In 1999, Geena Davis Proved

IN 1999, GEENA DAVIS PROVED she wasn’t just another pretty Hollywood actress. She took the concentration, stamina, and dedication she had built up on movie sets and focused those characteristics on archery.

Davis, the 1988 Academy Award winner for best supporting actress, had always been an athlete. The former high school hurdler and high jumper fell in love with archery while watching the 1996 Olympics. Enthralled by American gold medalist Justin Huish, she contacted the Simi Valley, California, native, who taught her the basics.

Huish also recommended hiring Don Rabska as a coach. Although skeptical at first, the Van Nuys, California, instructor soon realized that his new pupil was serious about the sport. Starting with a once-a-week lesson, Davis soon progressed to a six-days-a-week, five-hours-a-day training program.

Her two years of practice reaped dividends when the 43-year-old finished 29th out of the 300 women archers in the national target championships at Oxford, Ohio. The top-32 placing earned the movie star a spot in the Olympic trials semifinals held in Bloomfield, New Jersey.

Although hopeful of a berth on the 2000 U.S. Olympic team, Davis faltered. Hampered by rain, intense media coverage, and motion-picture fans, she finished 24th out of 28 competitors. Despite her disappointing showing, archery fans and enthusiasts welcomed the actress’s entry into the sport, bringing it newfound exposure.

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POINT Geena Davis’s steady hand and discerning eye made her a successful archer. The actress often scored ten points by hitting the tiny gold circle in the target’s center.

The Bible occasionally mentions archery and taking good aim. In 2 Corinthians, Paul ends his letter by encouraging fellow believers to aim for perfection.

The Lord wants us to concentrate steadily on him. Then we can listen to good advice from friends and live at peace with ourselves and with the people around us.

GOAL! Remember these archery tips and apply them to your life as you ask God to help you concentrate on him.