Keep Swinging (07/24/2026)

I grew up in Waycross, Georgia. Every spring from the early 1950s to 1965, the Milwaukee Braves held their spring training in our city. My dad used to take us out to watch them. He had a favorite player; it was Hank Aaron. Then in 1966, the Braves moved to Atlanta. That was the final year that they had their spring training in Waycross. My dad missed it because he was traveling for his job. But I was able to make it. That summer as part of the special honors program I was in, I got to attend an Atlanta Braves home game and see Hank Aaron play. He hit a home run. My dad was envious.

Hank Aaron’s motto was “Always keep swinging.” Perhaps it’s because he was dad’s favorite player. Perhaps it’s because I had the privilege of seeing him play in person, but Aaron’s motto sort of became my motto even though I have never played baseball. In my case, it means to show up and to keep on keeping on, it’s determination and perseverance. Not every day is going to be a good day; not every move is going to be a home run. But I am determined to get up, put on my shoes, and keep swinging.

I think Hank Aaron is a great role model for Christians. His life was not easy. Even though he was a legend, he had to exercise great character every day in the public eye. He kept swinging and eventually broke Babe Ruth’s home run record with 755. Imagine what we on our journeys of faith, hope, and love could accomplish if we cooperated with the Spirit and kept trying every day of our journey in the name of Christ.

“Always keep swinging.”  Let us on the way take our opportunities as seriously as Aaron. Let us strive always to be people of great character who show up and bring our gifts with us and spend them fully in service to our LORD and to others.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.