Kay Yow was the head coach of the NC State Wolfpack women’s basketball team from 1975-2009. She coached an Olympic gold medal team and was inducted into the Hall of Fame. She was probably best known for the consistency of her team’s performances over the years, an overall record of 737-344, and the consistent personal character she demonstrated on and off the court.

Her steady pursuit of excellence came from her relationship with the Lord. During her cancer battle, she said, “I’m going through my second battle with cancer. I had it 18 years ago, and then, for whatever reason, I found that I had it again. A friend told me, “Kay, it is so bad that you had it returned.” I wouldn’t say it is bad—it’s hard—but God has blessed me a hundred-fold more than anything I could face. God is my anchor. For me, my faith [in God] is everything that will get me through this. In Psalms, a passage says, “The Lord is the sustainer of my life.” I believe what He says. Another great verse in Psalms says, “You have cloaked me with strength for battle.” And my favorite verse is in Philippians, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

1 Peter 3 – Actions of a Mature Christian

Kay Yow’s behavior during difficult times demonstrated her maturity and hope that was in her (3:15). In just five verses, Peter sums up his thoughts with ten marks of maturity that should epitomize a Christian who is consistently growing in their faith (1 Peter 3:8-12). The list includes unity, mutual interest, friendship, affection, compassion, humility, forgiveness, a controlled tongue, a pure life, and a peaceful temperament. The first few virtues relate to how we think and how we feel. The last ones relate to what we do and say.

When the Bible speaks of “walking,” it often refers to a lifestyle. Any believer can walk consistently with these virtues in God’s Word. While there will be some stumbling, we can walk a life consistent with these nine virtues as we mature in our faith.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete know their lives and speech should consistently glorify God. Even in trials, they use suffering as a reminder to live in a way that is a positive witness to others.