All-Star Apostolic Athletes

[Chelsie]

Hi all. I'm having trouble with one of my athletes. She has refound her faith on the Apostolic denomination. While she adores cheer, has always been involved in classes and teams, has a supportive family base; after church camp this summer she feels that cheer is against gods plans and she is betraying her faith. The girl is so torn apart and anxious about it she was in tears at practice. She doesn't want to quit but doesn't "feel right" continuing to be in a sport. Has anyone dealt with something similar.


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[catlady]

I would speak to the parents about her anxiety and leave this to the family. I had a youth minister growing up that was very critical of any school/outside activities that would conflict with church activities. He would, also, make comments about certain dance and short uniforms not being in line with what God defined as modest in the bible. If she feels her salvation is now in jeopardy, or others, based on her cheering, there is not much you can do, nor should you get involved, other than to make her parents aware. I grew up in what would be considered a fundamentalist church and, unfortunately, there are a good handful of people that are very legalistic and outspoken about their feelings on what they consider your sin to be. Her parents have had her involved in cheer so, my guess is they are not as legalistic about their views on salvation and can talk to her about her concerns.

 

[Mamarazzi]

This is a tough one. All she can really do is pray on it.

 

[tumbleyoda]

I agree with @Mamarazzi. At the end of the day it is not how you feel about it, but how she feels about it. There is a zeal to many new converts (regardless of the denomination or the age of the convert) that as time and teaching occurs begins to balance out. Balancing out is different than losing zeal, fire, commitment, direction or determination You begin to understand how to maintain your faith and witness without compromising even in the midst of situations that might not appear to be in line with God's plan (to use the words that the OP did) Yet their position is not inherently wrong because it is an issue of their faith walk and their heart pull towards God. You just have to love her and let her make the decision she feels best.

 

[fortheloveofTNT]

Yeah she should definitely pray about it. I always feel like before each season God was directing me not to cheer because I would base my life around it. There was never enough time to study or spend time with Him. My focus was so off. But if she feels like this really is the choice she wants to make remind her that God will always provide, and He's doing what's best for her. It's a test of faith, you gotta believe in the unseen. God is a gentleman He'll never force her to do anything. But He will ask her to trust him.