Life Together: “What Is Your Rallying Cry?” (Oct 13)

 

“What Is Your Rallying Cry?”

October 13, 2026

 

Have you ever watched Saint Ralph? It is a heartwarming movie about Ralph Walker, an unlikely runner. Ralph is a mischievous 14-year-old boy whose mother falls into a coma. Desperate to find a miracle that might save her, he sets an almost impossible goal: winning the Boston Marathon. With the help of a priest who coaches him, Ralph begins to run, train, and push beyond what anyone expects of him. Along the way, he learns that running requires more than physical strength. It requires a reason to keep going.

 

One phrase becomes Ralph’s rallying cry: “Be a martyr!” His coach uses it to challenge him to embrace sacrifice, discipline, and perseverance rather than give up when things get difficult.

 

This past weekend, I ran another half marathon in Falmouth. Having trained throughout the summer, I was hoping to set a new personal record (PR). Unexpectedly, however, I began feeling unwell the day before the race after visiting a nursing home. I prayed, took Tylenol, and went to bed early.

Race day arrived. I still wasn't feeling well, but I wasn't too sick to run. So, I went ahead. The first half of the race went well enough. But during the second half, my legs grew tired, and my mind began telling me to stop.

 

Around that time, I heard someone call my name from the cheering crowd: “Victor!” It was Valerie and Brian. What a wonderful surprise! Their encouragement gave me a boost, and I kept going.

 

Especially during the last three miles, I kept repeating my rallying cries to myself: “Be a martyr!” “Never give up!” I also pictured the faces of my five children, our church members, and Joyce, who was running the same race.

 

My usual strategy is to start slow and finish fast, but this time, I had no energy left for a strong finish. My goal became simple: keep running without walking or stopping. Quite a few runners passed me, but I focused on my own pace and kept moving forward. At the finish line, my five children were there cheering me on.

 

I made it! Then I felt dizzy and collapsed. I had to lie down in the medical tent for about half an hour. The runner next to me had a temperature that reportedly reached 105 degrees. As I lay there recovering, I couldn't help asking myself, “Why am I doing this?”

 

For the next couple of hours, I thought I would never do it again. But by the end of the day, I was already planning to run a full marathon next spring!

 

So, why do I run? For me, running is about more than reaching the finish line. When we are young and healthy, running 100 meters may seem relatively easy. But running a marathon is different. We cannot simply decide to do it “on the spot,” no matter how willing or determined we are. It requires daily discipline, sacrifice, and perseverance. And we need a reason to keep going.

 

I love running not only because it helps clear my mind, but also because it helps me ask some important questions: Why am I doing what I am doing? What on earth am I here for? Where am I now, and where am I heading?

 

So what is your rallying cry? What calling or purpose keeps you going, especially when the journey gets hard?

 

This past Sunday, I shared a message about Jesus' rallying cry –

his mission statement – and how it shapes what we desire and what we live for. Scott Redman also shared his inspiring faith story with us. You can watch the worship service here and read the sermon here.

 

During the race, so many spectators cheered me on. Their encouragement reminded me that we are not meant to run alone. The same is true in our journey of faith. We all need encouragement, and there are people around us who need our prayers, our presence, and a few words of hope to help them keep going.

 

Please remember those on our prayer list, along with those whose names were shared during Sunday's service: Tom Wruk (Jane's son), Jamie Cartier (Pam's daughter), Irene Shaw, Tom Osborn, Jeannette Leupold, Louise Fietz, Julie Kennie, Layla (Hyacinth's granddaughter), Deadra (Hyacinth's daughter), and Matilda (Ai and Pearl's granddaughter).

 

May we remain faithful to the calling God has given us. May we encourage one another daily, and keep running the race set before us until that day we meet our Lord face to face.

 

Thank you for being part of this journey together. Have a blessed week!

 

In Christ’s Love,

Pastor Victor

 

P.S. Please remember that next Sunday, October 18, is Trivia Night! We’ll gather from 4:00–6:00 p.m. Bring your family and friends for an afternoon of fun, laughter, and fellowship together!