[574 words]
In 2012, Steph Curry was in his third year of professional basketball. He was well on his way in establishing himself as a premier point guard. Then, his world came crashing down when he injured his foot. He missed the rest of the season, and his foot required surgery. This was his second surgery on his foot, and he was worried that this might be something that would diminish his career. After the surgery, by his own admission, he states that he was at one of the lowest points of his life. He was usually an optimist, but this had really gotten him down. He was doubting himself and his abilities.
Curry felt like he simply wouldn’t be able to bounce back from what he called his “lowest of the low” moments. That is until his wife, Ayesha, spoke a one-liner to him – five words that hit Steph hard and turned things around in his mindset. The five words she spoke to him where this: “Don’t forget who you are.” Steph took those words to heart and worked hard at his rehab. The next year he set the record for number of three point shots made in the NBA in a single season. Since then, he has broken his own record twice, won four NBA championships, been the NBA scoring champion twice, and been the most valuable player of the league twice. He credits those words of encouragement from his wife as the spring board of his reaching new heights in his career.
Those are five of the greatest words we can say to ourselves to help keep us positive and productive – “Don’t forget who you are.” Those words remind us of the power and potential that lies within each of us. Remembering who we are brings to the forefront our abilities, possibilities, and responsibilities. Remembering who we are pushes us to do what needs to be done for God and for good.
The great apostle Paul started out as an enemy to Christianity. He was a devout Jew who was bent on destroying Christians and the church. But after his encounter with Jesus on the road Damascus, he “saw the light” and things changed. Once he became a Christian, he never forgot who he was. He was a follower of Christ. He was a devout proclaimer of the gospel. He never forgot that – and that pushed him on to the great successes that he had.
In the book of Romans chapter 1 versus 14 through 16, Paul recounts three things that he never forgot he was because he was a Christian. In verse 14 he says “I am a debtor.” In verse 15 he said, “ I am ready.” In verse 16, he said, “I am not ashamed.” In other words, he was saying, “I have never forgotten that I am a Christian. And because of that, I am a obligated, I am prepared, and I am courageous and will not stop.” As a result of this attitude, he forged forth and preached the gospel and made a difference.
Who are you? Are you a Christian? Don’t forget that and don’t forget the responsibilities you have as one. You are someone who has been created by God, someone whom God loves immensely, someone whom God has saved, someone who has unique and amazing talents and abilities, and someone who can make a difference with your life. Don’t forget that. Don’t forget who you are!
Edd Sterchi
Broadway church of Christ
Campbellsville, KY