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Giving Thanks For Much In World Of Sports
By Victor Lee for Crosswalk.com Sports
There are many controversial subjects we could explore this week, but with Thanksgiving upon us let's turn our attention to the positive. There are many, many people and things in the world of sports for which we can be thankful. Here are some that came to my mind. Feel free to share some of yours in the sports forum.
That there are so many dedicated men and women, athletes and non-athletes, who recognize that sports is an ideal bridge across which to share the way of salvation with the lost. Ninety-six percent of the people in the world are effected by sports in some way (as fans, participants or relatives of those who are). Clearly, sports is a medium for reaching the world. Many people and organizations are doing it well, even penetrating "closed" countries with the Gospel by taking in sports teams.
Among the outstanding leaders in this field of ministry are Edward Wacsa, "the father of sports evangelism"; Norm Evans of Professional Athletes Outreach; Michael Wozniak, Tom Felten, Dave Branon, Rob Bentz and the gang at Radio Bible Class/Sports Spectrum; Rodger Oswald; Greg Linville; Dal Shealy and Fellowship of Christian Athletes; Scott Oppliger and Athletes in Action; Vince Nauss and Baseball Chapel; Bob Dyar of Carolina Sports Outreach; Claude Terry and the NBA chaplaincy ministries; Tim Cash of Unlimited Potential Incorporated; Larry Moody, the PGA chaplain, Steve Quatro of Sports Outreach Los Angeles; and countless others I don't have space to mention.
That people like John Register and Jean Driscoll show us that handicaps are hurdles to be cleared rather than tripped over. Register is a gifted sprinter, long jumper and swimmer -- with one leg. Driscoll is a champion wheelchair marathoner.
For Jeff Gordon, Reggie White and the other athletes on the "Power for Living" commercials and ads. They are leading many into the Kingdom of God.
For the gentlemanly, now grandfatherly, demeanor of Tom Landry. May he be blessed and comforted in illness.
For the lessons in perseverance and the commitment to the Great Commission of Michele Akers. With 13 knee operations and CFIDS, she should be in bed, but instead she is the queen of women's soccer worldwide.
That there are Godly sports agents in what is largely a cut-throat business. They include Kyle Rote Jr., Mike Moye, Mark Rodgers, and included the late Robert Fraley and Van Ardan.
That God has a greater purpose in death for those who know Him. Thus the loss of Payne Stewart and five others in a crash is not a waste, but is a tool for God to share their lives and spread the Gospel.
That there are at least 25,000 athletes around the world with some reasonably-high media profile who are willing to speak up about their faith in Christ, whereas there were hardly any 25 or 30 years ago.
For a 6-4-3 double play, Wrigley Field, Tiger Stadium, Dodger Stadium, Tom Glavine's change-up and spring training.
That the University of North Carolina stood for character and common sense by retaining football coach Carl Torbush.
For "Rocky Top", "Smokey" the blue tick hound, and growing up with season tickets at Tennessee's Neyland Stadium (then starting my career in its press box.)
For the spiritual influence of an All-America Tennessee place kicker named Alan Duncan. When we were in college, Alan would preach and punter Dale Schneitman would sing. Wherever they were booked that Sunday is where a handful of us Tennessee students went to church. (Thankfully, Alan did not preach the same message over and over, though Dale stuck to "How Great Thou Art"). Alan now uses sports as a major evangelism tool in his mission works in South Africa.
For the Fellowship of Christian athletes' influence on campuses all over America.
For Jarrett Payton's success -- punctuated with a Walter-like hit-and-spin -- in Saturday's University of Miami win. The son of Walter ran for 87 yards and 20 carries with one TD.
For Bobby Bowden, who has taken his teams to church twice a year for three-and-a-half decades. Throughout that time he has written a letter to every recruit's parents saying that their son would be exposed to church and the Bible at Florida State, and that if they objected, they should please write him back and he would remove their son from the recruiting list. Three-and-a-half decades, two letters returned.
That men like Jon Kitna overcome long odds, give the glory to God, and give hope to others who aren't supposed to succeed.
That Detroit is good and Seattle is outstanding without Barry Sanders and Joey Galloway (who recently returned), respectively. The point is not to show up those men, but to note that one man does not make or break a team, no matter how great his talent.
For the grace and poise -- on the ice and off -- of Wayne Gretzky.
That John 3:16 is more than a banner hanging in a stadium. (Which reminds me: Before a game once, former Cleveland Browns' owner Art Modell asked his coach, born-again Christian Sam Rutigliano, what a the banner with 'John 3:16' on it meant. Sam laughed and said, 'Oh, that's just John Madden's weight.')
For comebacks like that of Kent Bottenfield, who won has many games this past season for St. Louis as he had won in his entire career.
For born-again sports executives like Kevin Malone (Dodgers) and Frank Wren (Braves).
For youth league coaches who understand that the bottom line is not winning games.
Thanksgiving Day football. It goes well with the fourth helping of dressing.
Victor Lee is a minister and writer who lives in Wake Forest, N.C.
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