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.