Let all that you do be done in love.~1 Corinthians 16:14


Source: Sports Spectrum

To learn more about Pickens’ and the Lady Eagles foundation, click here for an article in the Times-Gazette.

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your [a]gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.~Philippians 4:4-7

#FBF: Playing For An Audience Of One

Being a Christian athlete is a blessing and a challenge. The blessing is evident whether one wins or loses. You have an everlasting Friend that celebrates with you when you win, and the world’s biggest Cheerleader to support you when you fall short. The challenges are created on two fronts: our failures and society’s expectations.… Continue reading #FBF: Playing For An Audience Of One

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him~Colossians 3:17


Source: Sports Spectrum

So much has happened in the past several months with United States Supreme Court decisions overturning Roe v. Wade, Affirmative Action, allowing the case against The Ohio State University regarding sexual abuse against male student-athletes, the hiring of a coach relieved from his duties for bullying his athletes in the NHL, the cancellation of soccer match between the USMNT and Mexico over sexual orientation slurs, and many more acts of unsportsmanlike and corruption in sports and the World. I believe it is best to ponder the words laid down by AIA a few years ago about social injustices and how athletes plays a role in addressing it.

In Athletes In Action’s Response To Recent Injustices (2020), it states:

“Sport is an important, shaping influence in the culture. As athletes across the world lend their voices to work against racism, we join them and together celebrate a collective voice that seeks to bring enduring change around the world. . . . In this time of anguish and turmoil, we can all grow in how to listen, learn and move toward one another in relationship. The greatest change starts in the heart, and a regenerated heart is possible through Jesus and His offer of new and eternal life. God’s unconditional love for all people, demonstrated at Jesus’s crucifixion and resurrection, can reshape and change our hearts, comfort those who grieve, heal broken relationships, give hope to the hopeless and change the world.”

My question to you, as a fan, athlete, sponsor, coach or administrator is: are you willing to help change the world with a regenerated heart, listening–not hearing–ears, and boots to the ground?

 

 

To listen to Brian Smith’s book for free (via your library card), check it out on Hoopla here or you can buy it here.