IBSports Volleyball Magazine

Andy Cole was never supposed to find volleyball first. It found him. As the youngest sibling, Cole spent his early years tagging along to tournaments meant for his older brother, watching from the sidelines and filling spare moments by hitting a ball against a wall. At around 10 years old, volleyball wasn’t a goal or an identity — it was exposure. His brother eventually pulled him into the backyard and started teaching him the basics, and by age 12, Cole tried out for the same club program and earned a spot. He stayed with that club through high school, growing physically, jumping higher, and discovering that success paired with enjoyment was enough to keep him chasing the game. What hooked him early wasn’t just competition, but how the sport was…

Obadiah is the shortest book in the Bible, wedged between Amos and Jonah. His message was directed towards the Edomites—Esau’s descendants—because when Jerusalem was destroyed, they didn’t just idly stand by; they actually took pleasure in it. They laughed, gloated, and even took part in the looting. Their disdain was rooted in the rivalry of Jacob and Esau (though the brothers made peace with one another). Instead of showing any sense of decency or grief, they made their brother’s slaughter into a moment of pride. God’s response through Obadiah was crystal clear: “As you have done, it will be done to you” (1:15). In other words, the same approach you took against others will be taken against you. Edom thought they were untouchable, but their gloating sealed their fate. And…