At the 1993 ESPY's, the late Jim Valvano is famous for saying, "Don't give up. Don't ever give up!" It was during this speech that Valvano stressed the importance of hope, love and persistence. He was diagnosed with cancer in June of 1992. My good friend and legendary Ravenna High School basketball coach, Paul Beranek, just finished up three months of chemotherapy. This has been the second time he has had to battle this dreadful disease. However, his positive attitude and resilience is second to none!
It is easy to have faith when everything is going well, but courageous and robust faith is forged only through testing. Quite often these "tests" are not bouts with cancer; but the simple, everyday decisions not to quit. Coach V and Coach B didn't become resilient on the day they met cancer. Their journey's started long ago. It's a process. So the next time you feel like cutting a corner or quitting altogether, stop and think. How you handle the little things will more than likely be your fight posture with the big battles.
In closing, my outward demeanor might be the polar opposite of Eric Thomas (The Hip Hop Preacher), but I love his spirit. He has fight. He has staying power. He has grit. This particular video, The Truth Behind MSU's Win Over Michigan, has some amazing truths behind it. Listen closely, and remind yourself daily: "Don't give up. Don't ever give up!" ...Just like my buddy Paul Beranek.