Is Sports Just a Game or Is it Life?

Is sports just a game or is it life?

Throughout my 21 years of coaching and training players, I've come in contact with thousand of athletic, smart, talented, skilled an unskilled players. And for the most part all of them have different personalities and learning patterns. Some are focused, passionate, determined, self-confident and aggressive and others aren't. I never know what I'm going to get when a child decides that he/she wants to play basketball. "All I know is that each player seems to play sports for different reasons".

In my gym, there's a sign that's posted on the wall that says "Basketball is just a game, not life".

And throughout the years, it has been brought to my attention by several dad's that basketball is more than just a game and that by playing sports, kids learn about life. Is that a true statement for everyone? I wonder how others feel about sports and the lessons that their kids are learning from being a participant? Are kids playing sports because of their parents? How does a parent keep balance in their kids life when they see sports as a way to gain popularity and fame rather than education being the way to a healthy and more benificial future? Do you feel sports teaches kids to be a good law abiding citizen or to be a person with good moral character? Oh, and what about those players who put all of their eggs in the basket of sports, how do you feel about them? Who's the blame when a player is injured and feels that his/her life is over because of what's been ingrained in their heart about sports? These are just a few issues in sports that I would like to discuss with you.

In your personal opinion, is sports just a game or is it something that should be used to equip children for life?

How I discovered my purpose in life

I discovered my purpose in by committing myself to seeking and developing a personal relationship with Christ. First, it started off with my grand mother Lucinda Ward sharing her wisdom with me. One day while sitting on her front porch in Dallas, I remember her telling me shortly after a divorce that I must forgive, let go of the past, move on and not look back. She said that if I wanted true happiness that I would have to turn my life over to Christ completely. She was right! She also stated that everything that I needed to live a meaningful and purposeful life was in the B-I-B-L-E. And of course anytime that my grand mother told me something, I took it to heart and did it.

Back then, I didn't have the guts to turn my life over to Christ completely. For a long time I wondered what others would think of me if I were to change my sinful ways and start living for Christ! Back then, the devil had a strong hold on me.

After reflecting back on my life, I realized that the jobs, money, homes, cars and popularity that came from sports, partying and living life in a lukewarm way was pushing my spirit further into the sea of darkness. I later came to realize that although on the outside I appeared happy; on the inside I was empty and miserable.

I later cried out to God for help. One day while at home, I decided not to take any phone calls.
I spent the entire day on my knees seeking God. First, I asked him to forgive me of all of my sins. Secondly, I asked Him to take everything away from me that didn't glorify him. Thirdly, I asked him to cleanse me of unrighteousness. I told Him that I could no longer live for man but wanted to live for Him.

I discovered my purpose in life through re-developing a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I did that by repenting of my sins and asking for forgiveness and accepting Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior. I then made a commitment to God that I would put Him first in my life and never be ashamed of him again. I began to read the bible daily. I kept one with me everywhere that I went. I bought bible tapes, Gospel and Christian tapes. I began to pray daily without ceasing. I started attending church services regularly so that I could hear the word of God and fellowship with others.

"After I developed a relationship with Christ I discovered my purpose in life".

"My purpose and lot in life is to share the gospel of Christ with kids and families through sports based initiatives". I am anointed. I have gifts to: teach, motivate, inspire, encourage, pray, be patient, offer hope to the hopeless, mentor young coaches, write, motivate others and speak.

In my opinion, it's hard to discover your purpose in life without totally surrendering to Christ and developing a personal relationship with him.

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called acccording to his purpose.