Webster defines defeat as the loss of a contest and to frustrate or destroy. On Saturday, March 15th, our Lady Dragons lost to Westview in Murfreesboro, with a final score of 44-38. Reese Beaty watched from the bench because she’d fouled out in the final moments of the state championship game. After scoring 15 points, Reese removed her shoulder brace, which she had needed due to a previous injury, and covered her face with her hands. This was her Senior year and her final attempt to go for the gold.
All did not lie on Beaty’s shoulders because the team had won many victories through team effort and the coaching of Michael Green. I agree with Coach Green, who named this game his “greatest failure as a coach”. Shames, Jacob. “Reese Beaty’s TSSAA Basketball Career Ends in Heartbreak with York Institute’s Loss in State Title Game”. Tennessean, 15 March 2025, [http://www.tennessean.com). Accessed 16 March 2025.
The Lady Dragons and Coach Green have practiced countless hours, traveled many miles, and played many plays to advance to the playoffs. Success might be better measured by effort, tenacity, consistency, and perseverance. Congratulations, girls. Well done.
We read of the Apostle Peter, who looked defeated by a significant failure. He’d vowed never to forsake His Lord, but Jesus warned of impending failure. After Jesus was captured in the garden and taken before the Sanhedrin, Peter followed afar off as Jesus was falsely tried. Peter denied that he was a follower of Jesus three times, and the rooster crowed three times as Jesus had prophesied. Peter wept bitterly. I’d imagine his failure felt final.
But we find Jesus continually challenging Peter. A few weeks later, Peter decides to go fishing and is joined by six disciples. They fished all night but caught nothing. They failed at fishing until Jesus appeared and challenged them to cast on the other side. Obedience brought full nets that required dragging to shore. Jesus had prepared the fire to fry their catch. He directed Peter to pull fish from the net. Jesus bids the wayward disciples to come and dine. As he serves fish and bread, he begins to converse with Peter.
Jesus asks Peter if He loves him. In keeping with his character, Peter says, “Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee.” Jesus replies, “Feed my lambs” and “Feed my sheep.” Peter, much like us, asks what John will do. Jesus says, “What is that to thee?” In other words, Peter, feed my sheep, and don’t worry about what John will do. Jesus used Peter to preach at Pentecost and beyond.
One failure doesn’t define the Lady Dragons just as one failure did not define Peter. Our failures may cause us to weep bitterly, but be sure that God has a big plan. As Jesus challenges us to move forward, may we obey His commands. One failure is not defeat, but an opportunity to win big.
My flesh and my heart faileth; but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. Psalm 73:26
As a former athlete and coach, my heart goes out to the girls and coach of the basketball team. In that instant of defeat it, feels like all is lost. But as Peter did, we learn from our mistakes and grow stronger. I’m thankful our Lord continues to mold and shape us–and He never gives up of us.