By Kayla DeKraker
For CrossFit competitor Baylee Rayl Christophel, the sport not only helped her recover from a serious injury but also gave her a new perspective on her identity.
“I actually got into CrossFit and like heavy fitness through a brain injury,” she revealed on Sadie Robertson Huff’s “WHOA That’s Good” podcast.
While playing basketball in high school, Christophel “collided heads” with another girl which resulted in a brain injury. Because of this, she had to stop playing sports temporarily. She then took up golf as a safer sport and started CrossFit training.
“I would say that I know more of now why I was guided that direction,” she explained. “I was really thankful that I had my family there to be like, you have to keep going. Like, this is what you committed to, and we don’t quit. The failure is in giving up and like not trying. And so I’m thankful I had them to guide me when I didn’t quite understand that maybe that is not a no. It’s just a redirection.”
Christophel emphasized the importance of not placing your identity in the journey.
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“It’s about the journey of who we’re becoming and how Christ is refining us to get to that point,” she said, adding “When you get to that point, it’s such a fleeting thing…if you put your peace in in achieving that, you’re going to get there and be like, ‘Now what?’”
Christophel went on to compete in CrossFit games, and during that time, her relationship with God deepened.
“God’s been in my life, and I can look back the whole time. But my relationship — actually when I started pursuing Him and what His heart looked like is what changed my life,” she said.
Since the sport focuses heavily on performance, Christophel shared how she’s had to learn not to be hard on herself and “not offend…the Lord with criticizing what he created.”
In addition to CrossFit, Christophel focuses her time on her ministry “Called to B.”
The goal of her ministry is “empower individuals with the resources and support needed to live out their unique purpose in life.” Her website shares her focus on lifestyle, fitness and health.
“Telling my story is telling of God’s goodness. Stepping into my calling felt terrifying and impossible, but I wasn’t alone. I was surrounded by a community that kept my focus on what truly mattered,” she said. “My story shows that even if stepping into your calling seems scary and lonely, there is purpose in it. It demonstrates that God can turn any circumstance into something good.”
Christophel’s journey has been one of enduring despite trials.
James 1:2-4 says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
This is a reminder that even when challenges come, fighting through them is always worth it.
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