Cry Baby

I wasn't always like this. But God has softened my heart in so many ways, not only to the truth and majesty of the grace extended at the cross, but to even basic pieces of life.

Tonight, I sit and watch the US Women's Gymnastics Olympic Trials. In an hour and half, the team will be named - 5 girls out of the million little girls who do gymnastics in this country each year. There are amazingly talented gymnasts, and at least two could be strong contenders to put up a US 3-peat in the individual all-around, not to mention the fact that this team will be expected to fight for a team gold.

Rebecca Bross was once sold as WOGA's 3rd straight golden girl, and looked to go after all-around Olympic gold until blowing out her knee at the 2011 national championships. A world and national champion, she had to become a bars and beam specialist, and after 3 falls tonight on bars at these trials, it's safe to say she's out. And that's sad.

 Alicia Sacramone has proven herself as a fierce competitor and inspiring leader. She has battled injuries and age, and came to 2012 seeking redemption for a nasty fall on her beam mount in the team finals in Beijing. She has won multiple national and world championships, and is going out with a bang. Because, you see, I don't see any scenario in which she makes this team. But I'm crying for her and all she's accomplished for this sport.

Nastia Liukin, 2008 Olympic all-around champion, holder of national and world titles, and is and likely always will be the only female American gymnast to have scored a 17 on any event. I have been a fan of her forever, and as she battled injuries and nay-sayers leading up to 2008, I remained faithful. When everyone said Shawn would beat her, I said, "Just watch. Shawn's hot, but Nastia's got something special. She'll captivate those judges and she'll hit when it counts" And she did. A beautiful moment, she won the hearts of America. And now, it's been hard to see her struggle. She did a phenomenal beam routine at the 2012 Classic, rallying support and making her case. But to punch her ticket, she'd need bars. She failed at Nationals, twice, and sat her dismount down on night one of trials. She'd need to be flawless tonight to have a shot. But she fell, on one of her basic moves. She had the look of defeat on her face, like she was about to walk out of the gym without finishing. She looked near tears, but she finished, amidst a wave of support from a sold-out crowd. But tonight is likely her last night to don that Team USA leo in competition. Nastia will always be an Olympic champion, but she will not be a 2012 Olympian, and it's sad. UPDATE: She pulled out a beautiful beam routine, and got what seemed like a standing ovation from the crowd as she waved what she knows is goodbye.

So this morning I cried at the awesomeness of being called out of darkness and into grace by a holy God, sovereign and loving to His core. And this evening I cry for these girls and all they've accomplished. Later tonight we'll know the names of the team. I've gone on record with my guess of Kyla Ross, McKayla Maroney, Aly Raisman, Jordyn Wieber, and Gabby Douglas, though I could see Maroney being swapped out for Elizabeth Price at this point. I will be crying for Maroney if she doesn't make it. She's coming back from a concussion at Nationals 3 weeks ago, and is the reigning world vault champ. And she's so sweet. In any event, we'll also be finding out our men's team. John Orozco and Danell Leyva have already locked in their spots, and I'm adding Jake Dalton, John Horton (2008 Olympian and medalist), and Sam Mikaulk, about whom I will very likely be wrong.

Look for an update later. I get a little bit excited about this.