August 2012 - Olympic Stories

Stories.  That's what makes the Olympics so interesting. 

Michael Phelps becoming (arguably) the best Olympian in modern history.  Or Kerri Walsh Jennings and Misty May-Treanor attempting their three-peat.  Bolt proved he is lightning fast as ever. 

A fifteen year old who takes gold in the 800-meter free.  How in the world can Katie Ledecky ever have a normal high school life?!  And a blind archer competing, much less winning?  That sounds like a joke!  So does a world-class runner with no legs.  You may not know the name of South Africa's "Blade Runner," Oscar Pistorius, but I bet you'd recognize his image.

Yep, it's their story that keeps our attention.  It's the tale of pursuing athletic perfection that piques our interest. 

These past two weeks, Charles Morris has not left the games unnoticed.  We've heard Craig Borlase report from London.  We've heard the background of others who have a deep faith in God.  And each time we focus on the games, it's been in the context of the larger Story, the Great Story, which of course is all about Jesus. 

If you've been listening, you've also heard Charles offer the classic Olympic film, Chariots of Fire.  Interestingly, it won its own gold medal: an Oscar for Best Picture.

If you recall, Eric Liddell abstained from running in the games on Sunday because it conflicted with his day of worship.  The complexity of the story (and the scenery, and the music, and everything else!) made the film well deserved to win the award.  Such a stirring tribute to commitment and overcoming prejudice during that period.

And by the way, there's a great link on the Haven site which you need to see.  It's video footage from the 1924 games featuring Abrahams and Liddell, a rare and classic view of those early games.  Check it out at: http://www.haventoday.org/video-abrahams-liddell-gd-768.html.

The Olympics will soon end, but their stories will not.  Neither will The Great Story.  Thank you for helping us present Haven to so many listeners day-in and day-out.  We're grateful to partner with you! 

Jim Sanders

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