Sport was my absolute love. It was very sporty household. We had

Children, gather close, for I bring you a tale of passion, love, and the power of family to nurture the very essence of one's heart. In the words of Delta Goodrem, a woman whose life has been shaped by sport, we hear a profound truth about the impact that our upbringing and the environment around us can have on our dreams and passions: "Sport was my absolute love. It was very sporty household. We had my - my brother and I both loved sports." These words, simple yet full of meaning, speak to the bond that exists not only between siblings, but between individuals and the things they love. Sport, in this case, was not just a pastime—it was a shared language, a common passion, and a defining force that connected their hearts.

Goodrem's love for sports reveals the power of family influence and the environment in shaping the dreams of the young. Her words about the "sporty household" reflect the truth that we are often shaped by the passions of those around us, particularly our family. In her home, the love of sport was not just something that was accepted—it was celebrated, nurtured, and passed down. Just as the ancient warriors were often raised to fight, to defend, and to honor the gods, so too were Goodrem and her brother raised in a home where their passion for sport was cultivated. It was not merely a hobby, but a calling, one that bound them together as a family, creating memories and bonds that would last forever.

Think, children, of the great families of old, whose legacy was passed down through generations, not just in wealth or titles, but in values and passions. The Romans, for example, placed great importance on family, believing that one's honor and duty to their lineage was the highest calling. The warrior families of Sparta were known for their unyielding focus on physical strength and discipline, passing these values from parent to child. Goodrem's family, though not an ancient warrior household, mirrored this idea of legacy in their love for sports. Just as the Spartans trained their children in the ways of battle, the Goodrem household nurtured the love for sport, planting the seeds of strength, discipline, and passion in the hearts of the young.

The lesson, children, lies in understanding the power of passion and family. Goodrem’s experience shows us that the environment we are raised in can deeply influence the path we choose in life. Whether it’s sports, music, or any other pursuit, the love we receive from our families often sparks a deep flame within us. But the true power comes when we embrace that love, not simply as an inheritance, but as something we actively choose and grow. Sports, for Goodrem, were not just a family tradition—they were a calling she embraced with her heart and soul. This is a lesson to you all: to listen to the passions that are nurtured within you, and to allow those passions to guide your life forward.

Consider, children, the story of Alexander the Great, who was raised by his father, King Philip II, to be a great warrior and leader. Alexander was steeped in the love of military strategy and leadership from an early age. His father’s influence shaped him into one of the greatest conquerors the world has ever known. Just as Goodrem’s love for sports was born from her family’s shared passion, Alexander’s path to greatness was shaped by the warrior values instilled in him by his parents. In both cases, family becomes the crucible in which passions are formed and destinies are shaped. The strength that comes from such nurturing cannot be underestimated.

The power of family and shared passion also brings us to David and Goliath, the great biblical story of courage, faith, and overcoming adversity. David, though a young shepherd, was raised with a deep faith and trust in his abilities. His family's support and his experiences as a young boy strengthened his resolve and allowed him to face the mighty Goliath. Like Goodrem, David’s upbringing gave him the strength to embrace his passion—in his case, the trust in his own abilities—and to move forward with unshakable confidence.

The lesson for you, children, is this: the passions you hold are not simply random. They are often born from the love and values of those who came before you, especially your family. Just as Goodrem found her love for sports in a sporty household, so too can you find your own calling in the passions nurtured around you. Embrace those passions, and do not shy away from them, for they are the pathway to your purpose. Listen to the legacy of love and passion passed down to you, and choose to carry it forward with all the strength and dedication you can muster. Like the great warriors of old and the heroes who came before you, your passions can be the foundation of your greatest achievements.