The Father Who Left the Stands

On August 3, 1992, British sprinter Derek Redmond lined up for the 400-meter semi-final at the Barcelona Olympics. He had trained for years. He was running the race of his life. Then, halfway around the turn, his right hamstring snapped. He crumpled to the track in agony while the other runners surged ahead.

What happened next is what the world remembers. Derek stood up. He began hobbling toward the finish line, tears streaming down his face, each step a small act of defiance against the pain. Then a large man in a T-shirt pushed past security guards and ran onto the track. It was Jim Redmond — Derek's father. He wrapped his arm around his son's shoulder and whispered, "You don't have to do this." Derek said, "Yes, I do." Jim nodded. "Then we're going to finish together."

And they did. Sixty-five thousand people rose to their feet as father and son crossed the line arm in arm.

Faith often feels like that second half of the race. The moment the thing you counted on gives way. The moment the plan snaps. You are not asked to pretend the pain is not real. You are not asked to win. You are asked to keep going — and to believe that your Father has already left the stands. He is already on the track. He is already at your side.

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me."

He finishes with us.