Category: stories

Tony Dungy, the head football coach of the Indianapolis Colts who won the last Super Bowl, recently wrote a book entitled QUIET STRENGTH. In this book Coach Dungy not only shares his experiences in football, but he shares his faith in Jesus Christ that has anchored him in times of great struggle, including the loss of his oldest son. As a coach, it was interesting to read of Coach Dungy’s commitment to certain key principles in his work. He felt if he and his staff could be unified in focusing on the most important things, everything else would work out. At the end of a championship season, Coach Dungy gave all glory to God.

Another coach of a different generation had a similar philosophy. Many would say John Wooden is the greatest coach in college basketball history. Wooden is renowned for his ‘pyramid of success’ which simply emphasized that matters of character are most important. “I used to tell my players to be more concerned with their character than their reputation, because character is what you really are while reputation is merely what others think you are.”

At the beginning of a school year, I always find myself determining my focus. What is my goal? What is more important than anything else? Where must I fix my eyes? Of course, such questions always lead to a simple but profound answer: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Tony Dungy wrote that if a coach is not fully committed to his principles, he will be knocked to and fro in professional sports. If you lose more games than you win or if you don’t make it to the playoffs or if you don’t measure up to the standards of others, the pressure to change will come from the press, the fans, and even your friends.

If Jesus had listened to his friend Peter, he wouldn’t have gone to Calvary. But Jesus kept his eyes on his Father. He knew his Father was with him and Jesus’ goal was to please him. “I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me. The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.” With this focus, Jesus knew how to handle the fickle opinions of men. “I do not accept praise from men…”

Is this not the way Jesus calls us to live? Knowing that faith is what pleases the Father, Jesus asked: “How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God?” If we think we can’t live such a focused life, Jesus reminds his disciples that he is with us. Even better – He is in us! “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” “Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.”

Thanks for continued prayer. We had a great summer of camp and I got to help with weddings in Hawaii, Atlanta, Nashville, and New Orleans. Every wedding I attend makes me think of the great future day when the joyous Father will present a beautiful Bride to his beloved Son. I’ve been enduring the same type of chemo for over a year now. Last week, Susan and I met with a specialist at Cedar Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles that helped us in 2001. He was quite amazed I’ve been able to tolerate this chemo for so long. Most patients develop side effects that prevent continuation. He gave us some suggestions for the future and encouraged us to stay the course. While in LA, we got to see our friend Sherill Baker play a couple of games for the LA Sparks. Sherill was traded from New York to LA this summer. I think she likes the West Coast better than the East. Susan took Kinsey to Harding this week and Taylor started classes in Athens. With two in college, Karlyn will have to suffer as an only child in the house 🙂 . We thank God for so many blessings.

“I have not stopped giving thanks for you…”
Dana

The privilege of worshipping God in different countries brings a little insight into the Body of Christ. While we don’t see this Body perfectly, God does, and he is preparing a bride for his beloved Son. As we worshipped in one of the poorest areas of Namibia, the Name of God was lifted up and a part of the Body of Christ (Namibian and American) listened to his Word.

Here’s a summary of the sermon the Sunday before Easter: “We are the Body of Christ. Jesus is the Head of this Body and he ties us together with ligaments that allow us to function. Do you know what ties us together? It is love! Of course ‘God is love’… so he ties us together, but we must participate with him. If we do not obey what the Head commands, the Body does not function properly. ‘My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.’ Brothers and sisters, we do not have a choice in this matter; we must love one another. Through this we will grow, as each one of us does our part. ‘Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful cunning. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.’” (Ephesians 4:14-16)

Such a message is as important in our land as it is in anywhere. The love of Christ has no national boundaries. The love of Christ has no status boundaries. The love of Christ has no positional boundaries. We are all members of one Body. Each of us is different with our own part to play. God has chosen where we are placed and how we are to function. But whatever our gifts, whatever our role, we must love.

I went to a funeral yesterday of a twenty-one year old friend who died of a drug overdose this past weekend. The grieving mother is a native of Brazil but she is a dear sister. Her younger, nineteen year old son dresses differently than my kids, but just like my children, he desperately needs to know the love of a Heavenly Father. How does this happen? How do all the young people who came to pay respects to their friend recognize that there really is hope in this world? I know only one solution: the all powerful, penetrating, perfect love of God. Oh may we be his instruments. May his love flow through every part of the Body of Christ. May the world know there is a God because his children love one another. May we love others as Jesus loves us.

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those that rejoice; mourn with those that mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” Romans 12:9-16

The first head coach I worked under after graduating from college took Susan and me to Italy last week. The three of us had an incredible time and Susan and I will be forever grateful. The first place we visited was Rome, the city built on seven hills. Palatine Hill, the legendary place where Romulus killed his brother, Remus, and planted the Eternal City was the place where the rich and powerful lived. As rulers tried to outdo one another with beautiful buildings, the hill eventually became one huge palace. Our word, ‘palace,’ comes from the word, ‘palatine.’

Though despised by citizens of Jesus’ land, Rome surely fit the description of the illustration he used to teach the Father’s purpose for his children on earth. “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

A person can’t help but be awestruck as he sees the cathedrals of Rome. Priceless paintings, gold-plated ceilings, and incredible sculptures overwhelm the mind. So much points to the Bible and God’s plan to save the world. When a twenty-four year old Michelangelo sculpted his Pieta, little did he imagine the millions of people that would admire his masterpiece and be drawn to the story of the crucified Savior in the arms of his mother. As I admired all the beauty and all the history, I couldn’t help but wonder if this was the light of the world Jesus spoke about. Of course, such deliberations aren’t confined to Italy, as our own country has its share of physical cities on a hill. I respect Michelangelo and other artists who use their talents to point heavenward, but surely Jesus was also thinking of the influence a common fisherman might have in this world as he lets his light shine before men.

Henri Nouwen lived in Rome for several months before moving to serve the mentally handicapped at a L’Arche community in Toronto, Canada. The former teacher at Notre Dame and Harvard became convinced God wanted his light to shine in a place where few would notice. Most of the people he served could not even express appreciation, but Henri knew that didn’t matter. While in Rome, he discovered the most powerful spiritual light had little to do with famous landmarks or prominent leaders. He found the brightest light shining among servants that few knew, humble men and women who dedicated themselves to serving the poor and giving cups of cool water in Jesus’ name. No one paid admission to watch these believers and some even called them clowns, but the witness of Christ was unmistakable and rich praise went forth to our Father in Heaven.

Sitting in a true Italian restaurant, our friend told us of a shining light he had witnessed while growing up in South Georgia. Teaching Sunday school class, taking food to the needy, visiting the sick, living with integrity, giving generously… these are the things that were remembered. Most have never heard of the elderly lady that impacted many, but Jesus smiles when he sees this type of ‘city on a hill’ that makes a difference.

Of course, the only light that makes a difference is Jesus, Himself. Without such Light, we have no power. Henri Nouwen’s book, “Clowning in Rome,” is an encouragement to walk closely with our Lord. If you want your light to shine, spend continual time with Jesus. If you want the Father to receive glory, get to know the Son. If you want your life to make a difference, give up self and be filled with Christ. He is the Light of the world and all who truly meet him will be forever changed.

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

There is an IHOP in town that does not specialize in pancakes. The letters stand for International House of Prayer and people pray there constantly. When Jesus drove the money changers and buyers and sellers out the temple, he quoted the prophet, Isaiah: “My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.”

A former student is the leader of this place of prayer. I saw Billy yesterday and he reminded me of a time when he was in my math class. “I was caught cheating,” he said, “but you showed me mercy.” As a math teacher, I’ve always wanted my students to remember the wonderful theorems I prove, but sadly, that knowledge seems to fade quickly. But show a young man mercy and he’ll come back to you twenty years later and tell you how that impacted his life.

Jesus, the Good Teacher, gave the religious of his day an assignment: “Go learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’” Those that didn’t know the meaning made serious errors. “If you had known what these words mean, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent.” But those who understand the Master’s secret and put it to practice get a great reward. “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”

The late Henri Nouwen loved to tell the story of a Russian peasant who longed more than anything else to follow Paul’s command to “pray without ceasing,” but try as he might he couldn’t do it. Finally, after asking for guidance from many ‘holy men,’ someone taught him the Jesus Prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.” The peasant prayed this simple prayer so often that he found his mind and heart in constant prayer as he walked through Russia with a knapsack and Bible.

“Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me!” The blind cried this prayer. The sick shouted it out. Distraught parents prayed with broken hearts. And Jesus heard their prayers.

“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men – robbers, evildoers, adulterers – or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God.” Luke 18:10-14

There is a multiple myeloma patient I’ve heard about that can predict his blood counts before any test is done. Coaches are known for picking the brains of other coaches to try to get a little edge. In similar fashion, I’ve always wanted to meet this man to try to discover how he is so accurate in all his predictions. One of the nurses calls this patient a genius. Last week I found that my protein count is not dropping as quickly as it did last year. During the past month, the number only dropped from 1.9 to 1.5. As I looked over this report and prepared to receive chemo, a nurse came to me and said, “He’s here!” I asked, “Who?” She answered, “The genius! I’m going to bring him to you!”

Tom didn’t really look like a genius. He was wearing a cap that said “World’s Greatest Dad” and he seemed to move rather slowly. He stuck out his hand and introduced himself then sat on a stool next to my chair. “The nurse said you wanted to meet me,” he said. “Yes, I’ve heard a lot about you. Some say you’re a genius. The nurses say you have an uncanny way of predicting your blood counts. How do you do it?” Tom humbly shrugged his shoulders and said he was not a genius. He said he was simply doing his best to stay in the battle. Tom is seventy-seven years old. Within the month he has arrived home from Little Rock, Arkansas where he had just endured a second stem cell transplant. His first was in 2003, so I realized Tom has not had an easy three years. Though he looked remarkably strong just one month out from transplant, he shared that he almost didn’t make it this time. He was in the hospital six weeks and many complications came against him. But as he shared the doctors’ conclusions of the staggering odds against his survival, a twinkle came to Tom’s eye and he made a comment that proved to me he’s a genius: “You know, son, God is not bound by our human statistics.” I think this was another way to say what Jesus often taught: “With God, all things are possible.”

I pray you have a great Thanksgiving. Love your family, encourage the downtrodden, help the needy. Take time to truly thank God for all He has done for us.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7