More than a game

To Mike Lima, soccer is more than a game. In fact, most people who play soccer would agree with that statement. “Soccer is one of those sports that during a particular time of the game, in the spur of that moment, you’re either facing tough streak or going through an awesome time. We all have ups and downs – life sometimes can feel like a roller coaster. I love the game for that very reason in that it’s very applicable to life.”

We all have our role models and people we look up to whether in sports or life in general. For Mike, his role model is Kaká, the Brazilian soccer star. Not only was Kaka a great talent but, the way he would always give glory to God was more than a game. For his successes left a significant impression on Mike.

“I remember when I was a kid and watching Kaka play, I would see his example of both a player and a person and it would really inspire me. The many successes he had in the game and how he managed to stay humble and acknowledge God in every victory – that is something that would give me goosebumps, which is why I credit Kaká with bringing me closer to God.”

States: The Elusive Reward… More than a game

Winning any state championship isn’t easy, especially in soccer. Mike’s high school soccer team, Cypress Bay, had previously made it to the Florida state finals twice, but always came up short. Until a breakthrough happened. “We won States my senior year and it was actually the first time in my school’s history. We had made it to the finals at least two times but ended up being frustrated both times, so winning the State championship was really our crown jewel. In reality, there were three things that made this victory so special: I was not only a senior in high school, but the day we won was on my birthday and it was the first Championship in my school’s history. So, it’s certainly a moment I will remember for the rest of my life.”

Having faced doubts and challenges at some points in his life, Mike Lima had to constantly prove himself. “People would underestimate my potential. There was a sense of doubt in my capability and, many times, I had to overcome the doubts and persevere. When the circumstances looked difficult and I was the underdog, it was by the grace of God that I was able to overcome.”

Making the team and hard times

Making the high school team was initially difficult for Mike. Due to the sizeable student population at Cypress Bay, hundreds of students would try out, increasing the level of competition. The fact that Mike was chosen he says, “All the hard work and the effort ended up paying off, by the grace of God. As a result, it gave me more incentive to talk to people about Jesus while sharing my life experiences of personal breakthroughs. The key was to emphasize that, what God could do in my life, He could also work in their lives. That other people could have that same gift and experience. Ultimately, God has the best for everyone even when we don’t deserve it.”

What the game of soccer has taught Mike is that we have ups and downs in life. “One lesson I learned from soccer is you’re going to have your very difficult moments in life, there are going to be times when you are so down and you feel that everything is against you. But even in those very difficult moments, you have to pick yourself up and keep pushing forward.”

Mike went onto say, “Even when things look bleak, you should still keep the faith. I believe God has a perfect plan and, in the end, everything does work out. As Romans 8:28 says: ‘Everything works out for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose.’”

God is still working… More than a game

Mike really believes that even in adversity, God still has an opportunity to work. There is still an opportunity to persevere and overcome. Don’t let the difficult circumstances bring you down, because, as in soccer, it’s going to look tough at certain points in the game. How many times do you see major comebacks, especially in sports? I feel that major comebacks are very applicable to my life – how would I have been able to achieve anything if I would have just given up? What I love about soccer is that you can go from being the underdog to being on top.”

Mike did not have it easy. Being the only Christian on the team, made it even harder. However, that didn’t keep him from witnessing and being a light in a dark place. Mike ended up not being recruited for college soccer since he wasn’t at specific tournaments where scouts were. However, he did try to walk onto the FAU soccer team. This did not work out though and in a way, he felt it was a good thing because he got very busy with school.

Blessing in disguise

When asked if it was a blessing in disguise not making the team, he agreed. “It definitely was. If I would have made the college team, it would have been very demanding. You’re practicing at least two times a day and that doesn’t factor in official games. There’s a huge level of commitment you must give to the team, while also making sure you keep up with school. I was doing an engineering degree for my undergrad, so all of that would have been a significant load and I wouldn’t have had time for anything else. God knew what was best for me at that point in my life since I was able to dedicate time to do very well in school and also enjoy my college years.”

When asked if he would ever consider mentoring or coaching young soccer players, he said he would consider it. “I definitely wouldn’t rule it out, although right now I’m at a point in my life where I have a lot on my plate. Being able to mentor and pass on my experiences to a younger generation would be an enormous pleasure especially since the life lessons I experienced were invaluable. Everything I gained from soccer is totally something I would want to pass down to someone else while also taking the opportunity to share the gospel.”

In conclusion…

Mike finished with these closing remarks, “I guess the big advice I would give to everyone is don’t ever give up on your goals and dreams. I know it sounds pretty cliché, but strive to achieve your goals in spite of any doubts or adversity. However, be sure to make an action plan for each of those goals. Some goals can be huge and long-term, which is why I recommend breaking them into smaller, short-term goals. That will really help to provide a step-by-step plan for achieving major goals in the long run.”

Mike used the example of having a dream to become a pro soccer player, “For example, in order to play pro soccer, you should first decompose that goal into smaller goals such as playing for a high school team, then a college team. From there, push forward with those individual goals, achieving each of them in order to ultimately achieve the bigger goal. In the end, you never know what God has in store for you unless you do your part and give your all. The key things I learned with soccer are perseverance and persistence even in the face of adversity.”

Final thoughts…

Mike also stated, “When life throws oranges at you make orange juice. Take what life throws at you and make the best out of it and keep charging forward. I believe God is always in control and will work everything out, especially when you put him first. That’s what I would recommend to everyone – pursue your goals, pursue your dreams, but in any organized manner by setting up a step-by-step action plan.”

The key thing to remember is, in sports or in life, never give up and keep fighting. Yes, it’s easier said than done, but in the end, God makes it all worth it to those who seek him. If you find yourself in a tough spot where you don’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, please reach out to me at zevans1@fau.edu.

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