Revolutionary Leaders

So What Did You Get?

Did you get everything you wanted for Christmas? It’s kind of hard for me to answer that because I never really was sure of what I wanted. Chrissy got me some cool clothes and a couple of inspiring books. One was Michael Jordan’s new book, “Driven from Within”. Here is a quote.

Uncompromised. You have to be uncompromised in your level of
commitment to whatever you are doing, or it can disappear as fast as it
appeared... Excellence isn't a one-week or one-year ideal. It's a constant. There will be days when you don't feel on top of your game, or
meetings in which you aren't at your best, but your commitment remains
constant. No compromises.

Another one of the books she got me was a quick read called “Got Game” which draws profound and practical life lessons from the world of NBA Basketball and the words of Christian NBA stars. I didn’t know that so many of the guys I love to watch play are devote believers of Christ. I’m sure that you knew that David Robinson and A.C. Green were Christians. However, did you know that Dikembe Mutumbo, Hersey Hawkins, Mark and Brent Price, LaPhonso Ellis, Coach Paul Westphal, Doc Rivers, Avery Johnson, Charlie Ward, Allan Houston, and even Dr. J. were all Christians? This book tells some of their stories and the history behind what I call “the evangelism of basketball”. Here are some encouraging words from the author, Pat Williams.

Life, too, is a suffering business. We all face adversity. The apostle Paul put it this way: “We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). The key to overcoming adversity is to face it with courage, perseverance, and faith in God, who has ultimate control over all our circumstances. As David Robinson says, “If you walk with God, you can have victory – even when things get really tough.”

Regardless of what you did or didn't get for Christmas this year, I pray that you have been blessed and that you have been a blessing to others as well. Enjoy your time off from school or work. Enjoy your family. Relax. Reflect. Dream of what God has in store for you this coming year, 2006!