Month: August 2016

CHAMPIONS

Posted by: Rachel Bryant Lundy Posted on: August 12, 2016 , , , , ,

(www.emaze.com,www.nbcolympics.com, http://www.kob.com)

A few years ago, on a Sunday morning I got to listen to Michael Phelps mom explain what is was like raising the young man who is now the most decorated Olympic champion ever. I was at a church in Baltimore, and the Pastor had once worked beside Michael Phelps mom when they both taught at the same school. Just like I did back then, I marvel at how physically close we all are to greatness, how close we are to becoming great, and yet at times find ourselves so far from it.

I figure we could all use a page from one of their books, since they are among the most accomplished and distinguished athletes. Here are my quick take a ways as I continue to watch Michael Phelps, Gabby Douglas, and Simone Biles dominate and compete in this years 2016 Olympics.

michael phelps best

(www.indianexpress.com)

Phelps: the most decorated Olympian of all time, with a total of 25 medals .

Develop what you are good at and become great at it. Become so good that you master it. Don’t take your skill or gift for granted. Be okay with making your competition better, because they are learning from you.

gabby douglas

(www.nbcolympics.com)

Douglas: first African American to win gold in the individual all- around gymnastics event in 2012, gold medal winner in 2012 and 2016 Olympics.

Focus under critique, under distractions, under unfair comparisons and expectations. You must maintain your focus.

simone miles 2

(www.forwardtimes.com)

Biles: the most decorated American female gymnast in World Championship history, with a total of fourteen medals.

Always do extra. The little bit of extra goes along way when deciding who wins and who looses. Don’t stop at excellence, stop only after you have given your best effort.

Lastly, stop hiding, and put your greatness on display.

I think they are onto something!

Rachel Bryant Lundy

 

#I’m with HER: The CHELSEA FACTOR

Posted by: Rachel Bryant Lundy Posted on: August 4, 2016 ,

CHELSEA 3

(www.fortune.com)

We believe Chelsea.
She’s been able to remain innocent and viewed as the pre- teen, and only child to her parents that she was when she first moved in the white house in 1993. Now as a wife with two small children, America still has a soft spot for Chelsea Clinton.

We all know that currently Chelsea is not a politician, it was a smart move to avoid a speech based on policy and promises that would have been of no effect. The campaign chose to go with a speech from the heart and it was a success. I was a ball of emotion as I listened and it completely took me by surprise. I am amazed at what honesty and meekness can say that bravado will never be able to. There’s nothing like a daughter talking about her mama, and letting you in on the stuff you don’t get to see. Daughters truly know what their mothers go through. They see the very high highs and the very low lows.

While daughters adore their dad from the moment we know they will spoil us rotten, it’s not tell we are actually older that we begin to have respect and pride for our mom. We begin to empathize with how it feels to not be paid fairly, but have to work the same job just as hard if not harder. We know how it feels to be resented for our brains. We know how it feels to want to raise a family, while also wanting to build something of our own in the world.  And, we know how it feels to dare go after dreams that are typically reserved for men.

As much as America loves business, money, and fame, we secretly know life isn’t about those things, and they have their place. We know that keeping a family together through betrayal and financial hardship trumps all. Chelsea’s speech showed us her mom’s priorities, her vulnerabilities, and how she handled her failures.

CHELSEA 1

(www.abcnewsgo.com)

Chelsea’s speech didn’t need to have policy, or put rivals in their place, her mother was going to do that. Her speech just had to be honest, because let’s face it, there is no competition when anyone has something great to say about their mom.

Years ago, as I watched the Clintons exit the White House as the Bushes entered in, I never would have thought Hilary would be back.  But, she fought her way back in. She became a Senator, lost her first presidential election, and then became Secretary of State.

Hilary waited her turn, and now we will have a woman in the White House as President.

CHELSEA 2

(www.cnn.com)

Rachel Bryant Lundy