In life, we often wear many hats and carry various responsibilities. As for me, I am C.J. Stewart—an individual with multiple roles, including being a husband, father, son, brother, uncle, Deacon, avid runner, and an Atlanta enthusiast. However, amidst these roles, there is one calling that stands out above all: I am called by God to be a coach. In this blog post, I’ll share my journey of seeking guidance for the year 2024, the unique power of a singular word, and the importance of prayer and vulnerability in this process.
The Origin of the Word “Coach”
Before the term “coach” became associated with sports, it was primarily used for transportation purposes. A coach consisted of a horse, a coachman, and a compartment where passengers found rest. The coach’s purpose was to transport individuals to their intended destination. This historical context brings an insightful perspective to the role of a coach in our lives.
The Weight of Unspoken Words
Words possess immense power. If left unspoken, they are stored within us, becoming heavy burdens that weigh upon our hearts and minds. Recognizing this, it becomes essential to identify a guiding word that will shape our journey in 2024.
The Journey to Discovering the Word
To find the word that will govern our actions and intentions in the upcoming year, it is crucial to engage in prayer and vulnerability. Through prayer, we open ourselves to divine guidance and seek a word that aligns with our purpose. Additionally, sharing our thoughts and aspirations with trusted individuals allows us to gain new perspectives and insights, aiding us in discovering our guiding word.
The Vision: Leaving a Lasting Legacy
My goal of being remembered as one of the greatest coaches is not driven by personal ambition, but by a desire to inspire and educate others to become effective and impactful coaches. I envision a future where Black youth thrive and grow into empowered adults who contribute to society.
Surrounding Oneself with the Right People
Recognizing the importance of a supportive network, I emphasize the need for individuals who believe in me and share my values. These individuals should possess qualities such as conviction, competence, compassion, and care, forming the foundation for effective and impactful coaching.
Striving to Fulfill God’s Calling
While the Bible advises against worrying, I acknowledge the occasional struggle of fully embracing my purpose. I seek to be all that God intends me to be during my time among the living, embracing faith and trust as I pursue me life mission.
Empathy and Empowerment
My commitment to coaching extends beyond the realm of sports. Witnessing the oppression of vulnerable individuals evokes deep emotions within me, fueling my passion to empower and uplift disenfranchised communities. My dreams revolve around acquiring substantial financial and social capital to create meaningful change.
Joy in Coaching
Within the act of coaching, I discover a profound sense of joy. It is through coaching that I find purpose.
As we step into the future, it is vital to have a word that governs our actions, intentions, and decisions. For 2024, I am on a quest to find my guiding word, one that will navigate me through the various roles and responsibilities I hold. By understanding the origins of the word “coach,” recognizing the weight of unspoken words, and embarking on a journey of prayer and vulnerability, I am confident that I will discover the word that resonates with my purpose and mission. I encourage you to embark on a similar journey, seeking a word that will guide you in the year ahead, and may our collective pursuit of such words bring us closer to our truest selves and the fulfillment of our callings.
Join me on Sunday, December 31st at 12:00pm on the Adidas Community Discord when I reveal my word of the year live: