The Horse Who Ran.

Sometimes the truths of Freedom and Grace overwhelm me in utterly subversive ways.

Today, for instance. (This morning to be exact.)

As my husband and I attend a Saturday evening church service, Sunday mornings are typically unhurried, restful, contemplative, joyful. This morning after we fixed our "Weekend Special" breakfast, we decided to watch a movie we had rented two days previously but had not yet found the time to enjoy: Secretariat.

If you don't know the story of this incredible racehorse, you can read about him here, or purchase his biography here.

Secretariat was a stallion owned by Penny (Chenery) Tweedy back in the 60s and 70s. In 1973, he became the first racehorse to win the Triple Crown (the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes all in one year) in twenty five years. And he did not just win all three--he won resoundingly. In fact, the records he set at the Belmont have yet to be broken.

You see, Secretariat had a rival: Sham. Sham had beaten Secretariat earlier in the season, but Secretariat came back to win with the Derby and the Preakness. However, at the start of the Belmont, Sham and Secretariat were neck-and-neck. Then, Secretariat ran.

He ran and he ran and he ran. He ran so fast that he was almost flying. He ran faster and faster and faster and pretty soon the television cameras could barely keep him and the next-fastest horse in the same screen. He won that race by 31 lengths.

Secretariat was running that way because he was made to run that way. He was made to run and defy the odds and take everyone by surprise and triumph.

I couldn't help it. I began to weep. And it was because I knew that I was made to run like that, and I was made to win. Sure, I stumble and fall, but Oh! to be able to run--fly--Live in the freedom and grace I've been given.

That is the race you and I were made for.