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February 8, 2010

The heart of a champion

Tim Ritter, Sports Editor

Monday, Feb. 8, 2010 — Walking around the streets of Claremore, I’ve come to the realization that this community takes pride in their sports.

Whether it’s baseball, basketball, football or softball, the athletes of these respective sports love to win and they are driven to work hard in order to achieve the ultimate prize ... a shot at the state championship.

Whether they’re a Zebra, Eagle, Warrior, Verdigris Cardinal or a Rogers State Hillcat, their obligation as an athlete for these programs is to play with a no-fear attitude and never settle for being second-best.

The “heart of these champion athletes” come when they place God first in their life and allow Him to provide them the strength during those two-a-day workouts or wind sprints after practice.

With God, it’s said in the Bible that all things are possible.

I truly believe in that scripture and have found that my dreams have come true only because God was first and foremost the center of my life and my decisions.

By no means was I the best athlete growing up, but in God’s eyes, I was an All-Star first baseman on His team.

I may never have hit for .300 on a consistent basis or drove in 40-plus runs during a season, but once again, I played the game of baseball to the best of my ability and never gave up.

Winning God’s way is a lot more fun because everyone that believes receives the ultimate prize — a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

God made each and everyone of us equal, yet unique in our own way.

Some of us were born to dunk basketballs, while others were brought on Earth to swim laps or put opponents in the bear-claw.

One thing or another, we all have special gifts inside of us that represent our personality and our character.

It’s through those gifts that we find who we really are and make a difference in the lives of others.

All my life, sports has become my identity and a way for me to relate with others who share the same interest.

But, as I’ve gotten older and a lot more mature, being able to share my faith and love for Jesus Christ has allowed me to meet people of all ages and widen my group of friends.

How many athletes do you see in this world living their life with the attitude of Christ?

I’ll attest that I’m not a huge fan of Tim Tebow — the University of Florida star quarterback. However, I believe Tebow’s personal testimony and his love for the Lord is admirable and exemplifies the way every Christian should get fired up for honoring Thy Father.

The other day I was surfing www.youtube.com and came across an impressive video about Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Sam Bradford’s testimony to becoming a Christian.

In case you haven’t seen — I AM SECOND with Sam Bradford — it’s worth a visit and better yet, the message is very touching.

Bradford, like Tebow and many others, serves a higher authority and plays their respective sport according to Phil. 4:13. ... “I can do all things through Christ, which gives me strength.”

When an athlete comes out and says they are SECOND in this world and that their relationship with God is No. 1, that is amazing and priceless.

Also, how many athletes do you know that can say they talk the talk and walk the walk?

As you go throughout your day and finish up another school year or athletic season, always remember that someone young or old is watching your every move.

How do you want me to be remembered?

First impressions are very important, especially when you’re an athlete. In small towns, everyone knows who you are, so it’s important to carry yourself with pride, honor and integrity.

And, if for some reason you find yourself in a tough situation, just ask yourself, “What Would Jesus Do?”

... God answers our prayers when we least expect it.

And more importantly, we’re always winners when we excel with the “heart of a champion.”

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