Ryan Sheckler and his
girlfriend Abigail Baloun. Professional skateboarder Ryan Sheckler has been singing God’s praises in a podcast recently, describing his “Christ-based” approach to his relationship which sees him practicing abstinence before marriage.
He said he wouldn’t have been able to do it before, but now that God has come into his life, he’s excited to see how it plays out.
Newfound faith
Mr Sheckler is a professional skateboarder and former star of MTV show Life of Ryan. He has been increasingly vocal about his newfound faith following a tumultuous couple of years which saw him struggling with an addiction to alcohol.
Speaking to Jesus Calling, an American evangelical ministry, Mr Sheckler described his Christian journey.
“You know, I grew up as a Christian. I went to church. I believed. But I didn’t understand what it meant to really believe that Jesus died on the cross for my sins. I had heard that. And I knew about that. But I didn’t know, I didn’t feel it,” he said.
“I didn’t really feel that when I envisioned it. And when I really got deep into my mind visualising the Lord and him on the cross and bleeding, that’s when it hit me. That’s when it hit me that I really am forgiven for my sins, like, I’m forgiven daily and do not waste it.”
He said his faith was essential to his recovery from alcoholism, attributing his successful kicking of the habit to Christ.
“I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the Lord. And it’s a struggle. But if you really submit and give your life to Christ and just really believe daily that you get another chance, you can make some good decisions.”