Unless you have been hiding under a rock you have probably heard about Vaquero’s success at the Quarter Horse Congress last Saturday night, but did you hear about my failure?
It happened after the awards were announced while I was exiting the arena. There were maybe 20something or 30 people milling around, several of whom I was signing autographs for. One particular woman spoke up and expressed several things she had on her mind. She started by stating that this was the first Quarter Horse Congress she had attended and that she had been appalled by some of the ways she had seen horses being treated while she was there. She then said that she was impressed with watching me ride….and then it happened.
Everyone looked at me…and a very pregnant pause…. occurred….
and I said, ‘Thank you.’
What was really happening was that I was at a loss for words. I don’t feel that I deserve much of the praise I get for these things. You see I am just expressing (by riding my horses) what has been written on my heart. It is like I was born to do it. I am drawn to it.
And what I failed to do was to give credit to The One who wrote it there.
I could blame it on the fact that I had not had much sleep, I could blame it on the fact that I was still in shock over winning, I could…I could…I could….
Be realistic giving thanks to God, to Jesus, for blessing me the way I have been blessed is not a habit I have formed. I am working to change that. Thank you Lord.
Matt 5:15-16 Neither do you light a lamp and put it under a bowl, instead you put it on a stand so that it may give light to everyone in the house. Do this in the same way, let your light shine before men so they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
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I’ve been in those moments before too, and, like you, have felt terrible about my reply. Its who we are as sinners so focused on ourselves that we forget the very giver of our every breath.
Several times when I’ve spoken to people about God, it was a compelling urge I couldn’t refuse; like He was actually speaking through me. Then there have been times like you described, when later I think “coulda/shoulda/woulda said.” But I have to conclude that it wasn’t the right time, or else He would have given the words in time to say them. 🙂 Thanks for your courage in shining the Light!!!
God loves us rain or shine, aren’t we lucky!!! We all have lots to learn, but putting it out there takes courage and heart, because those around us will keep us accountable. I tip my hat to you and thank-you so much for that reminder 🙂
Cheers and blessings.
Stacy,
We have always loved you and what you stand for. After reading this weekly digest, I can say that I respect and look up to you more now than ever.
Thank you for setting such a good example for all of us.
God Bless,
Amber, Jamie (the crazy South African) and little Montana Rain
Ah! The South African not the Aust….oops, can’t say that 😉
After our trip to Australia maybe our next adventure should be South Africa! I still have your info…
Stacy, if any one deserves blessings its you.
Thankyou for being real and honest and transparent. I have been inspired by your giftedness for sometime, but have just recently joined the blog. Many of your comments have been thought provoking, more than just a little prod I should say. For where I am at right now … very fitting. Applying one’s life to God’s word is an extreme challenge, thankfully we don’t do it alone!
God bless you.
There was no failure. good night Stacy
That was very good Stacy , I just got it – Jeremiah 31 : 33-34 a spiritual compass leads people back to whence they came. to the light . definition of compass is – to surround and be on every side. to cause one to turn back to ,,, in the Greek of course .
And about that woman , ha ! There will always be people that will say certain things to try to bring you down. They want to steal your joy , because they have never had it ! But they will never succeed. Next time just say The reason I rode so good is – The joy of the LORD is my strength. You are growing into a great woman of GOD and a spiritual warrior. It was no coincidence me meeting your husband. To think of the people you will reach. Tell everyone what awesome things HE has done for you. Ya know they say that Horses have no fear . Well now you dont either. Your friend , Troy B. Tn
Have no regrets Stacy , when you stood on that horse and simply pointed up ; with all those people online seeing , HE received enough glory from you for a lifetime. And again , You are blessed ! Hope to meet you one day. 8 seconds is a great movie , but : you are the real deal. M. ( Troy ) Brown . Culleoka , Tn
Please don’t berate yourself over such a small incedent.I do agree with you that the praise and glory should be given to GOD.I think the most important issue is that you are aware of where your gifts and talents come from,And that in looking back you saw that you missed an oppportunity to give credit to the one who”wrote it on your heart”.
Peace~Todd
Amen Stacy! God has given you such a gift and He can use it to shine His light in this industry. Shine the light girl! 🙂 We have all had moments in our life where we choose, for whatever reason, to let an opportunity pass us by. Thank you for recognizing that and for sharing, encouraging us all to be looking for those opportunities to let God use us.
Stacey the first time I ever watched you ride was the ride in honor of you dad and there already I knew you were someone special! words are not always needed His presence does shine thru you even without words.
THANK YOU SOOOOOOO VERY MUCH FOR THAT COMMENT, STACY, DEEP DOWN I KNEW YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE CHRISTIANS, PRAISE GOD AND WE ALL GIVE HIM THE GLORY FOR THE GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE, AMEN!!!!!!!
One of the best things we can do to honor both a higher spirit and our fellow human beings is to acknowledge any and all compliments with a heart-felt thank-you. Those words serve to respect and validate the person who addresses us, and by implication to honor the source of our talent. A failure would have been to say nothing. You did not fail. Accept praise gracefully, and you will be rewarded with grace.
Amen, and thank you for sharing that. Everyday is a gift from God, we are all tools in his hands.
Thank you for not being afraid to give God the glory and for sharing your faith!
Horses are a gift from God, and the bond you have, is also His gift. Your realization of your “Failure” is just another step in your journey to Him.
God bless and think of how many more people you have reached by thanking God in a different moment.
Stacy, may you and your family continue to serve the Lord. He is getting credit when folks meet you. I recognized your christian love when I met you in Fort Worth.
I wonder if it was meant for you not to remember at that moment. You have reminded —many —more of our frail humaness and most important to remember the ONE that is responsible for all our gifts and to say, and be thankful. God is Good all the time, all the time God is good. Thank you Father for putting Stacy in our lives.
You are so right, Stacy. God bless you! You and Vaquero did an excellent job in the Congress. I hope someday to take my mare Lucy to the congress.
That is one of my favorite scriptures, but I was a way old person before I really “got” it!
Thank God for blessing us with you and your family. You are an inspiration to us all.
Stacy,
I am drawn to the light like a moth. It shines in you whether you say it or not. I had no idea what your convictions were when I first saw you at the Iowa horse fair in Des Moines this spring, but I was impressed and inspired. I just found your blog and now you impress me even more. We go through this life seemingly blind leading the blind. I am glad to know you are trying to follow Christ. He leads.
You go girl. When we humble ourselves before God He delights in us and He is quick to forgive. Jesus is so proud of you and I am praising God for your honesty. In our weakness His strength is made perfect. You are a blessing. You will get another chance.
Just keep shining bright Stacy and being an inspiration for us all.
Stacey, HE knows your heart, He knows how much you love Him and He loves you no matter what, thanks for sharing your heart with us. Blessings on you.