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| Cowboy Rider, painting by Russell Bly |
Stephen Bly
Copyright©1993,2010
The National Finals Rodeo (NFR) is like the World Series or the
Super Bowl. The very best cowboys and cowgirls in the world converge on Las
Vegas every December to compete for millions in prize money. Not only do you
watch superior rodeo athletes, but also the top bucking stock. Every bareback
horse, saddle bronc and bull puts on an entertaining show of their own.
In
addition, the event attracts the most knowledgeable rodeo fans. It’s not
unusual to hear someone high up in the Thomas & Mack Arena holler, “Hook
‘em, cow!” That’s a shout of encouragement used since the days when rodeos
provided after-work recreation at the branding corrals.
“Hook
‘em, cow!” That’s rodeo talk. Every sport’s got its own vocabulary. When a team-mate’s
down or just getting steam, you’re liable to hear roars from the crowd or
dugout or the coach’s bench. Sure, there’s boos. But also plenty of bravos and
cheers.
The
Bible exhorts us to spur others on in their trials and troubles: “Encourage one
another daily” (Hebrews 3:13).
What
do you say to someone who’s going through a mental, physical, or spiritual
struggle? You might mention how sorry you are that they have to go through this
crisis. “I’ll pray for you,” often means you’ll pray that the problem will go
away, that he or she won’t have to face hard stuff.
That’s
misguided.
What
if you told the rodeo cowboy, “I’m so sorry you have to ride or chase that mean old
bull. Maybe he’ll get sick and not show up. Or not buck at all!” But what he
wants is the bull’s full participation, to buck its head off, so better to
prove his ability to stay on anyway. To be a champion.
Life’s
a ride, sometimes a very rough one. You need cheerleaders. You also need to be the
one who reassures and heartens others. So those in the chutes can meet each new
challenge head-on midst roars of "Hurrah!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ever been to a rodeo? What impressed you most?
When was time you most needed and encouragement and who gave it to you?
~~~~~~~~~~~
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| Stuart Brannon's Final Shot |
Now available -- hardback & ebook & paperback
Stuart Brannon's Final Shot, by Stephen Bly
with Janet Chester Bly, Russell Bly, Michael Bly & Aaron Bly
Stuart Brannon's Final Shot, by Stephen Bly
with Janet Chester Bly, Russell Bly, Michael Bly & Aaron Bly
Finishing Dad's novel was a family affair. Can a committee
create fiction? We had the passion and four months to find out.
It's 1905. Two orphans flee from Oregon's Tillamook Head. One of them is branded a hero. Dare they tell the truth and risk the wrath of a dangerous man? Meanwhile, a retired lawman searches for his missing U.S. Marshal friend while he grapples with the game of golf on behalf of a celebrity tournament.
The first 3 original Stuart Brannon Series and Stuart Brannon's Final Shot now available on Amazon Kindle, Nook & Apple iBook. Paperback releases soon. Titles: Hard Winter At Broken Arrow Crossing, False Claims At The Little Stephen Mine and Last Hanging At Paradise Meadow.
"Stuart Brannon's Final Shot delivers and reminds us what we'll miss most about the beloved author." Jerry B. Jenkins, NYT Bestselling novelist & biographer
It's 1905. Two orphans flee from Oregon's Tillamook Head. One of them is branded a hero. Dare they tell the truth and risk the wrath of a dangerous man? Meanwhile, a retired lawman searches for his missing U.S. Marshal friend while he grapples with the game of golf on behalf of a celebrity tournament.
The first 3 original Stuart Brannon Series and Stuart Brannon's Final Shot now available on Amazon Kindle, Nook & Apple iBook. Paperback releases soon. Titles: Hard Winter At Broken Arrow Crossing, False Claims At The Little Stephen Mine and Last Hanging At Paradise Meadow.
"Stuart Brannon's Final Shot delivers and reminds us what we'll miss most about the beloved author." Jerry B. Jenkins, NYT Bestselling novelist & biographer
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