by Pastor Alex Cordoba, National MOP President
Every four years, the world pauses to witness a moment unlike any other—the lighting of the Olympic Flame. But before the games begin, something extraordinary happens:
A single spark is kindled in Olympia, Greece, and from that small flame, an entire global movement is ignited. What most people don’t know is how fiercely that flame must fight to stay alive.
The Flame That Refused to Die
During one historic relay, a sudden storm rolled in. Winds roared, rain fell sideways, and the torchbearer could barely see. Spectators watched in fear as the torch flickered—violently—almost surrendering to the storm.
Everyone thought the flame would go out.
But the torch was built for moments like this.
Inside it was a dual-fuel, wind-resistant burner, engineered so that the flame could withstand rain, snow, and winds that would destroy almost anything else. The designers knew:
The world depends on this fire. It is a symbol of unity, courage, endurance—and it must not go out.
So even when the storm struck with full force…
Even when the wind tried to steal its fire…
Even when darkness surrounded it…
The flame held on.
It swayed, it leaned, but it never died.
And as the torchbearer ran through the storm, something remarkable happened—people began cheering louder than they had all day. Not because the weather was perfect, but because the flame survived what should have destroyed it.
That moment reminded everyone watching:
A flame’s strength is proven only when the storms come.
“Even if your flame flickers, it doesn’t mean it’s failing.”
Why the Flame Must Always Be On
The Olympic flame is not just a symbol of the Games—it is a symbol of the spirit within every person. You were created with a fire, a purpose, a passion.
But life brings storms—disappointment, fatigue, pressure, fear.
Problems try to blow your fire out.
Seasons of darkness try to shadow your purpose.
People’s doubts try to smother your confidence.
Yet the flame inside you was never meant to be weak.
You were designed, like the Olympic torch, to burn in all conditions.
Real strength isn’t shown in sunny weather—it’s shown when you keep burning in the rain. Carry the Flame
When the torch makes its final run into the Olympic stadium, the entire world watches. The crowd doesn’t cheer because the runner is fast or flawless—they cheer because the flame made it. Despite mountains, storms, delays, and thousands of miles…
It arrived. Still burning.
And your life is the same.
When others see you still standing, still believing, still fighting, still loving, still dreaming—they are inspired. Your perseverance gives others permission to keep going.
Always Be On
Let your passion stay lit.
Let your purpose stay alive.
Let your spirit keep burning—no matter the season.
Even if your flame flickers, it doesn’t mean it’s failing.
It means it’s fighting.
Because you were built to outlast the wind.
You were created to shine in the dark.
And like the Olympic torch…
Your flame is a symbol.
Your flame is a message.
Your flame is a movement.
Our flame is our legacy
So keep it burning.
Always be on.
About the Author
Pastor Alex Cordoba currently serves as President of the National Messengers of Peace. Raised in Miami, Florida, he has served in various leadership roles at the local, district, and national levels, with a strong focus on youth and missions. He currently pastors Hope Church in the Los Angeles District. He and his wife Melissa, along with their daughter Hannah, reside in Alhambra, California.
