Linnea Holmgren - Swimming

I was…

I was around 5 or 6 years old when I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior, but before then, I don’t really remember much. I grew up in a Christian home and my Dad co-pastored a church, so I was surrounded by Christian fellowship most of my life.

But Christ

But Christ came into my life when I was around 5 or 6 as my Mom was putting me in bed. I think that I can still vaguely remember in my mind the night it happened. After the second time of me asking my Mom for one last hug goodnight, I asked her if I could pray to God to forgive my sins and be my Savior. But, even though I knew Christ when I was younger, I’d say that my relationship with Him really started to grow as I got older. I’d say that when I was 10 years old is when I remember my relationship with Christ to blossom.

Being blossomed though, requires both building and tearing. I have experienced many ups and many downs. But amidst those downs of shoulder injuries/weakness, club swim coach difficulties, family events, high school swim seasons, years of not improving swim times, heartbreaks, and the ever-present struggle of mental toughness and positivity, I wouldn’t change any of it for the world. Because in those times of “being torn down” is when I was actually being built up. In those moments God was refining me and making me more like Jesus. He was gently whispering to me, “Hey, trust Me. I’ve got everything planned according to your good. Be still and know Who I Am. You are My child. You are loved.”

And now…

And now, throughout my time at Indiana Wesleyan, I feel even much more so that I have grown in my faith with Christ. All of the circumstances, trials, successes, joys, and healing that has occurred from the past year, has made me into a completely different person. Christ has transformed me from the inside out. But as I am still human, I still experience many downs in my life. But one thing that God has been showing and working on in and through me, is to ask myself what my attitudes are and where my gaze is fixed during those struggles. Am I fixed on the problems, or am I fixed on the One who has already solved them.

Life Verse

“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:57-58

Challenge to Other Athletes/Coaches

With that said, I encourage you all to examine yourself and take an honest assessment. Ask yourself: what is my attitude when I’m going through a struggle? Does it honor and glorify God? Who or what do I turn to when trials come up? Do those resources honor and glorify God?

Be strengthened and comforted in the truth that Christ will never give up on you. He loves you and always wants what is best for you. Have peace and joy in His power and faithfulness.