My mom celebrated her birthday on Saturday and Mother’s Day on Sunday. It is impossible to honor her as much as she deserves. “Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” (Proverbs 31:28) Then on Monday, Macy turned four. What joy!
In ‘The Boys in the Boat,’ author Daniel James Brown tells the story of Joe Rantz and eight other members of the gold medal USA rowing team from the 1936 Olympics. Of course the four gold medals Jesse Owens won to Hitler’s chagrin are the most famous victories of the Berlin Olympics, but the championship of hardworking boys from the University of Washington was an incredible accomplishment.
The book highlights overcoming adversity, development of character, competition, coaching, teamwork, perseverance, relationships, and the results that come when self is sacrificed for the higher good.
Joe Rantz died in 2007 at the age of 93. Roger Morris, the last survivor of the crew, died in 2009 at the age of 94.
At the beginning of each chapter, Brown quotes George Yeoman Pocock, a British boat builder and expert in rowing who moved from England to Seattle in 1912. A mentor to coaches and athletes, his wisdom inspired generations. Here are a few of his words:
Every good rowing coach, in his own way, imparts to his men the kind of self-discipline required to achieve the ultimate from mind, heart, and body. Which is why most ex-oarsmen will tell you they learned more fundamentally important lessons in the racing shell than in the classroom. (p 39)
One of the first admonitions of a good rowing coach, after the fundamentals are over, is “pull your own weight,” and the young oarsman does just that when he finds out the boat goes better when he does. There is certainly a social implication here. (p 149)
Where is the spiritual value of rowing?… The losing of self entirely to the cooperative effort of the crew as a whole. (p 353)
If Jesus were an author, He could also title a book ‘The Boys in the Boat.’ Like Brown’s non-fiction, the central characters would come from a common geographical area and mainly be working-class guys without wealth or privilege. Several literally made their living in a boat as fishermen, but when the Rabbi beckoned, they left their nets and surrendered self for a higher call.
Three years with Jesus and beyond His resurrection, all but one of these boys heeded the instruction of their Coach. Their competition was ultimately Satan, who rules ‘spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms’ (Ephesians 6:12)… and perseverance was a necessity. Loving each other and developing deep relationships with all who surrendered to Jesus became one of the important messages of the apostles. They taught their Master’s mantra: “One must lose his life to truly find it.”
The good news for us is that Jesus actually is an Author… He is the ‘Author and Perfector of our faith.’ (Hebrews 12:2) He is also calling us into the boat… and He is the Boat. We come humbly, admitting we deserve nothing, but believing His Kingdom is our destiny. Will we surrender self for His higher purpose? Will we accept His ‘coaching’ and learn to overcome with His power and grace? Will we build strong, lasting relationships in His Body… allowing His love to shine forth in such a way that people will know we are His? Will we stand against evil and make a difference in this world? He is our hope.
“Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:3
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope – the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself up to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good.” Titus 2:11-14
Quotes from ‘The Boys in the Boat’ by Daniel James Brown, Penguin Books, New York, ©2013
