't love facing adversity, challenges, trials, or tribulations, but scripture indicates that I will face them and that doing so in the correct way will make me stronger. Furthermore, the way I deal with the problems of this world (how I live), can make an impact on my life and the world around me. I can be a coffee bean.

Romans 12:1-2 "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

Perspective, mindset, and the ability to influence those around us in a positive way, no matter the hardships we face is important to our Christian walk. Jesus came to give us an abundant life. The Spirit helps us to thrive, not just survive, in difficult times. Let us seek to bring glory to God in all our mountain top moments as well as the valleys. 
 

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Q&A with Barrett Poe
FHU Cross Country/Track and Field Runner

1) What is it about FHU that is so special and has helped you develop in your walk with God?

I think the thing that makes FHU so special is the people. The coaches, staff, and athletes all want the best for each other and the teams. One of the nicest things about Freed is that I can go to my coach anytime I have a question or problem or just need some advice.

2) Talk about some specific stories or situations that your teammates/classmates have helped you overcome adversity/struggles/failure.

I was going through a rough time due to some social conflicts and I wasn't handling it well. I was avoiding people with the excuses of "I need some time to myself" or "I'm just tired." Thankfully, one of the seniors on the team recognized that while it is good to have some time to think, I was just using it as an excuse not to face my problems. He would ask me if I was okay and let me know that he was willing to talk with me if I wanted to. I said no at first, but after he kept asking, I gave in and talked to him about it. This was very helpful to me and because of his persistence, I was able to overcome the mental conflicts I was going through.

3) If you were to describe the culture of your athletic program to someone, what would you say?

The culture of the cross-country team is one of the healthiest I've seen. Everybody on the team is trying not only to be the best runner they can be but also the best Christian they can be. A couple of the upperclassmen have led a weekly Bible study on the book of Proverbs this semester, which has helped promote comradery on the team. Most of the guys are close on the team and we all enjoy each other's company.

4) How have you grown while you have been at FHU that you weren't really expecting when you originally committed?

I was expecting to grow spiritually and grow as a runner, but I took for granted how much I would grow as a man. Being at Freed has taught me that being the top athlete on your team, the smartest student in your class, or the most successful person in your friend group doesn't make you a man. What makes you a man is having the willingness to say I'm sorry, I was wrong, and I need help. It is being willing to ask your friends for forgiveness and prayers. It is being able to talk to the people who don't run in your group. Most importantly, though, being a man is trusting in God and knowing that we are not in control.

5) Talk about one of your teammates or coaches that has really impacted you spiritually.

How could I mention only one? There are so many guys on the team who have impacted me spiritually. Brock Windham has shown me what it means to have a Christian love for everyone you meet. Blake has taught me how to stay positive, even when it's tough. Eli has shown me the importance of standing up for your beliefs, even when it's hard. Andy has shown me how to be a Christian light in a non-Christian world. Daniel has shown me what it means to be humble, even when you have every reason to boast. Drew has shown me that you should never forget to check in on people even if they say they're fine. I could go on with everything else I have learned from all of my teammates and how they are always pushing me to be a better runner and, more importantly, a better Christian.

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A Mile in My Shoes
by J Hall, Cross Country/Track and Field Coach

Passage: Judges 11:29-38/Hebrews 4:14-16

What does it mean to walk a mile in someone's shoes? I've heard that phrase used all my life, but it's one that still makes me stop and think each time I hear it used. "Walk a Mile in My Shoes" is a variation of the saying, "You can't really understand another person's experience until you've walked a mile in their shoes." It is attributed to Native American tribes and from the 1895 poem by Mary T. Lathrap, Judge Softly, with its well-known closing line, "Take the time to walk a mile in his moccasins." I believe this simple phrase from a late 19th-century poem can make all the difference in our modern lives and how we interact with people from day to day.

            This can be put in use in how we perceive the Jephthah account in Judges 11-12. I have a confession to make, before preparing for a recent study, all I knew about this judge was the rash vow found in Judges 11:29-38. I figured most of the study would be how yet again God used a no-good foolish person to accomplish great things through His own divine plan and providence. However, as I learned about Jephthah's tragic upbringing, his humility in leading Gilead despite that upbringing, and his constant praising of God – the narrative I had of Jephthah quickly started to change. I had no idea what this man had gone through and thus was not in a place to look down upon him for a mistake that cost him dearly. Here was a man who was born in a dysfunctional family, a man who was run out of his hometown, a man who made a grave mistake that he felt the consequences of for the rest of his life.  Here was a man that I needed to try walking a mile in his sandals for a moment before I judged him for being rash and senseless. I simply have no idea what it was like to be Jephthah, to be in his position of sole military leader, to put my own life out on the line for a people that used to hate me, and in the heat of all this responsibility and stress – to pray to God and make a vow of sacrifice that is by all means well intended. Maybe I should think twice before I count Jephthah out for what he did. Is it still tragic and wrong, yes. But can I sympathize and be gracious to someone who isn't perfect, also yes.

            You see, walking a mile in someone's shoes before you judge them is so key in understanding their decisions and mistakes that even God saw the wisdom in doing just that. "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:14-16. God wanted to walk a mile in our shoes to better understand our weaknesses and to provide to all men the perfect example of righteousness on Earth. One of the most endearing traits of my Savior was that He was more than willing to walk a mile in my shoes to better be there for me now when I struggle.

            So, the next time you're tempted to lose your patience with someone for not having something done when you think it should be, try to put yourself in their shoes for a moment. Maybe you have no idea what else is on their plate at the moment. The next time you see a fault or failure in someone and you're ready to count them out or punish them, try to put yourself in their shoes for a moment. Maybe you have no idea what they're going through now. And finally, the next time you see yourself struggling and making mistakes, remember, Christ walked a mile in YOUR shoes and is there to help in any way. He has a clear idea of what you need to be whole again!

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"Signs of a Healthy Relationship"
by Jonathan Estes, Athletic Director
 

Relationships are fundamental to the human experience. We are surrounded by people wherever we go. Our families, our jobs, our churches, our leisure activities are all filled with people. Some may be just like us; some may be the opposite of us. Nevertheless, relationships are at the core of who we are, and what we become. Scripture provides guidance on cultivating healthy relationship so that we can be the people that God calls us to be. 

The foundation of healthy relationships is love. John 13:34-35 says, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another." Christian love goes beyond feelings. Christian love is sacrificial and enduring. Jesus was the ultimate example of showing sacrificial love. John 15:13 says "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." Jesus did just that, He laid down His life for us. And He did so before I was His friend. Romans 5 says that while we were enemies, Christ died for us. 

The type of love that forms the groundwork of a healthy relationship is unconditional, selfless love. It doesn't come with strings or conditions. That love forgives when wronged. That love invites rather than judges. That love shows affection rather than aversion. 1 Corinthians 13 says, "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends."

Next, healthy relationships need humility. Specifically, thinking rightly about ourself. Peter said to be clothed with humility (1 Peter 5:5). How many times do people notice what you are wearing? Humility involves listening to other's opinions, avoiding condescension, admitting when we are wrong and being patient. Allowing those that we are involved in a relationship with time for growth and change when they may not be where they need to be. Working through conflicts calmly is a byproduct of thinking rightly about ourselves and exhibiting humility.

Maybe the greatest verses Paul penned about humility are in the second chapter of Philippians. He holds Jesus up as the standard and turns the mirror on us.  "Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus."

Serving others is a sign of healthy relationship. Jesus came "not to be served, but to serve" (Mark 10:45). What an example from deity, part of the Godhead, involved in the creation of the universe. He looked for opportunities to bring value to others through service. Service involves putting other's needs ahead of your own. Service means sacrificing for others. Service means helping without expecting a return. Healthy relationships prioritize mutual service to each other.

The early followers sometimes prioritized status and standing. Jesus told His disciples that true greatness comes through service. "But Jesus called them to Himself and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant" Matthew 20:25-26. 

The footprints of healthy relationships is providing support during difficulties, encouraging personal and spiritual growth and reflecting God's love to the world. Relationships require effort but are worth the investment. The Preacher said "Two are better than one" in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10. As we seek to build new relationships and strengthen our existing ones, let us lean on prayer and reliance on God as we develop these qualities.