"Therefore, since we are surrounded...

"...by so great a cloud of witnesses,
let us also lay aside
every weight, and sin which clings so closely,
and let us run with perseverance
the race that is set before us,
looking to Jesus
the pioneer and perfecter of our faith,
who for the joy that was set before him
endured the cross, despising the shame,
and is seated at the right hand
of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2