"Self"less Acts

Looking at today’s headlines you would think every American falls into one of a few categories: having an axe to grind with President Trump, being barred from contact with minors, or being under investigation for sexual misconduct. But if you look below the fold you’ll find Chandler Self and Ariana Lauterman.

Chandler Self won the BMW Dallas Marathon with a time of 2:53:58. Over the course of 26.2 miles, Self averaged a pace of over 9 miles an hour – an average that is 1/3 the top speed of the fastest man on Earth, Usain Bolt. Self maintained that speed for nearly three hours, and then less than 20 meters from the finish line she collapsed for the third time. Her legs quit working. But it’s not Self I want to talk about, it’s a 17 year-old triathlete named Ariana Lauterman who left her own Dallas Marathon relay race to lift Self and guide her across the finish line in record time. As a runner herself, Lauterman knew the rules – no assistance allowed. So she stabilized Self’s arm and guided her the 20 meters to the finish line – still in record time.

Oh, and Lauterman – the 17 year-old teenager and high school student – runs a nonprofit for homeless children called Team Ariana. (www.teamariana.org) She’s been doing it since she was 13.

At the age of 17, Lauterman is herself considered an elite athlete. She started competing in children’s races at age 7 and by age 10 was an accomplished runner. She dealt with being judged by other racers who were surprised by her age and ability. And then, at age 13, Lauterman chose to redirect the attention she received towards helping homeless children. During the 18 months starting February 2012, Team Ariana donated over $50,000 to charities helping homeless in Dallas.

“’For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ ‘Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” (Matt 25:35-40, NIV)

So today’s challenge is simple. It’s one that apparently even a child can handle. Love others like we’ve been loved by God. Give freely like the value is actually in the giving. And lend a helping hand whenever we see someone in need. Selfless acts can become commonplace if we choose to make them so.

Ask Ariana. She seems to have gotten it right and she’s been doing it since she was 13.

(Photo courtesy of Damon R. Max [Twitter] and FOX News)