I wasn’t familiar with Stuart Scott in his role as an ESPN sportscaster. I learned of him through media stories about his battle with cancer. Scott died Sunday at the age of 49.
In July, Scott received the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance at the ESPYs, an award show hosted by ESPN. It was during his acceptance speech that he made this very powerful statement: “When you die, that doesn’t mean you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, while you live and the manner in which you live. So live. Fight like hell, and when you get too tired to fight, lay down and rest and let someone else fight for you.”
I believe this is true for whatever a person is struggling with – physical, mental, emotional or spiritual. You fight and then you lean on those around you to fight for and support you.
I encourage you to listen to his speech.
If you have time, consider also checking out another ESPY award acceptance speech – this one given in 1993 by the man for whom Scott’s award was named, former North Carolina State basketball coach Jim Valvano.
In whatever battle you are struggling with today, or in the future, my hope for you is that – to quote Valvano – you “don’t give up, don’t ever give up.”
Heather B. joined Empathia in 2004 and is a Communications Specialist. She has a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Theological Studies through Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.
