Jim Valvano, “Jimmy V,” was a larger than life figure. As the coach of NC State, his hugely underdog Wolfpack team won the 1983 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament in thrilling fashion! Ten years later, riddled with bone cancer and only eight weeks before his death, Jimmy spoke at the first annual ESPY Awards presented by ESPN. During that speech he announced the creation of The V Foundation for Cancer Research with this motto; “Don’t Give Up . . . Don’t Ever Give Up.”
In my human strength, there are times when I might be prone to give up; yet when I think of Jimmy V’s mantra and couple it with the prophet Isaiah, I receive power to continue;
- Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
This week is Jimmy V Week on ESPN, so to honor his memory, to raise awareness and funds for cancer research and encourage you to be empowered by God to fight any battle, allow me to ask of you three things:
1- Finish reading this blog and then click here to watch Jim Valvano’s famous 1993 ESPY speech. His eleven minute remarks are very inspiring, one of my all-time favorite views and an annual must-watch; Jim Valvano’s 1993 ESPY speech
2- Consider a donation to The V Foundation to fund research; Donate to V Foundation
3- Realize in any battle we face, cancer or otherwise, that God wants to align with us and fight for us. I posted a Power Blog a few months ago entitled, “The Power of Standing Still” which might be a blessing if you need encouragement and help to overcome the fear of a seemingly insurmountable problem. Here’s a link to it; Power Blog- The Power of Standing Still
Let me close by sharing one of my favorite New Testament bible verses about pushing out fear/anxiety in favor of prayer/gratitude;
- Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
I wholeheartedly agree with Jimmy V’s philosophy of “Don’t Give Up . . . Don’t Ever Give Up.” Notably he ended by asking God to bless all, so now I encourage you to receive God’s blessings to face your battles by waiting upon Him, by standing still in Him and by praying with thanksgiving to Him.
Phil Henry is a financial adviser and also an ordained minister who founded and produces short videos and blogs at Phil Henry Power Gospel.