When You’ve Lost Your Swing
The name of the movie is The Legend of Bagger Vance. The main character, Rannulph Junuh had an illustrious golf career cut short by his enlistment in WWI. During the war, he made a decision that cost the lives of his entire platoon. As a result of the guilt, Junuh returned home to a self-imposed exile. When asked to enter a local golf match representing his home town, he initially refused. When asked why, he dryly responded, “I lost my swing.” He did finally consent to enter the tournament only to find that he is plagued with the shadow of his past…….
The Legend of Bagger Vance isn’t really about golf, but about a man being able to shake off his past failure and find again that place of confidence and hope; it’s about a man “finding his swing.”
I completely identified with Junuh. I’ve experienced the overwhelming sense of hopelessness. I know what it’s like to wonder if I would ever be whole again. Maybe you know that feeling as well?
It could be because of sin, or a series of bad choices that resulted in some type of painful failure. Life comes fast and hard. It can bury the part of us that hopes under a layer of regrets. Whatever the reason, maybe you too have lost your swing.
There’s a verse in the Bible that says, “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” Simply put, regardless of what’s happened, God’s purpose for your life has not changed. The sacrifice Jesus made on the cross paid the penalty for our failures. God does not oversee or manage your past. God has no plans or designs for your yesterdays. But, He is actively designing your future. He does have a purpose for your tomorrows.
Janae says:
October 21st, 2009 at 6:17 pm
I love this. It’s awesome!
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michaelfehlauer Reply:
October 21st, 2009 at 8:33 pm
Thank you, Janae! Love you. I am ready to post one of your blogs when I get the green light.
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Joseph says:
October 21st, 2009 at 8:14 pm
“God does not oversee or manage your past. God has no plans or designs for your yesterdays. But, He is actively designing your future. He does have a purpose for your tomorrows”
Michael I’m loving your recent series of posts. This may be one of the most profound statements I’ve read or heard in a long time. Brilliant!
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michaelfehlauer Reply:
October 21st, 2009 at 8:33 pm
Thank you Joseph, for your words of encouragement. Coming from you, I consider that a great compliment!
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Jodi Wertz says:
October 21st, 2009 at 11:19 pm
Mike,
I agree with Joseph!! That line is incredible!!! This has ministered to me in such a huge way!!! You just have no idea. Thank you, so much, for allowing God to use you and your “mistakes” to minister to so many!!!
You guys are always in our prayers,
Jodi
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Cassandra says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 7:54 am
Twitter: CasseInman
Thank you I needed that!
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Martha says:
November 6th, 2009 at 9:58 pm
You have made the full swing and I am so proud to know you and Bonnie and may God bless you in this new ministry. To know God doesn’t judge us by our past is such a comfort I am sure to others as well as me. Thanks for the reminder.
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Tasting Victory Blog says:
November 7th, 2009 at 8:42 am
Lifes Victories Carnival…
So here we go for round two of the Lifes Victories Carnival. Victory is attainable as we set a vision for ourselves. Every time I have won in a game or anything in life I’ve always been focused on the goal or vision I’ve set. In a team situ…
toni says:
November 15th, 2009 at 11:19 am
I really like this post Mike and have read over it several times.
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