USC's Track Star Kendall Ellis and Her Work of Art

The great middle and long distance runner Steve Prefontaine once told a reporter, "A race is a work of art that people can look at and be affected in as many ways as they're capable of understanding." No wonder so many passages of Scripture refer to running. The Word, like art, offers a message that is timeless and eternal, universal and beautiful. See for yourself:

• I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. —2 Timothy 4:7
• Do you not know that the runners in the stadium all run in the race, but only one wins the prize? Run so as to win. Every athlete exercises discipline in every way. They do it to win a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one. —1 Corinthians 9:24-25
• Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us* and persevere in running the race that lies before us —Hebrews 12:1

Though I agree with Pre— a race is a work of art—the feat on Hayward Field at the 2018 NCAA Track and Field Championship Races, leads me to believe there is but one way to look and at be affected by the accomplishment of USC track star, Kendall Ellis. 

I could capture in writing what she did, but why. See for yourself. I can guarantee your reaction: sheer and total amazement, awe, inspiration, even wonder. In short, five different ways of describing the same thing. Truly she ran like a woman inspired.

To be inspired is to be filled with the spirit, and many Christians will recognize that energy and life pulse as the Holy Spirit. 

At our back to school faculty in-service day, we unpacked the theme of our year: Ignite the Fire Within. Though it may sound strange, that fire is the passion we each have inside of us. This fire leads and guides us to give and not to count the cost. It is not separate from, but a part of the Holy Spirit. No wonder The Spirit is often depicted as a White Dove amidst tongues of fire. We humbly prayed for the Holy Spirit to guide us this year and leave us with the gifts and the fruits of the Holy Spirit.

As I read about each of the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit, my mind's eye kept returning to Ellis' race. In her race, I saw Wisdom, Understanding, Fortitude, and Awe. I realized another may look at it and see Knowledge and Awe. As I considered how a coach, another runner, or a teammate may view that relay-—truly a work of art—I decided the Oregon legend Steve Prefontaine and I might both be right. People who see this race are affected in different ways. They probably see the Gifts of the Spirit they know. 

We say that "beauty is in the eye of the beholder," but I have come to believe some things are so triumphant and glorious that the one who is beholden can see but one thing: beauty. That's universal and yet, it's personal too. Perhaps that's what makes a song, a painting, a sculpture and a 4x400 meter race, truly, a work of art.

Photo Credits
Kendall Ellis Baton