Stephanie Rice responds to confusion after resigning from dream CEO job
Updated . First published at
Stephanie Rice has responded after facing scepticism over her claim she turned down her dream position as a chief executive because “God asked [her] to resign”.
The three-time gold medallist, who packed up her life in Australia for Dubai in 2023 and now goes by Stephanie Lassey, said she’d received numerous comments from people who “did not understand”, prompting an emotional explanation.
The Olympian became emotional as she explained her point-of-view. Instagram/@stephanie.lassey
“I’m reading James 1 today, and it’s talking all about wisdom. And the reason I thought I’d share this is because so many people have seen that God asked me to resign from my job earlier this year, and God so clearly told me to resign,” the 38-year-old began.
“There are a lot of people who have been commenting on my post like, ‘That’s stupid!’ And I’m like, ‘You don’t get it.’”
She went on to say that while some of her followers questioned her decisions, she was content in the spiritual guidance.
“I see comments that are like, ‘Wow, not exactly being a great promotion for God. Like, resigning and not having any savings left,’” she said.
“And I’m like, actually, let me tell you and let me declare, this is the best promotion for God. Because what He is about to do, there is no denying that it is Him and Him alone.”
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Lassey was emotional as she explained her position by reading a Bible passage that said God would give wisdom if asked.
“He sees everything from the beginning of time to the beginning of your life to the end of your life and beyond. So when He gives you a word, or direction, or asks you to do something, you can know and trust that He knows all things, and that this is actually coming from the place that this is the best decision for you,” she said.
She said she was extra encouraged by the verse, “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterwards they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.”
“That’s so encouraging for how tough this season has been,” she said.
Stephanie Rice responded to scepticism from her followers. Instagram/@stephanie.lassey
“It has been a really, like, stripping season. God has just been so kind, and has given me so many words of such bold encouragement to hold on to about what the future looks like, and I’m so excited for that to come to pass in Jesus’ name.
“But it’s really tough when you’re right in the middle of it, when you’re believing and you’re holding on.”
She concluded by saying she was praying for others in the same “season” of change.
“I pray that you would be refreshed. I pray that you would endure because that blessing is coming, and it will be above what you’ve asked, thought, or even imagined,” she said.
Lassey returned to social media in July after a year-long break and announced she had “no source of income” after resigning from her job.
Stephanie and Mark tied the knot in Perth with not one but two celebrations. nna\seathompson
On Monday, she began a transition to a new Instagram account using her married name.
“Probably part crazy to be walking away from 140,000 people, but honestly I’d rather start again knowing the people joining now want to be a part of the story God’s writing, not the one that’s already been written, even if that’s just a small amount,” she explained.
She met her husband Mark Lassey, 48, in early 2024 when they were introduced by a mutual friend.
He is a pastor of the Kingdomcity Church and a father to three boys, Tyler, Joel and Luke, from a previous marriage.
