Post by lovelace on Feb 4, 2006 8:11:00 GMT -5
Can you give us some background information (age, height, weight, where you are from, what you do for a living and your family situation)?
I just turned 37 this month. I’m 5’-7” and stay around 180 pounds. (My wife still doesn’t believe I weigh 215 when I flex.) I was born in Durham, NC, raised in Beaufort, NC and currently live in Greenville, NC. I have a wonderful wife Carol, a stepdaughter Sara (who is married to Enoc Garza, a USMC vet of Iraq), and a son Jared. For a living I teach in the Department of Industrial and Technical Trades at Edgecombe Community College in Tarboro, NC.
Without the support and encouragement (and good cooking) of my wife, I wouldn’t have been able to compete as frequently and successfully as I am able now. She is a true blessing to me.
When did you get saved and how?
I got saved on November 27, 1987, in the back seat of a 1972 Cadillac. After visiting extensively with Officer O’Neal at his place of employment the night before, culminating from an unhealthy choice of lifestyle, I made a conscientious decision to call a friend in whom I had seen Christ at work. I wanted what she had. That night, I said the sinner’s prayer and accepted Christ as my personal Lord and Savior!
How long have you been powerlifting and do you compete in other sports?
My first meet was a bench-only in about 1982 or 1983. The following spring I entered my first full-power meet. I competed every opportunity until 1987, when I decided to take a rest break. So I started back in 2003….
In school I was a linebacker and guard, ran track, played baseball, and wrestled. I don’t compete in any other sports now, although once in a while I play softball for my church.
What denomination of Church do you attend?
We’re currently members of a Methodist church. We are blessed to have a conservative pastor who preaches on soul winning and salvation, a church body that has extensive outreach opportunities, and an excellent youth ministry.
What are your best lifts in competition?
Squat: 450
Bench: 310 (got 325 back in 1987 at 142, what happened?)
Deadlift: 500
Total (single meet): 1250
If I set any new PRs on the 11th, I’ll post them at the forum.
Who are some individuals you look up to in religion and powerlifting?
"I respect any and all powerlifters who put Christ first in their life, and who set a good, healthy example for the younger lifters."
How do you balance powerlifting into your life being a Christian?
I view powerlifting as a ministry. I like to think of it as an opportunity to set a positive example for the teen lifters, and to witness to them for Christ. I also like to talk to the adult lifters about how blessed I am by the Lord. Oftentimes I come away even more blessed, because one of these youth, or a fellow adult powerlifter, has ministered to me! At a recent meet, I was overwhelmed to learn that at least half the folks I talked to were either Christians or very Christian-friendly!
Do you train others or are you a trainee?
I train alone.
What organizations do you lift in?
Currently I lift solely with the 100% RAW Powerlifting Federation. I’m looking for meet opportunities in the future with another positive federation such as the AAU.
What is your favorite Bible verse?
Can I just say “The New Testament?”
The day after I got saved, I was sitting on the front row of a small church. I asked God to give me some scripture that would help to solidify that what happened the night before wasn’t just an emotional event. I opened up my Bible to Psalms 86:2.
In addition, all of the Salvation verses are dear to me! Throughout the New Testament we have constant reminders of just how exceedingly abundant God’s grace is!
What is your favorite food?
Any food anyone highly recommends you don’t eat when trying to make weight. Fried trout and shrimp is my biggest weakness, with pizza following in a close second.
What kind of workout do you currently use? Ex..Westside, Progressive,etc.etc.
Periodized progressive overload.
What version of the Bible do you read most often?
King James.
Doug, I believe you work in the school system? What is your opinion of separation of Church/State and lack of public prayer in school?
The situation is not nearly as bleak in rural eastern North Carolina as one may be led to believe by media reports. There is a STRONG Christian presence, even at the college level. There is public prayer in schools. There IS a legal mandate to not impose a state-endorsed religion on anyone, but let me assure you, the emboldened Christian youth do not succumb to political correctness!
Favorite Religious and non-Religious book you have read (other than Bible)?
Religious: “The Apostle”
Non-religious: “Where the Red Fern Grows.”
What is the most exciting thing you have witnessed God do?
There are three that specifically come to mind: when my buddy Jeff got saved, when my stepdaughter got saved, and when Shane got saved.
I have witnessed many miraculous healings, many times that the only explanation for an event was that God must surely have had His hand in it, and been blessed to see several people come to know Christ. These three that are the most exciting are extra special, and near to my heart, for a very personal reason.
What is your favorite lift?
The Total!
After that, the deadlift.
What manufacture of powerlifting equipment do you wear or do you compete raw?
I compete raw. (I have a 1985 belt I can’t remember who made, Wal Mart knee wraps I use when doing overloaded squats, and a singlet from Inzer that doesn’t have the logo on it.)
What is your favorite religious song?
After I got saved, I sang “Amazing Grace” continuously for about two years. That would have to be the one.
Do you have any hobbies outside of powerlifting?
Playing with my son, fishing with my son, deer hunting, playing musical instruments, and woodworking.
Who is your favorite music artist?
I don’t have a “favorite” artist. I have particular songs I like better than others.
I do have to say in my opinion Waylon Jennings had the best baritone singing voice.
What weight class do you compete in and do you hold any state, American or World records?
181
Keep in mind I’m lifting for a fledgling federation. I will be disappointed in the sport if my records stand the test of time.
State: Sq, DL, Total
National: Sq
World: Sq
As a “Christian”, what is your view on Anabolic Steroids or Anabolic Androgenic Steroids?
My view is this: if God didn’t put it in you, no drug will bring it out. It may bring it out faster, but at what cost? I personally don’t think a Christian should use performance enhancing drugs, especially if they are competing and presenting themselves as drug-free. However, the final decision lies with the personal convictions of the lifter. I can’t speak for others.
I choose to be drug-free because I feel pretty confident that it is Biblically sound.
Whom is your favorite apostle and why?
I’m torn between Paul and Steven. Paul was so highly influential in the spreading of the Gospel across a continent, and essentially the world, no one can minimalize what he did! However, Steven was the first martyr, the first person EVER to freely lay down their life for the Gospel. Never once did he ask for a compromise! That is dedication, that is steadfastness, that has set such a strong example for so many believers and martyrs for the ages!
Do you have any final comments?
"First of all, I am extremely honored and humbled to have been selected for yall to interview. This is truly a blessing to me. There are so many high-profile Christian powerlifters, and for you all to choose me for this interview has really touched me."
Whatever you do, do heartily, as unto the Lord!
Everywhere you go, try to be a blessing to at least one person. When you lift, lift up the Name of Jesus! In doing that, you will lift up the people around you. Let that light shine! If you try to hold it in, it will be like a fire shooting up in your bones. I don’t want a rock taking my place when it comes time to praise God!
If you want to read more answers to some different questions, I have a profile page:
www.rawpowerlifting.com/profiles/parrishd05.htm
It’s all about Jesus!
I just turned 37 this month. I’m 5’-7” and stay around 180 pounds. (My wife still doesn’t believe I weigh 215 when I flex.) I was born in Durham, NC, raised in Beaufort, NC and currently live in Greenville, NC. I have a wonderful wife Carol, a stepdaughter Sara (who is married to Enoc Garza, a USMC vet of Iraq), and a son Jared. For a living I teach in the Department of Industrial and Technical Trades at Edgecombe Community College in Tarboro, NC.
Without the support and encouragement (and good cooking) of my wife, I wouldn’t have been able to compete as frequently and successfully as I am able now. She is a true blessing to me.
When did you get saved and how?
I got saved on November 27, 1987, in the back seat of a 1972 Cadillac. After visiting extensively with Officer O’Neal at his place of employment the night before, culminating from an unhealthy choice of lifestyle, I made a conscientious decision to call a friend in whom I had seen Christ at work. I wanted what she had. That night, I said the sinner’s prayer and accepted Christ as my personal Lord and Savior!
How long have you been powerlifting and do you compete in other sports?
My first meet was a bench-only in about 1982 or 1983. The following spring I entered my first full-power meet. I competed every opportunity until 1987, when I decided to take a rest break. So I started back in 2003….
In school I was a linebacker and guard, ran track, played baseball, and wrestled. I don’t compete in any other sports now, although once in a while I play softball for my church.
What denomination of Church do you attend?
We’re currently members of a Methodist church. We are blessed to have a conservative pastor who preaches on soul winning and salvation, a church body that has extensive outreach opportunities, and an excellent youth ministry.
What are your best lifts in competition?
Squat: 450
Bench: 310 (got 325 back in 1987 at 142, what happened?)
Deadlift: 500
Total (single meet): 1250
If I set any new PRs on the 11th, I’ll post them at the forum.
Who are some individuals you look up to in religion and powerlifting?
"I respect any and all powerlifters who put Christ first in their life, and who set a good, healthy example for the younger lifters."
How do you balance powerlifting into your life being a Christian?
I view powerlifting as a ministry. I like to think of it as an opportunity to set a positive example for the teen lifters, and to witness to them for Christ. I also like to talk to the adult lifters about how blessed I am by the Lord. Oftentimes I come away even more blessed, because one of these youth, or a fellow adult powerlifter, has ministered to me! At a recent meet, I was overwhelmed to learn that at least half the folks I talked to were either Christians or very Christian-friendly!
Do you train others or are you a trainee?
I train alone.
What organizations do you lift in?
Currently I lift solely with the 100% RAW Powerlifting Federation. I’m looking for meet opportunities in the future with another positive federation such as the AAU.
What is your favorite Bible verse?
Can I just say “The New Testament?”
The day after I got saved, I was sitting on the front row of a small church. I asked God to give me some scripture that would help to solidify that what happened the night before wasn’t just an emotional event. I opened up my Bible to Psalms 86:2.
In addition, all of the Salvation verses are dear to me! Throughout the New Testament we have constant reminders of just how exceedingly abundant God’s grace is!
What is your favorite food?
Any food anyone highly recommends you don’t eat when trying to make weight. Fried trout and shrimp is my biggest weakness, with pizza following in a close second.
What kind of workout do you currently use? Ex..Westside, Progressive,etc.etc.
Periodized progressive overload.
What version of the Bible do you read most often?
King James.
Doug, I believe you work in the school system? What is your opinion of separation of Church/State and lack of public prayer in school?
The situation is not nearly as bleak in rural eastern North Carolina as one may be led to believe by media reports. There is a STRONG Christian presence, even at the college level. There is public prayer in schools. There IS a legal mandate to not impose a state-endorsed religion on anyone, but let me assure you, the emboldened Christian youth do not succumb to political correctness!
Favorite Religious and non-Religious book you have read (other than Bible)?
Religious: “The Apostle”
Non-religious: “Where the Red Fern Grows.”
What is the most exciting thing you have witnessed God do?
There are three that specifically come to mind: when my buddy Jeff got saved, when my stepdaughter got saved, and when Shane got saved.
I have witnessed many miraculous healings, many times that the only explanation for an event was that God must surely have had His hand in it, and been blessed to see several people come to know Christ. These three that are the most exciting are extra special, and near to my heart, for a very personal reason.
What is your favorite lift?
The Total!
After that, the deadlift.
What manufacture of powerlifting equipment do you wear or do you compete raw?
I compete raw. (I have a 1985 belt I can’t remember who made, Wal Mart knee wraps I use when doing overloaded squats, and a singlet from Inzer that doesn’t have the logo on it.)
What is your favorite religious song?
After I got saved, I sang “Amazing Grace” continuously for about two years. That would have to be the one.
Do you have any hobbies outside of powerlifting?
Playing with my son, fishing with my son, deer hunting, playing musical instruments, and woodworking.
Who is your favorite music artist?
I don’t have a “favorite” artist. I have particular songs I like better than others.
I do have to say in my opinion Waylon Jennings had the best baritone singing voice.
What weight class do you compete in and do you hold any state, American or World records?
181
Keep in mind I’m lifting for a fledgling federation. I will be disappointed in the sport if my records stand the test of time.
State: Sq, DL, Total
National: Sq
World: Sq
As a “Christian”, what is your view on Anabolic Steroids or Anabolic Androgenic Steroids?
My view is this: if God didn’t put it in you, no drug will bring it out. It may bring it out faster, but at what cost? I personally don’t think a Christian should use performance enhancing drugs, especially if they are competing and presenting themselves as drug-free. However, the final decision lies with the personal convictions of the lifter. I can’t speak for others.
I choose to be drug-free because I feel pretty confident that it is Biblically sound.
Whom is your favorite apostle and why?
I’m torn between Paul and Steven. Paul was so highly influential in the spreading of the Gospel across a continent, and essentially the world, no one can minimalize what he did! However, Steven was the first martyr, the first person EVER to freely lay down their life for the Gospel. Never once did he ask for a compromise! That is dedication, that is steadfastness, that has set such a strong example for so many believers and martyrs for the ages!
Do you have any final comments?
"First of all, I am extremely honored and humbled to have been selected for yall to interview. This is truly a blessing to me. There are so many high-profile Christian powerlifters, and for you all to choose me for this interview has really touched me."
Whatever you do, do heartily, as unto the Lord!
Everywhere you go, try to be a blessing to at least one person. When you lift, lift up the Name of Jesus! In doing that, you will lift up the people around you. Let that light shine! If you try to hold it in, it will be like a fire shooting up in your bones. I don’t want a rock taking my place when it comes time to praise God!
If you want to read more answers to some different questions, I have a profile page:
www.rawpowerlifting.com/profiles/parrishd05.htm
It’s all about Jesus!