Wins, and championships are overly exhausting especially when there’s a battle that is rarely talked about until an athlete commits suicide while that athlete had fought depression alone.

I know personally about the battle of depression, suicidal thoughts, and trying to kill myself. 

I’ve battled depression and loneliness. There were seasons in my life when it felt like no one cared. Moments when dark thoughts played on repeat over and over, trying to convince me that ending it all was the only way out.

The greatest words I can say clearly are: Jesus Christ is my Savior and my Lord. In Jesus, I’ve learned something powerful and true which is that you can be hurting and still be victorious. You can be under attack and still be an overcomer. My faith in Jesus doesn’t mean the fight disappeared overnight, but it means I never fight alone. When the enemy Satan whispers lies to me, Jesus Christ speaks truth to me in His Holy Scriptures. When the noise gets loud, His voice gets louder: I am not done with you.

Athletes, we’re taught to play through pain. But emotional and spiritual injuries require a different kind of courage. The courage to speak, to pray, to ask for help, and to rest in truth when your mind feels broken. Guarding your heart is part of training. Protecting your mind is part of the practice. Faith in Jesus isn’t weakness; it’s His strength under control.

Let me tell you this that every athlete in each locker room needs to hear:

• Your worth is not in wins or championships.

• Your identity is not your stats line.

• Your future is not your past mistakes.

If you’re struggling, that doesn’t disqualify you! Jesus uses pressure to produce His purpose. He uses broken places to release His power. And He uses real stories to save real lives through Him! 

If you’re reading this and you’re tired mentally, emotionally, feeling overwhelmed and discouraged you’re not weak for hurting you're human. You’re not alone, you’re loved by Jesus Christ who is the only true God, Savior, and Lord who sees the whole story even when you can only see the section or only a chapter. 

Your victory is bigger than banners.

Your greatness is deeper than trophies.

Your purpose will outlast every season.

Stay in the fight. Speak the truth. Surrender to and depend on Jesus Christ because this earth needs you here!