Posted on Sep 13, 2024

Shooting with Lexi Lagan: A Journey of Faith, Joy, and Perseverance

Shooting with Lexi Lagan: A Journey of Faith, Joy, and Perseverance

In this week’s episode of Why We Believe, Lexi Lagan, a two-time Olympian, shared her incredible journey from a small-town Nevada girl to an internationally recognized Olympic shooter. Having competed in the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics, Lexi has risen to prominence in the shooting sports world, but her journey hasn’t been solely about medals and accolades. She speaks candidly about how her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ has guided her through life's trials and triumphs.

 

Born in Boulder City, Nevada, Lexi came from a close-knit family and pursued a physics and political science degree at the University of Utah. While her academic journey was impressive, her athletic career soon took center stage, leading her to Colorado Springs, where she began training as a professional shooter. But Lexi’s story is not just about athletic prowess—it’s about how faith and perseverance have shaped her into the resilient, driven woman she is today. 

 

This blog post will explore four core areas of Lexi’s faith journey: finding strength in Jesus Christ, leaning on prayer in difficult moments, understanding the role of divine timing, and experiencing joy through adversity. Each section will explore how her faith has intertwined with her Olympic career and personal life, inspiring readers to incorporate faith into their own daily experiences.

1. Finding Strength in Jesus Christ

Lexi’s journey as an Olympic athlete has been deeply intertwined with her faith in Jesus Christ. From a young age, she recognized that her athletic abilities were gifts that needed to be nurtured, not just for personal success, but as a way to glorify God. Through her many achievements, Lexi credits her strength, perseverance, and resilience to her reliance on Jesus Christ.

 

Throughout her training and competitions, Lexi found that whenever she strengthened her spiritual relationship, her shooting performances would improve as well. She realized that the more she leaned into her faith and sought strength from Jesus, the easier it became to face challenges in her sport. Whether it was a tough training day or a high-pressure competition, she felt an overwhelming sense of peace and capability when she centered her thoughts on Christ. 

 

Her time competing on the world stage wasn’t always smooth sailing. One particularly challenging moment occurred during her trip to New Delhi for a World Cup competition when she was stuck in a potentially dangerous situation due to political unrest. Despite the chaos, Lexi turned to prayer, finding solace in her unshakable belief that God was watching over her. This profound trust in Jesus Christ provided her with the calm and strength to navigate uncertainty with grace.

2. Leaning on Prayer in Difficult Moments

For Lexi, prayer has been an essential part of her daily routine, especially during moments of uncertainty or fear. In her Olympic journey, Lexi frequently encountered situations where the stakes were high, and the pressure was overwhelming. However, she consistently turned to prayer as a way to find peace and connect with God in those critical moments.

 

One of the most viral moments of her career came from a photograph of her praying before stepping onto the shooting line at the Tokyo Olympics. This image captured the essence of Lexi’s reliance on God—before competing, she doesn’t pray to win, but rather for comfort, guidance, and the reminder that He is always with her, regardless of the outcome. Her prayer was a moment of grounding and reflection, helping her stay focused on what truly mattered: her relationship with Christ.

 

During the interview, Lexi also recounted a terrifying experience while stranded in New Delhi amidst escalating political tension. Rather than succumbing to fear, she prayed for comfort and protection. Lexi’s faith assured her that she was being watched over and that her Heavenly Father was with her every step of the way. It was through prayer that she found the strength to face each challenge with a calm and steadfast heart.

3. Understanding the Role of Divine Timing

Lexi’s life is a testament to divine timing—how every event, no matter how unexpected, aligns with God’s plan. One of the most significant instances of this was how she met her husband during a simple mini-golf outing with friends. At the time, Lexi had no idea that this casual event would lead her to the love of her life. Yet, as she looked back, she saw that everything happened according to God’s perfect timing.

 

Even in moments of professional uncertainty, Lexi trusted that God had a plan for her. She shared a story of how her funding was unexpectedly cut just two weeks before Christmas, leaving her with the prospect of homelessness. Instead of despairing, Lexi leaned on her faith, trusting that God would provide. Through the support of friends and her own resourcefulness, she found a way forward, and the experience only strengthened her resolve. 

 

Lexi encourages listeners to trust in the process, even when the road seems difficult. She emphasizes that God’s plan may not always align with our personal expectations, but it is always for our greater good. By focusing on the bigger picture and trusting in divine timing, Lexi was able to turn setbacks into opportunities for growth, both in her personal life and career.

4. Experiencing Joy Through Adversity

A common misconception is that faith in Jesus Christ eliminates the challenges and hardships of life. Lexi’s story shows that while challenges are inevitable, faith offers a path to experience joy even amidst adversity. Despite facing numerous personal and professional struggles, Lexi has always found joy in her relationship with Christ.

 

Lexi speaks openly about how the church has been a guiding light in her life, teaching her the difference between happiness and joy. While happiness is often fleeting, tied to circumstances, joy is a deep, abiding feeling rooted in faith and the knowledge of God’s love. This joy has carried her through some of the most difficult moments of her life, including the pressures of competing on the world stage, financial struggles, and moments of fear.

 

Reflecting on her journey, Lexi emphasizes that joy comes from recognizing how deeply God loves each individual. Despite the millions of people on Earth, she feels a personal connection with her Heavenly Father, who knows her by name and has guided her steps every day of her life. This recognition fuels the joy that she carries with her, even during the toughest times.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Lexi Lagan’s story is a powerful reminder of how faith, prayer, and trust in God’s plan can shape a life filled with joy, perseverance, and purpose. Her journey from a small-town girl to an Olympic athlete is not just a tale of athletic achievement but of spiritual growth and reliance on Christ. Lexi’s ability to turn to Jesus in times of triumph and trial has enabled her to navigate life’s challenges with grace, resilience, and unwavering faith.

 

If you feel inspired by Lexi’s story, consider taking steps to invite Christ into your daily life. Here are some simple ways to start:

 

  • Dedicate a few minutes each day to prayer, asking for guidance and strength in your personal journey.
  • Reflect on moments of hardship and look for how God’s hand has guided you, even when the outcome wasn’t what you expected.
  • Share your faith with others, just as Lexi did with her husband, and encourage those around you to seek a relationship with Christ.

 

As Lexi’s story shows, finding strength in Christ can transform every aspect of your life—whether you’re striving for an Olympic gold or simply navigating the challenges of daily life.

Related Blog

The Art of Faith: Del Parson's Journey from Delinquent to Renowned Religious Artist
The Art of Faith: Del Parson's Journey from Delinquent to Renowned Religious Artist
  • by Julia Denner
  • Oct 11, 2024

The Art of Faith: Del Parson's Journey from Delinquent to Renowned Religious Artist In the realm of religious art, few names resonate as deeply as Del Parson. Known for his iconic depictions of Jesus Christ, including the famous "red robe" painting, Parson has touched millions of lives through his masterful brushstrokes and profound spiritual insights. But the journey that led him to become one of the most influential Latter-day Saint artists of our time is as compelling as the artwork itself. In this week's episode of Why We Believe, we explore Del Parson's extraordinary life and career. From his humble beginnings as a self-described "juvenile delinquent" to his transformation into a beacon of faith and artistic excellence, Parson's story is one of resilience, divine inspiration, and the power of visual storytelling to fortify beliefs and touch hearts. Join us as we explore the intersection of art and faith, gaining exclusive insights into the creation of Parson's most famous works and the profound spiritual experiences that shaped both his life and his art. This powerful conversation offers a rare glimpse into what it truly takes to create art that resonates with millions of souls, demonstrating the transformative power of combining artistic talent with unwavering faith. The Roots of Artistic Inspiration: From Delinquent to Disciple Del Parson's journey into the world of religious art began in an unlikely place. Growing up in a large family of nine children, with a father who was an art professor at Brigham Young University-Idaho (then known as Ricks College), Parson was surrounded by creativity from an early age. However, he admits that he was far from the perfect Latter-day Saint boy, describing himself as a "juvenile delinquent" during his teenage years. It wasn't until his twenties that Parson experienced a pivotal moment that would set him on the path to becoming the renowned artist we know today. While working a job building fences in Southwest Idaho, he found himself with nothing to read but a Bible and a Reader's Digest. Over the course of that summer, Parson read the Bible from cover to cover, an experience that sparked a desire to truly give the church a try and turn his life around. This decision led him to apply to Brigham Young University, where he continued to develop his artistic skills. However, it was a chance encounter at a dance that would truly change the course of his life. Meeting a beautiful, spiritually grounded woman who would later become his wife, Parson was inspired to live up to higher standards and deepen his faith. This pivotal relationship, combined with a powerful patriarchal blessing that foretold his future as an artist, set Parson on the path to becoming one of the most influential religious artists of our time. Tragedy and Transformation: The Spiritual Crucible of Del Parson's Art While Parson's artistic journey was undoubtedly influenced by his early experiences and education, it was a series of profound personal tragedies that truly shaped his approach to religious art. In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Parson lost both his wife and young daughter in a car accident. This devastating loss became a crucible for his faith and his art, leading to some of the most powerful spiritual experiences of his life. In the aftermath of this tragedy, Parson experienced what he describes as a visit from the Holy Ghost, feeling an overwhelming sense of love and comfort that he had never known before. This experience became a touchstone for his art, with Parson striving to capture and convey that same sense of divine love in his paintings. He shares that this moment of profound spiritual connection is what he aims to recreate in every brushstroke, though he admits it doesn't always come easily. These personal trials also led to remarkable spiritual manifestations that further solidified Parson's faith and influenced his art. He recounts powerful dreams and visitations from his late wife, bringing messages of comfort and doctrinal truths that align perfectly with church teachings. These experiences not only strengthened Parson's testimony but also deepened his commitment to creating art that could touch souls and strengthen the faith of others. The Creation of Iconic Images: Behind the Scenes of Parson's Most Famous Works Perhaps no painting has had a greater impact on Latter-day Saint visual culture than Parson's famous "red robe" depiction of Jesus Christ. The story behind this iconic image offers fascinating insights into the process of creating religious art that resonates with millions. Commissioned by the church to paint a "Mormon image of the Savior," Parson faced the daunting task of creating a more masculine, accessible representation of Christ. The process was far from smooth, involving multiple sketches, divine inspiration, and even a vivid dream foretelling challenges with the church's approval process. Parson's humility and dedication shine through as he recounts working tirelessly on the painting for nine days, only to feel he had failed completely. It was his wife's insistence on sending the painting to the church anyway that led to its eventual approval and widespread adoption. Another of Parson's most beloved works, "Perfect Love," depicting Christ with children, holds a special place in the artist's heart. Parson feels this painting comes closest to capturing the overwhelming sense of divine love he experienced during his moments of deepest trial. This commitment to conveying not just the physical likeness but the spiritual essence of Christ is what sets Parson's work apart and allows it to touch so many lives. The Impact of Visual Storytelling: Art as a Tool for Strengthening Faith Throughout the conversation, Parson reflects on the power of visual art to strengthen faith and convey spiritual truths. He shares how his paintings have been used in missionary work, church publications, and personal devotion, becoming a visual language through which people connect with their faith. Parson's approach to religious art goes beyond mere representation. He strives to capture the intangible qualities of love, divinity, and spiritual power in his work. This is evident in his recounting of a dream where he met the Savior, noting that it wasn't the physical appearance that mattered but the spirit and essence of Christ that left the lasting impression. The impact of Parson's work extends far beyond the Latter-day Saint community. He shares a touching anecdote about a nun requesting to use his "Perfect Love" painting in a book about Christian philosophies, demonstrating the universal appeal and spiritual power of his art. This broad reach underscores the potential of visual storytelling to bridge denominational divides and touch hearts across diverse faith traditions. Key Elements of Creating Soul-Touching Religious Art: Personal spiritual experiences: Draw inspiration from profound moments of divine connection. Unwavering faith: Maintain a strong testimony to infuse authenticity into the artwork. Technical skill: Develop and refine artistic abilities to effectively convey spiritual concepts. Humility: Remain open to guidance and feedback throughout the creative process. Persistence: Push through challenges and setbacks to achieve the desired spiritual impact. Focus on essence over appearance: Strive to capture the spirit and feeling of religious subjects. Universal themes: Create art that resonates across denominational lines. Prayer and inspiration: Seek divine guidance throughout the artistic process. The Continuing Legacy of Del Parson's Artistic Ministry Del Parson's journey from a self-described juvenile delinquent to one of the most influential religious artists of our time is a testament to the transformative power of faith and artistic expression. His story reminds us that creating art that touches millions of souls requires more than just technical skill – it demands a deep well of personal spiritual experiences, unwavering faith, and a commitment to conveying the intangible qualities of divine love and spiritual truth. As we reflect on Parson's incredible journey and the impact of his work, we are called to consider how we might use our own talents and experiences to strengthen faith and touch lives. Whether through art, music, writing, or any other form of expression, we all have the potential to create something that resonates with others on a spiritual level. Let us take inspiration from Del Parson's example and seek to infuse our own creative endeavors with the same depth of spiritual meaning and authenticity. By doing so, we can contribute to a rich tapestry of faith-affirming expressions that have the power to uplift, inspire, and strengthen souls across the world. As we conclude, consider how you might use your own unique gifts to create something that touches the hearts of others. Whether it's through visual art, music, writing, or simply living a life of faith and kindness, remember that each of us has the potential to make a profound impact on those around us. Let Del Parson's journey inspire you to explore the intersection of your talents and your faith and see where that path might lead you. Thank you for listening to this week’s episode of Why We Believe. If you are interested in more like this, you can check out our other blog posts and episodes here.

Read more
Sacrificing Your Time to Serve the Lord: Lessons from a Collegiate Athlete Turned Missionary
Sacrificing Your Time to Serve the Lord: Lessons from a Collegiate Athlete Turned Missionary
  • by Julia Denner
  • Jul 12, 2024

In this week’s episode of Why We Believe, I had the pleasure of speaking with McKinley Willardson, a collegiate basketball player from Brigham Young University who has chosen to put her athletic career on hold to serve an 18-month mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. McKinley's story is truly inspiring. As a freshman on BYU's women's basketball team during their inaugural season in the Big 12 conference, she had a promising future ahead of her. However, she felt called to serve a mission and made the difficult decision to pause her collegiate athletic career. McKinley's choice to sacrifice her time and talents for the Lord's work is a powerful example of faith in action. In our conversation, we explored the blessings that come from dedicating ourselves to God's service, the challenges of making such a significant decision, and the importance of trusting in the Lord's plan for our lives. McKinley's experiences offer valuable insights for anyone considering how they can best serve the Lord and make a difference in the world.

Read more
Processing Divorce With Faith
Processing Divorce With Faith
  • by Julia Denner
  • Sep 20, 2024

Faith can be a powerful anchor in the face of life's most challenging moments. This truth is beautifully exemplified in the story of Jenn Zingmark, a divorce and life coach from South Carolina. Jenn’s experiences as a divorced single mother to a remarried woman with a blended family of five children are not just a tale of personal triumph; they're a testament to the transformative power of faith in the midst of life's storms. As a speaker at BYU's Life After Divorce Conference and BYU's Women Conference, Jenn brings experience and insight to those navigating the tumultuous waters of divorce. Her story shared on the "Why We Believe" podcast, offers invaluable lessons on trust, resilience, and the unexpected blessings that can emerge from life's most difficult chapters. In this blog post, we'll explore Jenn's experience with divorce and faith. From making tough decisions to rebuilding a life and family after divorce. Let's dive into the powerful lessons of faith, perseverance, and the beauty of new beginnings that Jenn's story has to offer. Embracing Faith in the Face of Divorce Divorce is often seen as a failure, especially within religious communities. However, Jenn Zingmark's experience helps us understand that it is a necessity and can be a catalyst for profound spiritual growth. When her 11-year marriage ended, she found herself at a crossroads. Instead of letting bitterness take root, she chose to come closer to God. In the midst of her pain, Jenn made a conscious decision to trust God more fully. She clung to her temple covenants, finding strength in renewing them whenever possible. This act of faith became her lifeline, providing her with the strength to face each day. Jenn's experience shows that even in our darkest moments, turning toward God can provide the comfort and guidance we desperately need. Divorce doesn't have to be the end of our faith. Instead, it can be an opportunity to grow closer to God, to lean on Him in ways we never have before. By choosing faith over fear, Jenn not only got through her divorce but found a new purpose and direction for her life. Making Difficult Decisions with Divine Guidance One of the most challenging aspects of divorce is the number of decisions that need to be made, often in areas where we feel ill-equipped. Navigating legal documents, custody arrangements, and financial settlements while caring for children is precarious and daunting. In these moments of uncertainty, you can ask God for guidance. Jenn's approach to decision-making during her divorce was rooted in seeking God’s wisdom. She recalls going to her attorney with ideas that seemed unconventional, ideas she felt had come directly from God. Despite skepticism from others, Jenn trusted these spiritual promptings, and time after time, they proved to be the right choices for her situation. This reliance on spiritual guidance teaches us that when faced with life-altering decisions, we don't have to rely solely on our own understanding. By partnering with God in our decision-making process, we can find clarity and confidence, even in the most challenging circumstances. We can choose to trust in God's wisdom, especially when the path forward seems unclear. 3. Finding Purpose in Pain Perhaps one of the most important aspects of Jenn's story is how she transformed her painful experience into a calling to help others. Recognizing the lack of support she had during her own divorce, she aims to fill that gap for others going through similar struggles. This has led her to specialize in helping individuals navigate divorce while maintaining their faith. She understands firsthand the fears, doubts, and challenges that come with divorce. But more importantly, she knows the power of faith in overcoming these obstacles. Through her coaching, Jenn helps others see that divorce, while painful, doesn't have to define their future or shake their faith. She stands as a living testament to the fact that life after divorce can be fulfilling, that faith can be strengthened through trials, and that God can bring joy and peace where there was loss and sorrow. Lead With Compassion and Faith For those currently going through a divorce, you are not alone in this journey. Seek God's counsel in every decision, big or small. Trust that He has a plan for your future, even when you can't see it. Allow your faith to be your anchor in the storm, knowing that this trial can lead to growth and new opportunities. To those who know someone going through a divorce, it is a painful and often isolating experience. Offer support without judgment, understanding that the decision to divorce is rarely made lightly. Be a listening ear, a helping hand, and a reminder of God's love during this difficult time. Ultimately, with faith, even our deepest pain can be transformed into purpose. Look for ways to trust God more fully, seek His guidance in our decisions, and believe that He can bring beauty from even the most challenging circumstances in our lives. Thank you for listening to this week’s episode of Why We Believe. If you are interested in more like this, you can check out our other blog posts and episodes here.

Read more
Working Out Our Exaltation With Jade Koyle
Working Out Our Exaltation With Jade Koyle
  • by Julia Denner
  • Aug 09, 2024

This week on Why We Believe, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jade Koyle, a remarkable farmer and close friend from Eastern Idaho who's making significant strides in his industry. Jade shares his testament to the power of faith, hard work, and family unity through Christ. His path of faith is marked by personal trials, missionary experiences, and the miracles that come from working together as a family. His story provides valuable insights into overcoming addiction, the power of repentance, and finding strength through life's challenges. On the show, Jade opened up about how his experiences have shaped his understanding of God's love and the importance of choosing to turn towards God in all aspects of life. In this blog post, we'll explore Jade's journey and the lessons we can learn about finding faith in Christ one experience at a time. Family and Scripture Study Growing up on a farm in Idaho, Jade's faith journey began with the strong foundation laid by his parents. The Koyle family's dedication to daily scripture study, particularly focusing on the Book of Mormon, played a crucial role in shaping Jade's early beliefs. This consistent practice of coming together as a family to read and discuss the scriptures created a powerful spiritual atmosphere in their home. Jade recalls how his parents would lead the family in reading the scriptures every morning, even before early morning seminary. This commitment to spiritual education alongside their homeschooling and farm work demonstrated the priority the Koyle family placed on their faith. The impact of this daily ritual was profound, as it allowed Jade to witness firsthand the application of gospel principles in daily life. One particularly poignant memory Jade shared was of marking missionary verses in the scriptures with his family when he was 16. This experience not only prepared him for his future mission but also deepened his understanding of the scriptures and their relevance to his life. The combination of working together on the farm and studying the gospel together created a unique environment where faith and practical living were seamlessly integrated. Finding God's Love in Difficult Times At the age of 14 Jade lost his older sister in a car accident and that hard time helped him learn more about the importance of the fellowship of the people in his congregation. Valuable lessons about God's love and the importance of community support during times of grief. In the aftermath of this loss, Jade found himself wanting to isolate from others due to the pain. However, it was through the simple acts of love from family and friends that he began to feel hope. Choosing to show our love for our fellow man, especially in hard times is a part of God’s commandment to love one another. When we act on that commandment it allows God to use us for good. These experiences during a time of deep sorrow helped shape Jade's understanding of God's love. God works through the kindness and support of others to bring comfort and healing. Strengthening Faith through Service Jade's mission to West Virginia not only took him out of his comfort zone but also challenged and strengthened his beliefs in different ways. Serving in three different states within his first three months as a missionary exposed Jade to diverse perspectives and challenges to his faith. One of the most significant challenges Jade faced was encountering opposition to his beliefs, from those who questioned the Christian nature of his faith. Through this struggle Jade learned to rely more deeply on his personal testimony and the witness of the Holy Ghost. Satan wants nothing more than to keep you doubting your faith. As we choose to rely on what we know is true and the experiences we have had for ourselves, we can come to a stronger belief and understanding of our divine heritage as children of God and the witness of Christ we can receive as we ask God for truth. By focusing on the peace he felt when reading the Book of Mormon with his family, Jade could combat the negative feelings brought on by others' criticisms. This allowed him to approach his missionary work with renewed confidence and love for those he served. Jade learned to share his message of God's love regardless of how it was received, knowing that he was doing God's work. Working Together in Faith Jade's journey of faith continued as he entered marriage and began building a life with his wife, Julie. In his marriage, Jade learned about the importance of open communication and working together towards common goals and including God in your marriage. Jade learned about the value of actively choosing to address issues in marriage rather than avoiding them. He came to understand that building a strong marriage requires continuous effort, open communication, and a willingness to grow together. Seeing marriage as a partnership in faith, where both individuals work together towards shared spiritual goals, is crucial in strengthening any relationship and family life. Actions Will Always Speak Louder Than Words Jade Koyle's story offers valuable lessons for anyone seeking to deepen their relationship with Christ. From the foundations laid in childhood to the challenges of missionary work and marriage, Jade's experiences demonstrate that faith is built one experience at a time. I encourage you to take a moment to consider how you can apply these lessons in your own life. Perhaps it's starting a daily scripture study habit, reaching out to someone in need, or having an open conversation with your spouse about your shared spiritual goals. Whatever step you choose to take, remember that like Jade, you too can find faith in Christ through the everyday experiences of life. By actively choosing to seek God in all aspects of our lives, we can build a faith that withstands trials, strengthens relationships, and brings lasting peace and joy. Thank you for listening to this week’s episode of Why We Believe. If you are interested in more like this, you can check out our other blogs and episodes here.

Read more

Subscribe to our newsletter and receive new episodes sent straight to your inbox.

Comments

Share your story