God has a plan. Run, Stafon, Run” [Stafon Johnson].
Have you heard the story of the Southern California tailback who suffered a potentially fatal weight room accident when a weight bar crushed his throat?
In an instant last September, Stafon Johnson’s future became doubtful.
The injury tore apart his vocal cords, crushed his trachea, and made it impossible for Johnson to eat or breathe without the assistance of machines. Today, after several surgeries, Johnson is able to breathe on his own and, perhaps his most surprising accomplishment, is that he has learned to swallow again.
At a news conference over the weekend, the athlete impressed physicians, family members, teammates, and sports fans around the country when he also demonstrated the ability to speak.
In front of news cameras, Johnson shared the last words spoken to him by his late grandfather.
He uttered only seven words.
No louder than a whisper.
But they were powerful.
“God has a plan. Run, Stafon, Run.”
I can’t help but wonder how many evenings, when the sky was dark and discouragement loomed large . . . when the days seemed long and life unfair . . . unable to swallow . . . unable to breathe . . . unable to speak . . . unable to see his future . . . that Johnson clung to these words.
Johnson’s doctors don’t credit the athlete’s miraculous progress to the surgeries, the impressive hospital system, or the knowledgeable healthcare providers.
Instead, his physician, Dr. Ryan Osborn, and throat specialist Dr. Jason Hamilton are quoted as saying,
“He never put limitations on himself,
and that’s why he’s making great strides.”
“Due to gladiator-type mentality toward his outcome . . .
he has regained the ability to swallow.”
“Will there be any limitations on him?
Those are only going to be set by Stafon.”
In the weeks since the accident, Johnson grabbed onto his courage and fortitude. He rallied his determination, encouraged himself, and was able to breakthrough the limits of convention.
What are you facing today? What limits do you need to demolish? What will it take to encourage yourself to overcome in spite of insurmountable odds?
Maybe, all you need are seven words to keep the momentum alive. To keep you in the game to fight another day.
Stafon’s seven words are:
“God has a plan. Run, Stafon, Run.”
My seven words are:
“She believed she could so she did.”
Maybe your seven words could be:
“My present does not equal my future.”
Whatever you are, be a good one!
Deanna
Whatever You Are, Be a Good One 