The Phil Files

I tried to prepare myself to not watch as much as previous Olympics. I didn’t want to blow a bunch of time watching the drama and hype known as the Olympics. I am very very concerned about our Christian brothers and sisters in China next year after all the concern for PR by the Chinese ruling government has evaporated with the conclusion of the Olympic games.

However, the competition and the stories behind the athletes and their families is mesmerizing. The difference of two inches on a touch in the pool carries such huge expectations and surprises — for both women and men competitors. Watching young men hanging on for dear life to keep a bronze medal was exhausting in gymnastics. The incredible strength, grace, and stamina as athletes compete in multiple events and preliminary rounds or heats for their chosen sport.

Yet what also weighs heavily on my heart tonight — or better yet, early this morning — are all those who are battling hard illnesses, disconcerting job losses, foreclosure on their homes, and unexpected and untimely deaths. Their battles are more private and equally as life-altering. Often times, these unseen battles are much harder and there are few if any cheering fans. So let’s make sure we look around our circle of relationships and find someone to cheer on and lift up — especially those no one else seems to notice.