Amanda Cromwell

DREAMS OF GOLD

My dream as a teenager was to be in the Olympics. I remember watching the Games and wondering what it would be like to be up on that medal stand. I got the chills every time the national anthem was played. What a feeling it must be to win a gold medal, I thought. I even wrote in my high school year book of my future plans to attend college and play in the Olympics. I was an All- American in high school and my team even won a state championship. I ended up getting a scholarship to play soccer at the U. of Virginia. Things seemed to be falling in place, I was at a great university and I was also invited into the US National soccer team training camp. I graduated UVA as a All-American and looked forward to a national team career. Soccer was definitely my priority.

YEARNING FOR MORE

I was confirmed on June 10, 1974, five days before my 14th birthday. Being confirmed meant that I had become a member of the church and, more importantly, it meant that I had accepted Jesus Christ as my savior. The problem was I didn't understand what it meant to have a relationship with Him. During my high school and college years, Jesus was on my mind but not exactly in my heart. I did basically what I wanted and didn't think much about the consequences. I wasn't being obedient to the God I had made a promise to follow, and He certainly wasn't number one in my life. I made the 95 World Cup team after 6 months of hard, full-time training. It was during this time that I was introduced to a bible study by one of my teammates, Michelle Akers. I hadn't gone anywhere with my faith, I hadn't grown, and now I had a yearning that I really did not understand. Little did I know this renewed awareness of God in my life would prepare my for the year ahead.

MORE THAN GOLD

In February of 1996, six months prior to the Olympic Games, I tore my anterior cruciate ligament playing with the US National soccer team. I thought my Olympic dream was over. I went back home after my surgery to rehab and that was when I really struggled. I didn't know how to handle the disappointment. Despite kind words from family, friends and teammates I was depressed and feeling a bit lost. I wasn't into daily prayer and my relationship with God was very much on the surface. I had to take some action to see where God was leading me. I starting attending bible study and from the first night I knew I was in the right place. It didn't take long to be at peace with what was going on in my life. I found a peace only God could give me.

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”. (Phil 4:7)

That peace continued on even though I did not make the roster of 16. Despite breaking all odds and making it back in 3 months, I just didn't have enough time to make the official team. I was picked as an alternate and I was able to celebrate the gold medal victory with my team. Even though alternates don't receive medals, I know in my heart that what I learned about myself and God, and that what I gained was worth more than gold.

“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

I challenge you to hope in the Lord. Renew your relationship or start one by accepting Jesus into your heart. It will be the most important decision in your life.

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