Tuesday morning, my DevoHub devotion was about Mary Magdalene at the tomb.
But Mary stood outside facing the tomb, crying. As she was crying, she stooped to look into the tomb.
John 20:11
As I read about her reaction, I thought about how I might have reacted. Would I have run out of the tomb frantically looking for the disciples? Would I have worried what people would think? Would I have stood there and asked a million questions? These thoughts stayed with me throughout the morning.
Then as I began to get ready for the day, I realized that Pat Summitt had passed away at 64 years old.
For those of you who might not know Pat Summitt, she is the most-winning basketball coach of all time. She was a groundbreaker, a pioneer, and a legend. A few of her stats:
- She’s #11 on the top 50 greatest coaches of all time.
- She coached 38 years at the University of Tennessee.
- She won 8 National Championships.
- 100% of her 4-year players graduated.
- She was inducted into six Hall of Fames.
- She has two Olympic medals.
Alzheimer’s took her life Tuesday. She had been diagnosed at age 59 and suffered for 5 years. Pat Summitt was a believer. In her book, Sum It Up, she shares about turning to Scripture for comfort, especially to Psalms. Pat attended each Living Proof Live event in Knoxville, TN. The last time I saw her was about 4 years ago at the event and she sat right behind me as our special guest. That event took place just after she had been diagnosed and it was made public. Surrender did not come naturally to Pat Summitt.
After hearing of her death, I wondered how I would handle that kind of diagnosis, how I would face that kind of challenge. Would I have the faith needed to walk through it bravely, or would I crumble with fear?
So why do I bring up these two women—one biblical hero and one modern-day hero? Because I realized these were two women who led well.
Both Mary Magdalene and Pat Summitt were tough women.
Mary heard the religious leaders clamoring for the blood of Jesus, the One who was so precious to her heart. She listened as Jesus was sentenced to be crucified. She witnessed and wept as Jesus was beaten by the crowd. Then she saw Him led out to be nailed to a tree. She was brave.
Pat Summitt was a championship coach in a male-dominated vocation. She was intense, unyielding, and, at times, intimidating. She worked hard and impacted the lives of at least 1,000 women who loved the game of basketball. She endured six miscarriages and faced the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s which ultimately took her life. She was strong.
Both women were “the first.”
Mary was the first at the garden tomb to witness the most important event in history—that Jesus, the Son of God, has risen from the dead. Jesus assigned Mary to be the first person to announce this greatest news of all time. She was the first to see the risen Lord and the one to receive the first message from His lips.
Pat Summitt had the most wins of any college coach ever (men or women)—18 Final Fours and 8 National Championships. She was the first woman to be asked to coach a men’s basketball team (two different times). She was the first NCAA coach to achieve over 1,000 wins. She was named Coach of the Century. She was the first and only woman listed in the top 50 greatest coaches.
Both Mary Magdalene and Pat Summitt were “chosen to lead.”
Mary was chosen by Jesus to go tell the disciples that He had risen. God used Pat to change the landscape of basketball, therefore changing women’s athletics.
Both women were determined.
Mary was determined to find the disciples—she ran to tell them. Pat was determined to win the game, giving women opportunities for an education and teaching them the greatest leadership lessons of their lives.
I think what I see most in both these women is they embodied so much of what we’d want to believe is capable in ourselves. They both gave much, loved much, and served much.
But we still ask ourselves—can I do it? Am I tough enough? Could I be the first while staying committed to carrying out the task? Is God asking me to lead? Am I determined enough to do whatever it takes?
If you find yourself pondering these kinds of questions in your own heart, realize that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. And we really don’t have to ask ourselves those questions. Because of the cross, we are covered in His blood even in our failures.
As Pat Summitt explained so beautifully, “All my life I had preached taking ownership to athletes. I insisted they commit to their talents, not just things they were good at but by admitting the things they weren’t good at. It was a difficult counterintuitive thing to teach—no one feels strong when she examines her own weakness—but in facing weakness, you learn how much there is in you and you find a blueprint for real strength. Don’t look away from the difficult things, I urged our athletes. Take ownership.”
It is only in our weakness that He can work a miracle and get all the glory. Don’t miss Him working in your life and don’t miss a miracle that might be before you.
Faith Whatley is currently the Director of Adult Ministry for the Resources Division at Lifeway. She gives direction to a team of 37 individuals who create resources for all adults, young and seasoned. Previously, Faith has served as Director of Church Ministry Training & Events, the Director of Women’s Ministry, and the Director of Women’s Events. Most importantly she is a wife and mother. The Whatleys are active members at Gladeville Baptist Church.
