When American Bible Challenge Makes You Cry

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Since my daughter, Taylor, was diagnosed with MPS in 2001, I’ve wished for a treatment or a cure. Like every other parent of the terminally ill children in the world, I’ve passed through many stages of grief and loss as she has gradually lost physical functioning over time. I’ve wished I could change things. I’ve wished God would let me take her burden of the disease. I’ve wished that I could find a way to speed medical research along. Somehow I knew in my heart that by the time a treatment would be available for Taylor’s type of MPS, she would be too old and too fragile to try experimental or potential treatments. And that is the case.

But once in awhile, God gives you an opportunity to get a small glimpse of his enormous plan for the universe and  to make a difference in life. Perhaps not the life of your own child, but the lives of children in the future.

I had myself convinced that our team, Lift Your Voice, could win American Bible Challenge- the entire competition- and win the National MPS Society $100,000. It sounds like a lot of money. And it is. But it’s really a small drop in the bucket when it comes to medical research and the money necessary for treating and especially curing a genetic disorder. Families need each other; knowing that you are not alone in the MPS journey is critical to daily life. That’s why our family has hosted a party for MPS families every summer for 12 years; we believe that God has called us to encourage other families who are affected by MPS. A little love can go a long ways.

For those of you who saw The American Bible Challenge show tonight, at the end of the episode, you can see that I was devastated. What you don’t see is that a precious family came to the show to watch it and our family had never met this family, but we have a connection- MPS. The son has a form of MPS and he sat on the left behind our team the whole time the show was being taped.   I wanted to win so badly- if nothing else- just for him. It destroyed my heart that we lost – for him.

Honestly I was so upset that I came home after the taping of the show and fought depression for three weeks. I couldn’t talk about the show to anyone due to the future air date. God’s Word was my light and lamp as I grappled with understanding the pain and suffering of this world and I grieved the loss of the opportunity to raise more awareness and money for MPS children and their families.

But through the saturation of Scripture and seeking the Lord, I came to the realization that really I could sit and cry about it forever or I could choose to never give up. I could be embarrassed over my passion for life and love or I could be encouraged through God’s Word once again. I could believe these 12 Bibles Verse for when you feel like giving up and these 15 Bible Verse for Trusting God in Tough Times or I could be angry and sulk. So I made the choice. The choice to take this incredible opportunity of being on the American Bible Challenge and use it to encourage others who are hurting and suffering.

I chose to make this list of Never Give Up Quotes and my prayer is that no matter the reason you are reading this post, you will leave encouraged and strengthened to keep on going. Another step, another mile, and enjoy the journey.

Courage doesn’t always roar, sometimes it’s the quiet voice at the end of the day whispering ‘I will try again tomorrow.- Mary Ann Lamacher

Whatever God is urging you to give away cannot be compared to what He ultimately wants to give to you.- Beth Moore

When we’re bombarded with doubts and fears, we must take a stand and say: “I’ll never give up! God’s on my side. He loves me, and He’s helping me! I’m going to make it! – Joyce Meyers

Failure is only the opportunity to begin again- only this time more wisely. – Henry Ford

The past is where you learned the lesson. The future is where you apply the lesson, don’t give up in the middle.- unknown

God would give up His only son before He’d ever give up on you! (John 3:16) – Max Lucado

Discipline weighs an ounce; regret weighs a ton. – unknown

Courage comes from a heart that is convinced it is loved.- Beth Moore

It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan. – Eleanor Roosevelt

Will we ever exit this pit? Yes! Deliverance is to the Bible what jazz music is to Mardi Gras: bold, brassy, and everywhere. – Max Lucado

Hardships often prepare ordinary people for extraordinary destiny.- C.S. Lewis

Once you choose hope, anything’s possible.- Christopher Reeves

Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” – Helen Keller

The brave do not live forever; but the cautious do not live at all. – Princess Diaries

Never give up on anybody; miracles happen every day.- unknown

Courage is fear that has said its prayers and decided to go forward anyway. – Joyce Meyers

Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly. – unknown

Even though you may not understand how God works, you know he does. – Max Lucado

Love like there’s no tomorrow, and if there is, love again. -Max Lucado

There is not a single darkness in your life that God cannot bring his light upon. – Beth Moore

Make up your mind that you’re not going to quit until you see the fruit of what God has placed within you.- Joyce Meyers

It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up.- Babe Ruth

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.- Galatians 6:9

If you’d like to help us make a difference in the lives of MPS children and families, one way you can help is to volunteer for or donate towards our annual local gathering– details here.

Always for Him,
Rachel

Addendum: 6/20 When I woke up early this morning, I kept thinking about the character and compassion of my husband, Matt Wojnarowski and my brother-in-law, David Faile. I could tell you story after story about their characters. Most pastors only get one day off a week and today, on his “day off” David is helping a church member move and cutting the grass for a deaf man. Tomorrow, my husband begins his first day of “vacation” – staying home to watch the kiddos all week so I can share God’s Word in Africa. Both of these men are fathers to the fatherless every.single.day. and while it’s great to have Bible knowledge, what point is the knowledge if you don’t live it? So blessed to have these two men who love God and others in my life!!! #biblechallenge #liftyourvoice#faithandfamily