Lion’s Rise

This week, I’ve been thinking about Jack Chipasula—our Young Lion. His story is front and center as we prepare to release our new book: Jack Power: Young Lion Rising. And it’s not just a story we wrote; it’s a life that’s been lived.

Jack’s life began in the dusty, crowded compounds of Kawama and Chifubu in Ndola, Zambia. He faced hardships most people can’t imagine – losing both parents, separated from siblings, nights without food or shelter, and days spent fighting just to survive. But somewhere in that chaos, Jack gave himself a nickname—Jack Power. He wasn’t just being playful. Whether he knew it or not, he was giving himself a vision to chase. He was speaking something over his own life when no one else was.  He was saying, I may feel powerless now, but I won’t stay that way.

And that’s what lions do.  They rise.  They stop making excuses.  They make a decision.

 Jack could’ve lived out every excuse in the book. “I don’t have a family. I have no support. I’m not safe. I’m not enough.” But instead, he rose. Daily. Repeatedly. And now he a strong leader. He helps run our children’s ministry in Chifubu, helps coach our running team, helps mentor the Junior Lions, and helps direct the shelter home. Jack Power lives up to his name—and he inspires me to rise and live powerfully too.

 Jack’s story reminds me of Moses at the burning bush in Exodus 3 and 4. God calls Moses to do something massive—something history-making. But Moses panics. He pleads. He makes excuses:

         •       “Who am I?”

         •       “What if they don’t believe me?”

         •       “I’m not a good speaker.”

         •       “Please send someone else!”

Not only did Moses feel ill-equipped to handle what God was asking of him, he had committed murder and was literally in hiding due to his failure and lack of self-control.  God wasn’t looking for perfection, though.  He was looking for obedience. For willingness. For someone who would rise. So eventually, Moses did.  He rose beyond his failure and his fear.  And he led the Israelites out of their Egyptian captivity!

So here’s the truth: every lion faces moments of decision. Every lion must choose to stop living small and start living aligned—with purpose, with courage, with the identity God gave them from the beginning of time.

 What about you?

What excuses have you used that have kept you living small?

What lies have you believed that kept you from your calling?

Where have you let past pain or fear or failure define your present path?

Here’s your challenge this week:  Write down one excuse you’ve believed—and replace it with one truth from God’s Word.  Excuses shrink us. But truth sets us free.

That’s what Jack Power did.

That’s what lions do.

That’s what you can do.

We become lions by rising—again and again. There’s a 2010 Ridley Scott remake of the Robin Hood story starring Russell Crowe.  Robin’s father had shared a powerful quote that was etched in a town square with him as a young boy.  The etching said, “Rise and rise again until lambs become lions!”  Robin later uses the same quote to inspire his fellow countrymen to stand and fight against oppression and gain their freedom!  Rising, again and again isn’t easy. But you and I were born for more.  We were made to be lions, so let’s roar past excuses, failures and hard starts.  Let’s roar into our true identity.  Lions Rise.

PS. The Jack Power book is almost here!  Be on the lookout for the release any day now and be sure to purchase a copy to support our work in Zambia, that is all about empowering kids and youth to live like lions!