Faithful Friday: What’s Your Legacy? (The Hoyt Family)
By: Debbie Waltz
I haven’t been posting Faithful Friday blogs recently because I’ve been intensely marketing my book. But I just felt I had to include this one for the end of the week. Frankly, I have a feeling I’ve already covered this story on my blog, though I can’t be entirely certain. To be safe, I decided to share it again. (Besides, it’s just that good)
It’s not solely because of the narrative or the accompanying music, but its underlying message. To my readers of the Monday blogs, I apologize if this content feels like a repeat. However, I will attempt to condense things a bit. Leading up to Easter, I’ve had difficulty balancing the marketing efforts for my book with reaching the intended readership. Ultimately, it feels like I’m advertising myself.
That statement is accurate, however, it only encapsulates one particular viewpoint on the matter. Our aim extends beyond mere self-promotion; we are actively working to amplify the underlying message of our stories, offering a beacon of hope to those seeking it. However, it is essential for authors to overcome their inhibitions and to remain focused on the underlying purpose that motivated them to write their book.
Similarly, we should have the same goal. Christians ought to aim to perform their duties excellently for their employers, understanding that their efforts are ultimately for God’s glory. (Colossians 3:23-24) As His ambassadors, we aim to share the Good News with those around us. By keeping our gaze upon God, we recognize the eternal value of all that is accomplished for His Kingdom. Earth is not our permanent residence; our true home is in heaven with our Father.
During the Easter service, my pastor emphasized not only the resurrection but also its deeper significance. Freedom from sin does not shield us from the hardships we will experience during our lives. Through hardships, our character is refined, and our relationship with God is strengthened.
Just like Job.
Notwithstanding the difficulties he was facing, he maintained his belief in the divine plan, recognizing God’s ultimate authority. With unwavering conviction in God’s ultimate dominion, he held onto a positive anticipation of what lay ahead. Job looked forward to his own resurrection and being able to see God face to face. (Job 19:23-27).
Christians ought to share a similar expectation. We are called daily to remember the profound truth of God’s immense sacrifice and to embody and live out that sacrifice actively in our daily lives.
The Hoyt family has consistently demonstrated an outstanding example of this in practice. Even though this bicycling pair is no longer with us, their memory continues to inspire and facilitate participation in sports for people facing significant disabilities.
Let me back up..
Despite being born with cerebral palsy, Rick’s family was resolved to ensure he had a normal upbringing. Despite doctors’ advice to institutionalize him, they were committed to enhancing his quality of life. Therefore, Dick and Judy labored ceaselessly to integrate him into the standard curriculum. With the help of a device they fondly called “the hope machine,” 12-year-old Rick could finally express his thoughts. Rick meticulously went through the alphabet, choosing each letter with a slight head movement, a demanding but effective way for him to communicate.
What were his very first words? “Go Bruins”
In the spring of 1977, Rick inquired if his father would assist him in participating in a 5-mile run to benefit a college student who had recently become paralyzed due to an accident. He immediately remarked after the benefit that his disability vanishes when he races his father.
And so their journey continued.
Inspired by Rick’s words, Dick was determined to give him that feeling as much as he could. Following multiple 5K races, a friend proposed going onto the concept of competing in an Ironman. This race pushes athletes through an extraordinary test of physical and mental resilience. An official Ironman triathlon comprises three continuous events: a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile marathon run. For over four decades, until Dick’s death, the father and son duo took part in 1,142 competitions.