Ryan Avery, twenty-five, is the youngest man to win first place in the International Toastmasters Competition. Ryan, manager of marketing and communications for Special Olympics in Oregon, beat out more than 30,000 entrants from 116 countries to become the Toastmasters International World Champion in public speaking in August. I’m in Ryan’s chapter of the club in Portland.
Will I shoot to the top like Meteor Avery? Most likely not. Do I admire Ryan’s hard work, determination, and sheer raw talent? Absolutely. But I don’t have the same stamina, will power, and drive as he does. His remarkable success with winning speeches “Push Past It” and “Trust is a Must” show him living his favorite phrase: Dream BIG!
Do I want to be a champ? Yeah, but in my own way. Encouragement rampages. Holy Spirit breakthrough prayers over others. Joy encounters. I heard the Lord whisper in my ear a couple of years ago: “I want you to teach people how to love themselves.”
What’s the true art of comparison? Comparing ourselves to our personal best in God’s calling, in the manner He defines.
Here’s Ryan eating Wheaties from a carton with his photo on the front. (Chelsea, his wife, is so creative!) Way to go with the Breakfast of Champions, Ryan. Knock ’em dead.
>~>~>~>~>~>
What’s a “Breakfast of Champions” around your house? How does God define your calling today?
Get "10 Tips for a Smart Transition."
Enter your first name and email address and get your FREE ebook "10 Tips for a Smart Transition."
Learn how to make decisions you won't regret. Overcome the anxiety of tough decisions with a clear head, peaceful heart, and confidence.
Sign up here!
Susan On October 18, 2012 at 8:29 am
A big congratulations to Ryan. What an
accomplishment. God has gifted him with
many talents.
Comparison, I am not the same today as I was yesterday:” Do not be conformed to this world, but continually be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you may be able to determine what God’s will is-what is proper, pleasing, and perfect.”
Lynn Hare On October 24, 2012 at 1:54 pm
Susan, I love the reminder to renew our minds in Jesus. Glad we’re gradually morphing to become more like Him.
chelsea On October 21, 2012 at 10:31 pm
great post lynn! i love the term of “encouragement rampages,” what a great concept. i know you’ve done that for ryan during and after his win!
Lynn Hare On October 24, 2012 at 1:56 pm
Thanks the comment, Chelsea. Glad you didn’t catch me on another day, when I was storming about the house on a different kind of rampage! Your blog is really encouraging, too! I love its life lessons.