Today we're showing a video of Natalie Gulbis. She is asked about her opinions on the historic venue, the golf course and the importance to the world of golf.
Before you go there, how would you like to engage with Open Doors for the Open? (click)
I was wondering about Natalie's faith. I had read an interview some months ago and found it here in the LinksPlayers website.
Here is the interview posted on the www.linksplayers.com website;
"You are involved in the Fellowship on Tour. How does this contribute to the development of friendships and camaraderie for you?
Three or four years ago, Wendy Ward invited me to be part of a small group. We were playing during one of the tournament rounds and she was telling me about girls being in a small group, and that they have a book and a Bible study that they do together, and they usually meet once a week and go to dinner.
She invited me to be part of it and I went for the first time in Tennessee. I remember how nervous I was to go and share my faith with others.
But what’s neat about the Fellowship is that it’s not about one particular denomination. It’s open to everybody in the LPGA and your friends and family when you come out on Tour. It’s very special because we’re an international-based tour that has players from all over the world, so we have players in the Fellowship who are from Korea and come from a different background or denomination, and we have players who come from Mexico who are of a different denomination, and we’re able to interact with one another in a common theme. I’ve really enjoyed the experience and getting to know the players.
How many players are involved in a small group?
It usually starts off with four or five, and sometimes it gets up to eight or ten, depending on who is playing that week, or if there is a particular book. There are five or six different books that you can go through. Sometimes we meet for coffee, sometimes we meet in the clubhouse for lunch. It’s about staying connected with each other.
Throughout my time with the small group I've been involved in, we've seen girls that have gotten pregnant and girls that have gone through divorce, girls that have gone through tough times and great times. We’ve become like a small family on Tour. It’s great because it’s hard to stay connected. I’m fortunate with my church here in Las Vegas that they have podcasts, so I can watch the podcasts online when I’m out on the road. But for a lot of players on Tour, the Fellowship is really their church out there.
When you first started going to the small group meetings, was that the first real outworking of your faith, or had you had some experience before this?
I was very private with my faith. I traveled with my Bible, and I read my Bible everyday by myself and learned. I’m still very private about my faith. I watch the podcasts from my church online.
What church is that in Las Vegas?
It’s called Central Christian. It’s a non-denominational church. When I first went to this church—you never know what to expect when you go to a church for the first time—we were walking in, and there was a coffee shop on the left and people were going to church in jeans. It was very casual and it had great music and a pastor that was the right fit for me. I’d been to church with friends and family in different churches and denominations all over the world, so it’s fun to have one that I can go to in Las Vegas and feel comfortable at.
How much of the year are you in Las Vegas?
Not enough! Let’s just say I spend more time on the road than I do at home.
Are there any particular passages of the Bible that strengthen you?
Yes, there are. But this year I had a fan who had seen me at church and who came up and asked me to write my favorite verse beneath my signature. I didn't have one. So that’s my resolution for 2010 is to find one that I would be able to share with my fans.
Is there anything that you find in the discipline and practice of your faith that is similar to the discipline that is required of you athletically?
Yes. What is important to me both as an athlete and in my faith is consistency and learning. Consistency in creating some really positive habits in your life, whether it’s in your faith or in your sport. And learning—I love to learn about different perspectives on people’s faiths. I've seen different religions all over the world, and it’s fun to see how different people practice their faith, and it helps me to grow spiritually as well. I think there are parallels.
Do you find that there is conflict between setting goals for your career and letting God do His work in your life?
Well, setting goals for my career, I set with my team—with my coaches and with my trainers. But my personal goals, I set in my quiet time. I find that if I’m struggling to make a decision, usually quiet time helps me to get through that."
From Bill .... And to be honest, I'm not able to catch a clear picture of her standing with Christ, but, that's ok. I just thought it a good idea to post her interview and begin to draw attention to the Open Doors for the Open website through videos, etc. So you make your own determination of the value of her interview.
I pray we can all recognize His will for this time in history.
How would you like to engage with Open Doors for the Open?
In Him
Thanks