Monday, August 04, 2008

Heros

I'm a huge football fan. I love college especially. I've been so disappointed over the last few years in all the trouble football players seem to get themselves into. I realize they are just humans - but so many people look to them as heros or as idols. And then they are constantly getting arrested for drugs or battery or dog killings or worse.
Saturday night - Scott and I watched the NFL hall of fame and I was so encouraged to see a few of the inductees get up and give speeches and speak of their love of Jesus. They spoke of how their teammates had shared the gospel with them and changed their lives.
The most impressive was Art Monk , a former Washington Redskin. He got a 4 minute standing ovation and I understand why. He spoke of how great this honor was .....but that it really didn't matter that much because his identity and his security comes from the Lord. And that his validation comes from accepting Jesus Christ as his personal savior and that what defines him is the word of God. He went on to quote a lot of scripture. If you have time and you haven't seen it - follow this link and watch his speech.


http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d809b2d0f

I wish all college football players and new rookies in the NFL would watch this and realize what a true hero looks like.

15 comments:

Some Like it Southern said...

I agree, he gave a very moving speech.
I also love Tim Tebow, the quarterback for UF. He also speaks of his love for God and thanks him for his talent. I love the fact that he spent his summer doing mission work. Plus I am a huge Gator fan =)

The Walkie Talkie said...

Benton and I stumbled on the NFL Hall of Fame inductee speeches. We were both in tears within minutes. I told Benton we didn't need to go to church because we had already heard God's truth (joking of course but it was true- they straight up shared the gospel on national television). What also stood out to me is the son's who introduced their fathers. It was incredible to hear them give testimony of their father's faith and integrity. I am sure that was a proud moment for their father's as well.

BTW...your maternity jeans looks awesome on you. Your waist looks TINY! Can't wait to watch that bump grow! I am thinking it going to be a Harper but not ready to commit yet.

Sorry this is so long! I got carried away!

Kristy said...

I haven't watched this, but I love to see athletes (and celebrities) speak of their love of the Lord.
I also HATE seeing the athletes throw everything away, by getting into drugs or whatever.
I was so sad the day I heard about Matt Jones getting arrested. That one was the worst- because I loved him so much when he played for the Hogs.

Jenna said...

Wow, thanks for sharing this! I've got to show Chris when he gets home!

PS - we need to do lunch!

His Doorkeeper said...

A true hero...what an awesome speech!

Julie said...

I didn't see this but I sure wish we did. Bryan has lost some of his interest in college football because of the "fall" of so many players. I agree though; it is definitely encouraging to hear these players speak out about Christ in such an unpopular world.

Julia said...

That's so true! Did you know that TEN Alabama players have been arrested since the Spring?!?!?! That's crazy to me! Shawn Alexander was always a great role model too I think.

Shannon said...

Thank you for your sweet comment on my blog today.

Megan L Hutchings said...

Web & I love watching the Hall of Fame Inductees!! We hope to go to Canton one day to see Brett Favre inducted ;)!

I 100% agree with you!

amy (metz) walker said...

My husband and I watched that...and it was incredibly moving to see someone who could have taken the glory for himself instead give honor to the one who gave him his talent!

What an incredible man!

Heather said...

I haven't watched the video yet, but I will! I completely agree that it would be so much better if all our athletes were the like the ones you described!

a boy a girl and a pug said...

oh so cool! i sat and watched it and couldn't help the tears from flowing!

Heather said...

We just got the NFL Network added to our cable package on August 1st- so it has been on non-stop and we watched the Hall of Fame.
I love it when people (and athletes and celebrities in particular) aren't ashamed to speak of Jesus!

Rebekah said...

We watched it on our Tivo, since we were out Saturday night! It was amazing. Believe me, I know stories that would break your heart. Flint comes home with them all the time. Things that don't even make the news. But, God is also building up some mighty warriors for himself in college and pro sports.

Beki said...

Awesome! You would really enjoy the book entitled Quiet Strength by Tony Dungy, the coach of the Colts. It is a thrilling book about his life and walk with the Lord. I couldn't hardly put it down and read it in like two days. You can purchase it at Lifeway.