What defines your worth? Is it your achievements, your social circle, or something deeper? This question sits at the heart of our conversation with Lena Johannson, a remarkable young athlete whose journey challenges conventional wisdom about success.

With five state wrestling championships to her name and heading to Alabama A&M on a soccer scholarship, Lena could easily let her athletic prowess define her. Instead, she offers listeners a raw, unfiltered look behind the medals and trophies. Despite never losing a high school wrestling match against female competitors in Alabama, Lena confesses wrestling isn't even her favorite sport. She candidly discusses how cutting weight affected her body image and mental health, revealing the constant battle to remember her true worth comes from Christ, not competition results.

The conversation takes unexpected turns as Lena shares her transition from homeschooling to public school, where social rejection became another crucible for her faith. "When you are trying, you're desperate for anything," she reflects, describing how her breakthrough came paradoxically when she stopped striving for acceptance. This counter-intuitive wisdom permeates her story, culminating in the revelation that her Princeton-educated mother chose to be a stay-at-home mom rather than pursue prestigious career opportunities—a decision that modeled putting divine calling above societal expectations.

Perhaps most striking is Lena's perspective on her upcoming college experience. Rather than viewing it merely as an athletic or academic opportunity, she sees Alabama A&M as her mission field: "We think the mission field is all the way in a foreign country, but really it's in our families, it's on our teams." Her commitment to living authentically for Christ rather than performing religion offers a refreshing alternative to superficial spirituality.

Whether you're a student athlete, parent, coach, or someone simply trying to navigate life's pressures without losing your identity, Lena's parting wisdom resonates: "Your worth is not defined by anything other than what Christ has revealed." Listen now and discover what it truly means to find your value beyond your victories.