Let it be known that the Oklahoma Sooners Women’s Softball players have more guts in glorifying the name of Jesus publicly than many Americans today.
During a press conference after their Game 1 win in the Women’s College World Series, when asked about how the team handles the pressure and maintaining the joy their team is known for, team captain Grace Lyons did not hold back when answering the question.
I love their faith! It brings tears and fills my heart! ♥️ pic.twitter.com/Skd3acTHaE
— Just Jill (@JustJillTeacher) June 6, 2023
“The only way that you can have a joy that doesn’t fade away is from the Lord. Any other type of joy is actually happiness that comes from circumstances and outcomes,” Lyons replies.
These ladies have a lot to be joyful about too.
They are currently riding a 53-game winning streak, and just completed a historic three-peat as NCAA champions by defeating Florida St 3-1 on Thursday night.
Quoting Coach Patty Gasso, an outspoken Christian who regularly exalts the name of the Lord in public, Lyons continued pointing to Jesus as the source of the team’s uniquely joyous relationship.
“The joy of the Lord is really the only thing that can keep you motivated, and just in a good mindset no matter the outcomes,” continues Lyons.
“Thankfully, we’ve had a lot of success this year, but if it was the other way around, joy from the Lord is the only thing that can keep you embracing those memories, moments, friendships and all that,” add Lyons.
Representing the true team spirit, and community in Christ, outfielder Jayda Coleman backed up Lyons words:
“One thousand percent agree with Grace Lyons. I went through that my freshman year. I was so happy to win the call…but I was just so happy that we won the College World Series, but I didn’t feel joy. I didn’t know what to do the next day, I didn’t know what to do for that following week. I didn’t feel filled, and I had to find Christ in that and I think that is what makes our team so strong…because our life is in Christ, and that’s all that matters,” states Coleman.
But wait, there’s more!
Rounding out the interview was utility player Alyssa Brito, who shared how Jesus has changed the mindset of the team:
“I think a huge thing that we’ve really just latched on to is ‘eyes up,’ and you guys see us doing this [points up] and pointing up. But we’re really…fixing our eyes on Christ and that’s something where…you can’t find a fulfillment in an outcome whether it’s good or bad and I think that’s why we’re so steady in what we do, and our love for each other and our love for the game because we know this game is giving us the opportunity to glorify God. …Once we figured that out and that was our purpose, and everyone was all in with that, it’s really changed so much for us,” shares Brito.
This is what successful, biblically based discipleship that will change the world looks like.
Coach Gasso has passionately taught her players that win or lose, rain or shine, the joy of the Lord is their strength, and no situation on earth can take that away from them.
James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.
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