Never Too Old to Inspire

At 92 years old, Harriette Thompson of Charlotte, North Carolina, was the oldest person ever to complete a marathon! Ninety-two years old! That is a feat for someone of any age. Equally impressive is that she didn’t even start running until she was in her 50s! She ran her first marathon at age 76, and she kept running right up until her death at age 94. In fact, she only missed one race during that time—and that was while undergoing treatment for cancer.

Cancer had touched her life on a very deep level. She lost her husband of 67 years to the disease, and she was a two-time survivor herself. In light of this, Harriette began to run all her marathons to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Over the course of her 16-year running career, she raised over $100,000 for the organization! How inspiring!

Her story gives me great hope. Maybe in 21 years, when I get to be 76, I’ll finally be able to run a marathon! Maybe not. But I hope, like Harriette, that I am ever able to overcome adversity and work for the good of others—no matter what life circumstances I might face.

Let us pray:  We thank you, O God, for people like Harriette Thompson who inspire us. Like her, grant us a spirit of generosity and courage. Help us to think of others and to make a difference. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.