You may recall the MMM in August where I asked you to keep Tim and all of our students heading back to school in your prayers. Well school is out now for him as he spent four of the most incredible years at Florida, teaching all of us what it means to perform at the top of your game and also be a solid witness for Christ. It is now apparent that the attacks he took about being too good to be true while a student are nothing compared to what he will face in the real world.

His story is being prepared for a special showing during Super Bowl Weekend and will include the story of his mother facing a most difficult pregnancy with Tim that led her doctor to recommend she consider an abortion.  This option was not chosen and the legitimate health concerns that could have caused Tim to be born with severe physical problems did not materialize. In fact, his early years as a sickly child translated into later years of a very healthy strapping football player.

While this story inspires many of us including me, it seems to anger others.  A woman appeared on our local Tampa TV station indicating that this story was not fair because it did not tell the other side of the story.  What side of the story would that be?  Is Tim’s life one of the most beautiful examples of courage and achievement? Have we become so jaundiced about everything that we hear and see that we can’t celebrate a life as precious as this one that could have been snuffed out before it ever had a chance? 

Don’t confuse this situation with all of the reports about Tim’s declining status as a draftee to play pro football. His techniques from the college game to the professional level are clearly and legitimately a concern.  His attitude, work ethic, and positive attitude however, would be worth a high draft pick in my book anyway.  I have no doubts that Tim will land on his feet and find ways to serve the Lord in his adult life.  I will still be praying for him to make a difference in the lives of people as they see Jesus in his actions just as I see that same quality in each of you!

 Matthew 5:11-12 (NIV) “Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Monday Morning Message Sent 2/1/10

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