173
during stressful, competitive times. Walking up to the show ring with high hopes, fears, and anxieties can sometimes cause us to lose sight of Christ and His blessings. While walking back from the show ring with disappointment and dissatisfaction can cause our faith to dwindle and weaken. The show barn can be a stressful place, no matter who you are or the kind of day. Additionally, everyone strives for the same goal – the banner. But as much as a banner is nice, we seem to focus solely on obtaining a temporary reward rather than the eternal treasures and relationships God has for us. With God entrusting us to care for His animals, He entrusts us to seek Him and share His gifts and blessings through the things we love. “I believe that everything we are given in life is from the Lord. Christ impacted my livestock career significantly as I recognized that every banner or buckle was a gift from Him… The banners were great, yet I felt that showing could be a mission
field if I submitted my goals to the Lord and focused on the people around me, treating them with love.” explains Liza Jo, a former livestock showman of 13 years. As a showman of 14 years, I can attest that including Christ when showing livestock is difficult, but not impossible. When emotions of discomfort emerge, the peace of God’s care in Matthew 6:25-34 reminds us God has us under His wing no matter the win or lose. As for the anxieties, visualizing them being set in God’s hands (1 Peter 5:7) and praying with our show animal before going to the show ring (Philippians 4:6-7) allows us to find comfort in Him. Even in the stressful atmosphere, the blessings given within our show career -- the livestock, families, relationships, opportunities -- remind us why we show (James 1:17, Colossians 3:23- 24). Rather than pray for success, ask Jesus to reveal Himself to you with an open heart and carry you throughout the day. God designed us to reflect His image and spread the love He has for us,
not dwell in our shame and negative emotions. The enemy, however, disagrees and steals the joy out of the sport we were called to love and help each other in, veering us away from Christ (1 Peter 5:8). As much as the show industry is highly pressured, we are continued to be called by Christ and to share and grow in His Word in difficult times (James 1:2-4). “I feel the Lord has given me these opportunities in the livestock industry to meet others and share the gospel. At the end of the day, that is all it is about. Whether I left a fair with a banner or simply a sixth-place ribbon, I felt content if I got to minister to my fellow competitors.” God allows the smallest things to become a doorway into His Spirit and love – even when receiving last place. A ribbon might just be fabrics woven together, but when our hearts are centered on Him before the banner, it becomes a reminder that true victory is found in faith, not fame. ●
N O V / D
E C 20 25
ST
Powered by FlippingBook