Why?

------- Throw – Communicating Effectively ------

Isaiah 61:1

A number of years ago, I was given a copy of the book, “Season of Life,” by Jeffrey Marx. The book chronicles the life transformation of Coach Joe Ehrmann. I found it to be deeply touching and of tremendous value, and I gave several copies to my coaching friends. Joe’s heart piercing question for coaches is, “Why do you coach?” To contemplate that question and to communicate it effectively is a powerful tool for a coaching family.

Similarly, the prophet Isaiah writes about his “Why” in Isaiah chapter 61 verse 1. There we read, “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.” 

Isaiah served as he did because God had called and anointed him to bring good news, to comfort, and to proclaim freedom. His transformational purpose statement was clear and powerful.

Coaching families are in a similar position to Isaiah’s. God has chosen and anointed you to communicate a powerful message to all those you lead. Speak good news to the disheartened and confused. Speak comfort to those broken by life. Proclaim freedom to those in chains of pain, guilt, addiction, and deceit.

You may find that you best communicate your “Why?” as a couple. Your coaching family may be the best expression of your transformational purpose, as you live, love, and communicate with all those around you. 

Questions for Contemplation and Discussion:

1.  What would you say if someone asked you, “Why do you coach?”

2.  On a 1 – 10 scale, how strongly do you sense that God has called and anointed you to coach? (1 = slightly, 10 = powerfully)

3.  How are some ways that your coaching family can both communicate and demonstrate your calling to be God’s messengers in sport?