Here in Northern Ireland, the countryside is famously green and fertile, nourished by beautiful rivers and lakes. But sometimes when a coastal fog settles in, even locals lose sight of familiar landmarks. At such times, we are reminded that faith is believing in things we cannot see.[i]
Jason Smyth, who lives just outside Belfast, Northern Ireland, with his wife and two daughters, has long believed in things he cannot fully see. Jason is a world-class runner and sprinter, the fastest man in Northern Ireland’s history. He also has a visual impairment. Jason is unbeaten in 15 years of Paralympic competition. He has 20 championship gold medals, including six gold medals in the Paralympics, and has set world records in both the 100- and 200-meter races.
It all began when a high school teacher saw something in him that Jason did not see in himself.
Jason Smyth:
https://f.io/VnEwsuc0
“When I was in high school a schoolteacher encouraged me to go along to an athletics club. But if I’m honest I wasn’t that interested, but for some reason I decided to go along.
And that changed the direction of my life. I would never be where I am today without that schoolteacher. You can never underestimate the positive influence another person can have on your life.”
In traveling and training throughout the world, Jason has learned other important lessons along the way—lessons about more than just running fast.
Jason Smyth:
https://f.io/vVmcHsIo
“My advice is to go for your dreams! There will always be reasons why not, but if you never try you will never know. And it is that example that I try to set for my daughters because I would rather them see me try and fail than never try at all.”
The courage to try when the path ahead is unclear, the courage to pursue that which is beyond our sight—this is faith. And Jason attributes much of his success on the track—and in life—to his faith.
Jason Smyth:
https://f.io/0I9bUIQi – (Two options for the first part of this quote in the same link. Which is more distracting? The car in the first option or the raindrop on his shirt in the second option?)
“I always say a prayer before a race, and I believe my faith is one of my greatest strengths as why I’ve been as successful as I have been. The attributes and characteristics of success for me align nicely to my faith and what I stand for.
I work hard, but I also trust God. It’s that knowledge that lets me know that everything will work out if I just do my very best, the best I can.”
[i] See Hebrews 11:1.
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September 18, 2022
Broadcast Number 4,853
The Tabernacle Choir
Orchestra at Temple Square
Conductors
Mack Wilberg
Ryan Murphy
Organist
Brian Mathias
Host
Lloyd Newell
Guide Us, O Thou Great Jehovah
John Hughes; Arr. Mack Wilberg
Hark, All Ye Nations!
George F. Root; Arr. Mack Wilberg
Venite!
John Leavitt
Have I Done Any Good?
Will L. Thompson; Arr. David A. Zabriskie
My God Is So High
African American spiritual; Arr. Ryan Murphy
Climb Ev’ry Mountain, from The Sound of Music
Richard Rodgers; Arr. Arthur Harris
All Creatures of Our God and King
German hymn tune; Arr. Mack Wilberg