Weightlifter Laurel Hubbard will be the first transgender athlete to compete at the Olympics. Hubbard lifted 628 pounds in two lifts to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics’ super heavyweight division. Many within the weightlifting community argue it is unfair to allow Hubbard to compete because of the biological differences between male and female athletes. There is no doubt that males have a natural advantage in terms of physiology and strength. It is hard to believe how far and how quickly sports have devolved by allowing biological men to compete in women’s sports. “Girls deserve to compete on a level playing field. Forcing them to compete against boys isn’t fair, shatters their dreams, and destroys their athletic opportunities,” said ADF legal counsel Christiana Holcomb.

Ezra 9-10 – Covenant Renewal

While many grieved the lost opportunities for women in sports today, Erza similarly grieved the decline of God’s people. His public sorrow prompted many to confess their sins and repent, leading to a renewed covenant with God. 

Ezra found it difficult to hear reports of God’s chosen people marrying foreign wives. This directly opposed His covenant. It was not an issue of race or nationalism but rather a spiritual concern. The women worshipped false gods, which led many of their husbands to reject the Lord’s claim that He alone was God. Ezra approached the situation with wisdom. He was committed to serving under God’s authority, and his leadership brought about positive change.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete set their sports and life apart for God by relying on Him and pursuing holiness.

Bible Memory Verse – “‘…but if you return to Me and keep My commandments and do them, though those of you who have been banished were at the ends of the sky, I will gather them from there and will bring them to the place where I have chosen to cause My name to dwell.’” Nehemiah 1:9  (LSB)