Hello readers, my name is Riley Dulaney. Before I begin, I would like to thank Jared for letting me have the opportunity to write a blog post. Your college years are supposed to be the best years of your life. That statement is so true for me. Most of the readers of this blog might not beware that I’m in a program for students with IDD (Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities) called IDEAL (Igniting the Dream of Education and Access at Lipscomb).
Early spring semester last year I reached out to Benton Reed (who at the time was the Men’s distance coach) to see if I could help out in any way during the season. It was not until a few weeks later that I realized how much of a God-ordained moment it was that I asked to help out. Working under Coach Reed reminded me of Ephesians 5:2 (ESV), “walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us” with that verse in mind I was always and will continue to be a constant presence in the team’s life (that is until I graduate in May). Whether that be going to FCA or sitting with the team at lunch when they have a recruit on campus. One final way that I have walked in love with the team is studying the word with a majority of them on Thursday mornings at a bible study called Sunrise Slayers.
One verse that also comes to mind is Philippians 2:8 (ESV) “And being found in human form, he (Jesus) humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” I was and still am humbled that the track team would accept another IDEAL student manager. My challenge to you readers is to live out your lives walking in love with one another and being humble. Micah 6:8 (NIV) says “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” I look back in 10 or so years at the things that I was able to do while at Lipscomb and will forever be reminded of how I constantly need to serve humbly whether or not that was with athletics or the IDEAL program.
Once again, I would like to Thank Jared for letting my voice be heard.
I appreciate you,
Riley Dulaney