124: Joe Delagrave | Story of Becoming A Paralympian

Grace Enough Podcast

Joe Delagrave joins me to discuss the tragic event that changed his life, wrestling with his identity in Christ and his identity as an athlete and becoming a paralympic rugby player, who will be competing in Tokyo in a few short weeks. Questions Joe and I Discuss: (3:28) As we dive into your story, set the stage by sharing a bit about your childhood and your love of sports. (5:01) You were a college athlete, playing division II football, as a college freshman, but on July 10, 2004, a defining event took place that changed your life. What happened? (15:00) You’ve said identity is something you’ve wrestled with throughout your life. As a 19 year old boy relearning to do everything, how would you describe that wrestling? (22:18) How did you relationship with Jesus change from that point forward? (28:11) How did wheelchair rugby become a part of your life? (39:48) You are training for the Tokyo ParaOlympics, how do you keep your walk with Jesus and your family priority in the midst of such intense training? (47:09) What would you like to say to someone listening who has experienced a life altering accident? Quotes to Remember: “My hands are behind my head. Kyle accidentally hits the bottom of the river….the chair broke, I flew backwards, hit my head on the front of the boat and instantly broke my neck at the C6/7 level.” ” ‘Joe, you’ve sustained a spinal cord injury and we need to medflight you up to the bigger hospital to have surgery.’ And that’s when life drastically changed.” “And really what had transpired was that verse on my wall [Proverbs 3:5-6], started to change my heart.” “It took me a long time to realize that my miracle was choosing to get in the chair.” “My miracle was a spiritual transformation that was taking place by giving my heart to Jesus.” “My success isn’t defined by a gold medal. It’s defined by a permanent victory in Jesus.” SHOW NOTES cont. Related Episodes: 88: Taylor Schumann | Other Side of Surviving a School Shooting 52: Jonathan Gibson | Proclaiming God is Good After Infant Loss 51: Vaneetha Risner | When Suffering Is Your Story 36: Treva Kuyper | Hope and Healing After Unexpected Loss Episode Sponsor: Green Roof Gallery Green Roof Gallery creates leather accessories for the grown up girl who loves simplicity and a natural style. Handcrafted, small batch, unique, and personal. When you wear jewelry or use a journal from Green Roof Gallery, you will know it went through some not so pretty times to get to the beautiful finished piece that now belongs to you or the person you might gift it to. Take 15% off with the code: Grace15 through July and August 2021. Shop Green Roof Gallery today. Connect withJoe Delagrave at joedelagrave.com ------------------------------------------------------ Follow Grace Enough Podcast on IG and FB and www.graceenoughpodcast.com ------------------------------------------------------ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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