Faith on the Frontstretch: The Greatest Gift

Skirts and Scuffs photographer Charlotte Bray with her favorite gift, Smokie.
Credit: Tim Bray

“ ... and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”    ~ Hebrews 12:1b

Think about the best gift you’ve ever received. Was it a Christmas present? Race tickets for your birthday? A hat autographed by your favorite driver? Oftentimes, a gift feels special because it’s something so perfect for you that you feel known and loved by the giver.

The ladies of Skirts and Scuffs shared some meaningful gifts they’ve received in the past.

As a teenager, Lacy Keyser wanted a pair of faux fur boots but never dreamed she would get them. On Christmas morning, she opened a box from her grandmother, and the boots were tucked inside. “My grandma still talks about the expression on my face,” she said.

Photographer Charlotte Bray said her best-ever gift was her beloved dog, a stray given to her right after she lost her former job. A friend brought her the pup just when she needed a lift. “It was such a difficult time,” she said, “... and that little guy saved me.”

When writer Lisa Janine Cloud was a little girl, her daddy gave her an AM radio kit for her birthday then added the priceless gift of his time when he helped her assemble it. “I loved that radio and listened to it for years,” she said.

Sometimes gifts are special people in our lives. Writer Stephanie Stuart said knowing her friend’s five-year-old twins is a precious gift. “From milestones to small moments like whispers of ‘I love you,’ and giggles in the corner, they have taught me what unconditional love is all about and what the gift of life truly means,” she said.

Whether it’s a material thing, a pet or a person, the perfect gift can be a blessing that changes our lives for the better.

My greatest gift? When I was nine years old, I asked Jesus into my heart. Through Him, I receive unconditional love, forgiveness and the promise of heaven. Amazing, life-altering gifts, aren't they? The best part is they’re available to you, too.

The racing off-season brings the Christmas in-season, which is all about gifts. God sent Jesus to earth as a gift to us. The wise men traveled to see baby Jesus and brought Him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Now, we exchange gifts with family and friends.

The care we put into choosing gifts is a beautiful expression of our love for one another. Giving helps us focus on the real reason for the season: Peace. Joy. Celebrating the birth of Christ.

Christmas is a beautiful reminder that God is the Source of everything good in our lives. As you give gifts to others and delight in those you receive, may you be blessed by both.

Merry Christmas!

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.     ~ James 1:17 (NIV)
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“Faith on the Frontstretch” appears every 1st & 3rd Wednesday and explores the role of faith in motorsports. Comments or twitter follows welcome: @bbreinke. See you on the Frontstretch!

Want more racing devotions? When you donate $25 to Skirts and Scuffs, we’ll send you a complimentary copy of Beth’s book, Race Fans’ Devotions to Go, a month-long, pocket-sized devotional book for female racing fans.