¡NO EXCUSES!

Azkargorta replied in no uncertain terms - "No Excuses" 

I had asked him to share a helpful insight I could take away from our encounter. He didn't flinch - the words "No Excuses" slid from his lips easily. He cited an example: he fined players who turned up late for training sessions, never accepting the argument that coming late was part of our Latino culture.

 We are more than our carnal self-imposed limits. 

The bible talks about the excuses we use to justify our lack of commitment and trust in the One we serve...Moses said he couldn't speak well; I'd probably have said something similar if I had to take on Pharoah - this dude crushed people for a living! 

Gideon told the angel he didn't come from an important family when given the charge to unite the Israelites and lead them into battle against the Midianites.

 And some folk told Jesús they couldn't follow Him cuz they had pressing family matters. 

Stepping out in faith can be kinda scary; fear-driven excuses lead us nowhere. Trust the Lord...He'll take care of us...

   

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deut 31:8

    

  CONVERSATION WITH AZKARGOTA 

I  bumped into the legendary Xavier Azkargota a few months ago at BISA, the bank near my home at Equipetrol Norte, Santa Cruz! 

Azkargota coached the Bolivian soccer team that qualified for the World Cup in 1994. I had just arrived in Bolivia as a young missionary and the thrill of sharing in the nation's celebration at qualifying for the World Cup was exhilarating!

We exchanged pleasantries, talked about the similarities of our roles as coaches - a diocesan bishop coaching the clergy; and him as coach of a soccer team. 

The Lord brings interesting people into our paths