George Mikan and Strengths

George Mikan is regarded by many in the basketball world as the first big man to ever dominate the game dominated by big men.  He led the NBA's first dynasty, the Mineapolis Lakers, to five championships and was voted as the best basketball player in the first half of the 20th Century in 1950, only 4 years into his playing career.  He was a monster on the court, but a friendly gentle giant off of it.

However, basketball wasn't always easy for this beast of an athlete.  Basketball was not George's forte when he graduated high school as a lanky, awkward, short-sighted kid.  Despite these weaknesses, he was determined to play basketball.  While he was attending DePaul University he worked on a unique workout routine with his coach involving skipping rope, shadowboxing, modern and ballet dancing, and 250 hookshots everyday with both hands.  In a short amount of time he transformed himself from a wirely weakling to the best basketball player in the world.

In Ether 12:27, we read:

"And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."

As we use the Atonement of Jesus Christ in our lives, we can turn our weaknesses into our strengths.  As we humble ourselves, turn to our Heavenly Father in prayer, have faith in Christ and allow Him to work with us, He will support us and give us strength.  Never be ashamed of your weaknesses, because God gives them to us as part of His eternal plans for us to learn and grow.  I have a weakness for talking with people, but being a missionary I've worked hard at it.  I know that the Savior has helped me (and continues to help me) build up the courage to talk to ramdom strangers about His Gospel.  It's actually WAY exciting to see God work with us and watch weaknesses become strengths!  All we have to do is come to Christ.

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)"