Wisdom for Winning in LifeSample

The Shalane Effect

In 2017, Shalane Flanagan became the first American woman to win the New York Marathon in forty years.

There’s something special about Shalane that extends beyond the first place medal around her neck. According to her training partners, she makes everyone around her better.

Every one of her eleven training partners has made it to the Olympics while training with her. They refer to it as the “Shalane Effect.” Rather than being threatened by up-and-coming stars, she takes a personal interest in their development.

Our culture seems to encourage personal success at the expense of others as an acceptable way to gain an advantage. This is contrary, however, to biblical instruction about how to live out our faith.

As athletes and coaches, we’ve been strategically placed on teams to be living examples of our faith in Jesus. It’s similar to how the early believers were instructed to live out their faith in Philippi. Like them, we’ve received Christ’s love and encouragement.

Through our actions, we have the opportunity to bring God honor as we operate with a heart of unselfishness and authentic concern for teammates and coaches.

Let’s do it! Let’s live out this passage—not only looking out for our “own interests,” but for the interests of others too.

Lori Krueger, National Women’s Soccer League Chaplain Coordinator

What teammate can you share the love of Christ with this week?

Jesus, lead us to a place of authentic love and concern for others.