She was there at the right time with a nation watching. When Kerri Strug landed her vault on her one good foot, she won her way into our hearts. Even those of us callused with Olympic promotionalism were touched. Kerri Strug was in the pressure cooker of the world spotlight and turned in a gutsy performance.

    Most of us have seen that vault replayed on TV a jillion times. Interestingly, however, it wasn’t necessary for the US team to win. She didn’t know it at the time, but they would have won without it. Now the women gymnasts who performed so well in Atlanta are touring together. All of them but one -- Kerri Strug. She cut her own deal for more money!

    Overlooked in the Kerri mania, was the performance of Shannon Miller. Miller has won more world and Olympic medals than any woman gymnast in US history. She was the only member of our US team to win an individual gold. She has been all round World Champion. Because of some mistakes in the all round competition at this Olympics, her own quiet personality, and the dramatic nature of Strug’s vault, her heroics went largely unnoticed. This is unfortunate, because in the compulsory competition, when all the US women were blowing their routines on the balance beam, Miller nailed her routine. Her solid performance visibly bolstered the shaken US team and began the rally that helped them to their impressive win. If there was a performance which won the competition, it was hers. She just didn’t get the hype!

    Many of us know how it feels: you do the work and turn in a great performance someone else gets the credit. They may not have done all that much to earn it, they were just there at the right time or simply know how to “smooze” the “people that matter.” They get the credit deserved by others who end up forgotten.

    As Christians, this leaves us in a tough position. We don’t want to be selfish and egotistically “blow our own horn.” But it hurts. It’s not fair. It can lead to discouragement, anger, and resentment.

    When we find ourselves in this situation, I believe it is helpful to remember two things. First, we don’t work for our employer, teacher, manager, or boss: we ultimately work for the Lord. (see Ephesians 5:6-8) If He is pleased, then we should be proud of our work and feel our goal has been accomplished. Yes, we all need some affirmation for a job well done, but sometimes it doesn’t come until the Father says, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” Second, God who sees will not forget what we have done. He knows who really did the hard work and who deserves the credit. He will reward us for doing His work for His glory even if no one else knows or cares. (Ephesians 5:8; Matthew 6:4, 6) So if you’ve found yourself in Shannon Miller’s slippers, remember, IN GOD’S FAMILY, THERE ARE NO FORGOTTEN HEROES!

“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”
—Hebrews 6:10