Was watching the interview of Jemima Rodrigues who with an unbeaten 127 runs against the mighty Australians, steered the Indian women’s cricket team into the World Cup final. There she stood, tears cruising down her tired face, and instead of boasting about her shots or her timing, she kept repeating that all glory belonged to God. She even quoted scripture as she spoke.
It was refreshing.
In a world where success often leads to arrogance, here was a young woman who remembered who really swung the bat. Yes, she was the one at the crease, but she knew there was another Power guiding her timing, steadying her nerves, and placing her shots. When asked about her preparation, she spoke of faith, of prayer, and of being still and keeping calm because she believed God was in control.
What a lesson for all our achievers, politicians, and corporate captains. Imagine if our leaders, after a successful election or project, were to say, “I thank God for His grace,” instead of, “It was my strategy, my brilliance, my vision.” Humility disarms pride, and gratitude opens the door to greater achievements. But arrogance? That slams it shut.
Humility is not weakness. It is strength under control. It is knowing that even though you have talent, the spark that lights it came from above.
Many a mighty leader has fallen not because of an opponent, but because of his own swollen head.
The moment you start thinking you are god, as our leaders think they are, your countdown begins.
Just look around. Our cities are filled with faces of men and women who think they are the ones who built the nation. Their pictures glare at us from billboards, brochures, and banners, as if their smile can solve every pothole problem. If only they realised that beauty and fame fade faster than print on those posters. What remains is character, and that character grows only when we recognise who the true Giver is.
Jemima showed us what it means to be grounded while being lifted high. She taught us that you can hit a century and still bend your knee. That it is possible to be confident without being conceited. Her joy was not the joy of achievement alone, but the joy of being used by God for something bigger than herself.
So, next time you clap for a hero or a leader, listen to what they say after the applause. If all you hear is “I did it,” then wait. The fall will come. But if you hear, “He helped me,” then you know that person will keep rising.
Kudos to a young cricketer who batted for God. May more of us learn to play our innings the same way; with courage, with grace, and with gratitude. Because when you play for Him, you never get out…!
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Robert Clements is a newspaper columnist and writes a daily column, which has graced the pages of over 60 newspapers and magazines, from a daily column in the Khaleej Times, Dubai, the Morning Star, London, and in nearly every state in India, from The Statesman in Kolkata, to the Kashmir Times in Kashmir to the Trinity Mirror in Chennai.
I do believe that the God of the Universe was watching cricket that night🤗
Hi Bob !
What a beautiful write up on being humble and grounded . I had goose bumps going through your write up today . Beautifully written .
A beautiful article! And yes Hats off to Jemima for vocalists her thanks to God on the world stage. A Gutsy declaration!
Vocalising her thanks.
What a blessed testimony she showed us after the match. There were moments when she felt like she couldn’t sustain with her physical strength ebbing. She submitted herself in His hands to do His Will. What a blessed example set by this woman. Wish everyone took note of it.
Absolutely true, thank you Saji
Bob you’ve captured the sentiments and the essence so beautifully, in a way that you only can. I was floored when she said she owed it to Jesus and quoted scriptures. Takes a lot of guts to speak up like this, in the arch lights of a great stage. May God continue to Bless her and Bless India.
Have had multiple similar experiences of Jesus enabling Success,….. but was not as courageous as this young cricketer to publically testify His role….Salutes to this girl and Glory to Christ.
None of us have had that courage. But hopefully we will start testifying publicly too.
Yes Bransdon, lots of guts
Inspiring and motivating.
Jemima, our “Maiden of Honour” just proved to us that her unabated faith in her third umpire, on the pitch of life, when played with courage, grace and humility in every inning will always cross all boundaries of victory.
Thank you Shlaja. I love that ‘maiden of honour’!
So well described!
Indeed I was glad to hear Jemima statement.
As Indians we always attribute the good things that are happening in our life as God’s powerful intervention.
We all were glad, weren’t we. It was so refreshing!
Well deserved regards for the great Cricketer who did her best for the Game of Cricketand amusement of Millions of Cricket Lovers. She kept her anxiety under control throughout. Internally she was praying for the blessings of GOD who acted as a POWER in her shot. I have never seen such a Cricket before. Her emotions after Victory brought tears almost in everyone watching her crying and thanking GOD,PARENTS,ABD COAHING STAFF IN ADDITION TO CHEERING. CROUD. I pray to GOD to bless her always. Thanks Bob Sir for wonderful article with a lesson.
Thank you Mr Kukreja
True greatness isn’t in claiming credit, but in recognising grace. When success bows, character wins.
Achievements shine brighter when they reflect gratitude.
So true Ayesha, thank you.
Very nice piece, about faith, humility and grace. Thanks Bob. Truly heartwarming.
Thanks Anthony. Good to see you here.
Jemimah Rodrigues declaration of her faith in God is amazing. Takes lots of courage, conviction and strength to make a public statement of her faith. She has left everything including her future in the Hands of the Almighty. In these present times it’s easy to hide behind the facade of secularism and slogans such as unity in diversity. Wishing Jemimah Rodrigues and the entire Indian team the very best in the finals to be played tomorrow. May she continue to bring laurels to our country in all her endeavours.
Thank Sam. And remembering you have a Jemima of your own too.
A bold young woman indeed… One Jesus will be proud of. May Jesus bless her and keep her shining for HIM
Yes we need to keep her in prayer, thank you Elizabeth.
A bold young woman indeed. May she keep shining for Jesus
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble”
1Peter 5:5
May God bless her steadfast faith!