Focus on the Family with Dr. Dobson is doing a two-part radio program on the late Reggie White. I heard the first part this morning. If you missed it, you can hear it on family.org.
Being a Chicago Bears fan, I hated Reggie White for dominating our O-line. I never knew of his lofty character and love for Jesus. But back then, I probably wouldn't have cared too much had I heard. Now, though, it feels a bit strange remembering how I reviled him. I think I feel a bit guilty.
This guilt or regret that I'm feeling is not simply because I thought ill of a great man that died. They are because I thought ill of a great man, period. I am not one to declare a moratorium on negative comments on a person just because that person has died. In fact, after a person's dead is probably the best time to evaluate their life and deem it worthy or a waste. People will be uncomfortable with these ideas because they are uncomfortable with holding someone's life to a standard. It's as if some people believe we should all get praise for merely existing. Death is easy, dying may be hard, but living is the hardest thing to do. And not everyone is truly living.
Reggie White lived. It's inspiring.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
"The Reverend"! Reggie was the only reason why before there were the St. Louis Rams, I was a Packer fan. It's atheletes like him, Albert Pujols, David Robinson, and others that are great role-models. Athletes I would want my future kids to look up to.
i know Reggie wasn't perfect in displaying his faith, but it's sweet hearing former teammates of Reggie talked about he was a father figure to them, a mentor when they were young in their career.
the world needs more people like Reggie, who are willing to reach out to raise up the generations after them.
-matt
Post a Comment