Soccer Star Julie Ertz Reflects on the Importance of Reading the Bible
By Movieguide® Contributor
Before Saturday, April 8th, Julie Ertz hadn’t played soccer for 611 days since the birth of her son.
On Sunday, Ertz posted a picture on her Instagram which celebrated her return to the game.
She ended the caption with the Bible verse 1 Peter 1:6-7, which reads, “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith — of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire — may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
Ertz has also relied on her faith throughout her career as a professional soccer player. She stated that church has always been part of her childhood however, she didn’t fully comprehend what it meant to begin a relationship with Jesus until she started college.
She dove in scripture and fully believed that that is what helped her grow into a better wife, person and player.
“When I read the Word,” Ertz stated, “I feel like I have a better understanding of not just how to be a better person, but a better supporter, a better wife, a better friend, and really just see life in a more clear perspective.”
Ertz made her first appearance to the U.S women’s national team, she came in at the 67th minute. She was even given the captain’s armband and led the team to a 2-0 victory.
“It feels like a long time and it doesn’t feel like a long time,” she expressed. “I’m just excited to be here. I’m definitely taking it all in. Every moment, I just don’t want it to pass because I don’t want to forget any of it. I’ve never taken a moment of wearing this crest for granted, and even more so now.”
Ertz plans to make her full-time return prior to the World Cup. The plan is for Ertz to make her return to the National Women’s Soccer League team so that rustiness won’t be a concern for her as the World Cup comes around this summer.
Ertz spoke to the media before the USWNT’s two games, she made it crystal clear that she has no intentions of being the same player she was before having her son.
“I don’t even want to go back and be the player that I was because I want to be better,” Ertz stated. “And I know that seems weird being out long … I don’t feel like I’ve been gone as long as I have. I feel good, and I love the sport differently than I did then. And I thought I loved it then. But taking a step away and kind of having a new perspective has given me kind of like a new drive.”
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