It’s widely recognised that an increasing number of women are participating professionally in sports that were traditionally dominated by men. As female athletes rise in prominence, not only do they showcase their talent and determination, but they pave the way for the next generation to pursue their dreams.
Delilah Matos stands out as one such remarkable athlete. She has not only made a significant impact in the realm of boxing as an amateur fighter, but has also embraced her mission of empowering women through the transformative love of Jesus.
It’s Never Too Late
Delilah recently joined us on 20Twenty to share her inspiring story, shedding light on her remarkable transformation through boxing. She believes that no matter your age, it’s never too late to start something new.
Having been an athlete for the better part of her life, Delilah found herself at the age of 38 grappling with a mild eating disorder. She says it was through the discipline and strength of boxing that she managed to reclaim her life and restore her health.
‘I was around 38 years old when I started boxing,’ she says. ‘I’m 45 now and I’ve been doing it ever since. I just wanted to find a whole new sport that was more competitive and challenging for me, and really get myself back on track.’
Identity In Jesus
Delilah’s brand, Beautiful Fighter, encourages women that no matter what they are facing, they can fight the fight beautifully. Delilah wants everyone to take hold of the truth that our identity is found in Jesus, and when we put on His armour, we can face the fight everyday.
‘I’ve been a licensed cosmetologist for over 20 years,’ says Delilah. ‘So I kind of merged the two worlds of the beauty industry and really looked beyond what beauty means. My message is that you can be a fighter no matter what you’re going through in life, and that you can face that fight beautifully.’
Delilah says her ministry spreads the love of God and encourages women to believe that with Christ, anything is possible. It’s a women’s empowerment brand, but it’s also Delilah’s way of getting the message of Christ into the world.
‘I have kept it very simple so that the message can reach people’s hearts,’ she says. ‘It’s been well received, and I just hope that it inspires and touches people and really brings the message of Jesus and the love of the Lord into the world.’
Surrender to God
Delilah believes that when we truly surrender our passion to God, He will use it for His glory. ‘He will make the right connections and make things happen,’ she says. ‘You just have to be faithful.’
Delilah says that through prayer and obedience, she came to the realisation that this was about so much more than boxing. ‘God’s given me that platform, and I’m so grateful to be in the sport that I love. But it’s beyond the ropes. It’s the bigger picture. I know that this is where He wants me to be, and where my ministry is supposed to be.’
Delilah has also been overseas on mission trips in the context of Beautiful Fighter. ‘I’ve been to Africa twice now,’ she says. ‘I taught two different boxing clinics at two different schools, and it was amazing. The kids had never seen boxing gloves.’
While some places in Africa can be hostile towards Christians, Delilah believes that sharing testimonies and the gospel message is part of her mission. ‘It was very important to me to bring the love and the word of God,’ she says.
Listen to Delilah’s full interview on 20Twenty below:
