Beyond The Glory
As a young man, I used to watch a TV show called "Beyond The Glory" which provided a glimpse into the personal lives of sports stars. It was evident that most of what we saw on screen was different from the reality of their lives.
Our media and culture often present sports stars, movie stars, and entertainers as role models. However, this can be a double-edged sword as not all individuals in these fields have qualities worth emulating.
Just because someone is famous does not mean they are a role model or have the ability to influence politics solely based on their name.
I have met and become acquainted with many former professional athletes and famous individuals through my involvement in track and field, the global Paralympic movement, as well as my business, government, and church activities.
The celebrities I admire the most are those who have a meaningful mission in their personal lives that leads to positive cultural changes.
For example, I know a multi-millionaire professional athlete who lost everything because he cheated on his wife due to his weakness and the lifestyle that sometimes went along with professional sports when he was a young man.
He shared his story very openly with me one day, including his deep regret.
He deeply regretted what he had done after the fact, but the damage was done. After reawaking his faith, he committed to helping young men in professional sports stay the course in their marriages and families.
This former professional star dedicated his life to helping younger players avoid the traps and pitfalls he fell into. Helping others avoid the pitfalls became his mission.
No one will remember your batting average, how many movies you starred in, the baskets you made, how many touchdowns you scored, or how fast you ran.
Twenty minutes after the potato salad is eaten at your funeral reception, all those things are forgotten.
I’ve known others in the sports and entertainment world who never understand what a powerful force they can be for others if they would apply the same skills they used to become a star to help others live a better and more Godly life.
Beyond the Glory is a good title for a show. Looking under the hood at what you do when the crowd is not cheering is a more significant dose of reality. Everyday life is real life for the most part.
It's in the moments of prayer and reflection and sometimes crisis when we make decisions to use our stories and checkered pasts for good that we find our true selves.
Use your past, whether it is good or bad, to help others now.
We all need mercy and grace; there is still time to do the right thing and help others in the journey.
After all, you and everyone else are worthy of forgiveness and love.
Spread more of that true love around.
Blessings,
Coach Weber
Philippians 4:13
Photo Credit: Tim Mossholder