Just Do IT!!!

What an amazing week!  Speaking at First Baptist Church in Ruston, LA on Sunday was good for my soul.  To be around Savannah’s people … OH, so good!  I spoke to my nephews’ church family in Lake Providence, LA on Wednesday, then at their children’s school on Thursday.  To be in a room full of people who honestly care for my daughter (and, well, my ENTIRE family) is something that cannot be expressed in words.  I do want to say, specifically, that I was so impressed with the student body at Briarfield Academy.  These students (pre-K through 12^th grade) were attentive and so respectful as this grieving mother expressed how her daughter was a “difference-maker”.  Amazing! (That’s really the best word I can use … simply amazing.)

Dan Wieden is credited for the Nike trademark slogan, “JUST DO IT”.  In 1988, this slogan and phrase became synonymous with Nike.  It also became a picture of forward progression.

Just.

Do.

It.

This phrase inspired us to exercise and so much more.  It inspired us to perform an action we had been pondering or desiring to do.  However, for whatever reason, we had not yet followed through with yet.

Three powerful little words! Just … no excuses, make the choice, “go ahead, already”, why not?  Do … perform an action, a behavior. It … “IT”, whatever that is.  Often, we say things like, “we need to have lunch”, “let’s get together”, “I need to start exercising”, “one day, I’m going to start reading the Bible”, “I’ve always wanted to do… (something else)”. But, we rarely ever follow through – even if we know the “IT” is something good for us, something that would bless ourselves or someone else, or something we would just enjoy.  Ok, here it comes …

JUST DO IT!

What is stopping you?

Really, what’s stopping you?

All that’s needed is to CHOOSE to do it … get started!  Perform an action. Make a forward movement.

We were challenged to become GREAT in 2012 with Nike’s “Find Your Greatness” campaign.  “Greatness needs a lot of things, but it doesn’t need an audience”.  “Greatness is not born, it’s made.” “Somehow, we’ve come to believe that greatness is reserved for the chosen few.  The truth is, greatness is for all of us.” “This is not about lowering expectations, it’s about raising them … every last one of us.”  For more quotes, check out this link if you’d like to watch this:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYP9AGtLvRg.

In 2013, Nike redefined “JUST DO IT” from an inspirational quote or idea to a call to action.  Nike wanted to encourage people to set goals, strive to reach something, or aspire to “be better”.  Some quotes from this newly redefined campaign were, “If you can run a mile … run a race, you know what, RUN A MARATHON”! “Ride a bull, ride, ride a tougher bull.” “Beat the champion.” “Beat Serena.” (If you would like to refamiliarize yourself with the campaign, see this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBZJzMcQMG8. An additional bonus when you watch is that you can hear Bradley Cooper’s voice!)

Perform an action and MOVE FORWARD!!!

This blog is not about promoting Nike, but to entertain and embrace their premise … “JUST DO IT”.  In reflecting on John 10:10 and the “thrive mentality”, this phrase perfectly encapsulates what is needed so that we can begin thriving … having that abundant life.  Both my firstborn, Savannah, and my baby girl, Isabella, are people who make the choice to thrive.  Both of my girls take chances, try out for things, entertain other possibilities, they … GO FOR IT (regardless the outcome)! I admit, I was not adventurous.  I was “safe” and did not try out for things I was not assured that I would get when I was their ages.  Too afraid.

I realized the importance of “going for it” when Savannah moved from this existence into Eternity at just 21 years of age.  The shortness and unpredictability of life slapped us in the face!  Reflecting on Savannah’s life, I see the value of “thriving” by taking chances, setting goals, and striving to improve.  The value is not just for ourselves.  There is an additional benefit.  When we thrive with the right heart and spirit, we encourage others to thrive. This sets not only ourselves in a forward progression, but others, as well.

Since I have been speaking to groups about Savannah, I have been inundated with stories of how Savannah’s short life has impacted them.  Stories from her whole life, from preschool to her last days, and even now.  Savannah was a “difference maker”.  She chose to “JUST DO IT” with others in mind.  How different our life and, ultimately, our world would be if we adopted this mindset and behavior!

This blog is to encourage you to be a “difference maker” by adopting the phrase, “JUST DO IT”.  Go for it.  Try out for the team.  Set goals. Take the job.  Start the class. Set the lunch date.  MOVE – one step at a time. Do … something. Anything, just do IT! Don’t wait until … because, quite frankly, that time may never come.

May you be blessed and bless others as you JUST DO IT!

Stephanie