Mitchell Traver: Faith Through Adversity

Photo: blumoon photography

They say that a picture is worth a thousand words and Mitchell’s picture says what his life is all about I Am Second. Mitchell’s first priority in life is to glorify God in everything he does especially baseball where he gets to step on the hill and strike out batters. Mitchell’s story is very inspiring and I hope in some way it will bless you as it has me. In a way I guess you can call him the comeback kid.

Mitchell was born and raised in a suburb of Houston, TX, in a place called SugarLand. He lived there until 17, actually his family moved up to their ranch his senior year of high school. They got it around 2003 and finally just decided to make it home…the ranch is in Navasota, TX, which is about 20 miles south of College Station (Texas A&M). He has two loving parents, a younger brother, and a younger sister. This is what he said about them:

“To be frank with you, my family comes before everything but God. They are indeed my best friends, each in their own specific role and way, and I am so grateful for God blessing me with their presence in my life. We are extremely close; people say they haven’t ever seen anything like it. My brother actually will be attending TCU next year as a student, and my sister hopes to attend for volleyball, although she is only a freshman in high school.”

What made you go to TCU?

The distance and the “feel” of the campus…it just felt like the place I was supposed to be I guess. No place is perfect, and to be honest I was fortunate enough to have a lot of amazing options coming out of high school, but God made a way with TCU so here I am.

So instead of me trying to write his story for him, I’m going to let Mitchell tell it himself. So sit back and listen to this young man’s walk through adversity. In a way I guess you can call him the comeback kid.

To keep things as brief as possible…Going into my senior year of high school I had a good amount of attention from the professional end of baseball; I honestly didn’t know if I would be in Surprise, AZ or Fort Worth, TX come August…well, things started to happen I guess, weird things. My fingers started to go numb to the point where I’d look into my glove to make sure I was actually holding the ball. My command of the baseball obviously went completely out the window, and everyone started to notice. The pain started to show up, but I continued to tell no one except for my family. I thought it was in my head, I thought I was just being a baby, and I wanted to prove to my team that I wasn’t that draft guy all in it for myself; I wanted to win it for THEM. I did everything I could. Some of those moments on the hill are terrifying memories; I never knew a spot in the middle of so many people could make you feel so alone. As I continued to pitch through this monster of an injury, my mechanics began to break down simply because I didn’t really know where my arm was when I was throwing. Come first round of playoffs…had forearm tightness all week, of course that wasn’t going to stop me from throwing. I cruised through 3 innings, somehow finding ways to just throw strikes and get outs like I had to all year, but my arm really felt bad that day. 4^th inning came, and there my elbow went. My arm shot back on a fastball with 2 quick outs already in the books. I tried to throw a curveball…50 footer. Motioned to my coach for one last pitch; I knew it was the last pitch I’d ever throw in high school. As the ball went soaring inside for a ball, I had an immense amount of pain. Weeks went by, MRI’s in the books…we still didn’t know. The day before the draft, we find out after another doctor’s diagnosis that I had Thoracic Outlet Syndrome; that’s what was causing all the numbness in my arm. I had surgery to relieve it, and figured the elbow would be fine because the MRI’s came out okay…as I rehabbed all summer, finishing 4 weeks ahead of schedule, I began to toss again, and with the tossing came the pain I knew too well. I got another MRI and found out I had actually ripped my UCL off of my forearm bone, and would need Tommy John Surgery to repair it, even though the ligament itself was not torn. TJ has an average recovery of 13 months…I was immediately medically red-shirted, and so the story continued. I got surgery on August 31, of 2012, and threw my first ball off of the mound on April 20, 2013. I should be clear for competition by mid-late summer, which would put me about 3 months ahead of the average pace, and to be honest, this is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Yeah…I went from potential Day One pick in the draft as an 18-year old high school student, to a kid who wouldn’t throw a ball off the mound in 358 days in about 4 months…yeah, people said I was all hype, said I couldn’t handle the pressure, said that I would never come back from one surgery that ended Chris Carpenter’s career, let alone Tommy John Surgery immediately after…and yes, I have never had that much on my plate at once in my entire life…but never…ever…have I seen the light of Jesus so clearly shone upon my life as I have in these moments. As it says in Psalm 32:8…”I will instruct you and teach you in the way that you should go, I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” That is EXACTLY what He did… He gave me confidence in that fact that I didn’t have to worry about my future, no matter what my present contained…He gave my a hope for what was to come and the fruit that would bear from the tireless work I put in…and He gave me every single thing I needed at the EXACT moment I needed it….

this isn’t the story of perfection; this is the story of someone who is eternally grateful for Jesus Christ and His ability to find perfection in my imperfection.

I needed these things to happen in my life for a distinct purpose…TOS and TJ are in no way hurdles to overcome; they are 2 pillars that kept my foundation from falling…They are the best things that have ever happened to me, and I pray I have received, and will continue to receive everything God has for me through these experiences…its been a battle, but moreover, it’s been such a blessing because He has walked with me every step. “To God be the glory.”

What a battle through adversity that Mitchell went through but his foundation in Christ helped him keep his focus through this storm in his life. Mitchell now shares how he made his faith his own.

Tell me about your Spiritual Journey in life?

Well, in case my story didn’t reveal enough…I grew up in a Christian home, accepted Christ around age 6 or 7, and can honestly say I’ve been a “pretty good kid” my whole life. I have never drank a drop of alcohol in my entire life, I am a virgin, and I haven’t committed any felonies unless a speeding ticket counts. But when I really made my faith my own, and really worked on “my walk” rather than the basic “good person” people think of when they think of a Christian, was when I realized God gave me a gift, and it was my responsibility to max it out. I have always dreamed of being a Major League Baseball Player till I can’t play anymore, and when I saw the signs that He equipped me to do just that, my entire perspective on life changed. I began to work hard, I found out what initiative, determination, resilience, and so many other things really mean…to be honest, as ironic as this sounds, the reason why baseball never was my identity is simply because baseball was the means in which I found out my true identity that comes from Jesus Christ. And now, the two are completely independent…I play for Christ, seeking to honor Him through this game I love so much. Baseball is a gift, and a means in which I can meet others that love Him or don’t even know Him…it’s a spiritual battleground.

It is inspiring to  know that Mitchell is truly striving to be more ike Jesus every day. The sports world and media for the past few months have been talking about gay athletes. I wonder how many would talk about a baseball payer being a virgin. I’m guessing not many but young people need to hear more stories ike Mitchell’s.

Share your story of how Christ has changed your life.

The truth of Jesus Christ really gives my life purpose. Ultimately, I believe everyone tends to struggle with significance…and as an athlete; we tend to try to solve that problem through our respective sport, and with that come many other things. God made it clear early on that I was significant enough to die for…all of my lying, cheating, lusting, stealing, everything…He knew I would do it, and still died for me.

As soon as I UNDERSTOOD that, that was it for me; I knew that this life was going to be an extraordinary journey.

Each one of us are on a journey in life with its mountains and valleys, storms and rainbows and lessons along the way. The most important journey in life is our spiritual one because when it is all said and done, it’s the only journey that will matter.

When did you start your journey with Christ?

Officially age 6 or 7…but when it really became real and alive was around age 12-13 when I discovered the gift He gave me in the game of baseball…. because the game meant so much to me, Him giving me that gift just because He can meant so much more. I realized it wasn’t about me…it was about Him.

Who instilled your faith in you?

My parents set a Godly example from day one…if I ever have a shadow of a doubt of what to do, or what Godliness looks like, I look to them. I pray I can be half the parents to my kids, that my parents were to me…I don’t have words to express my love and gratitude for them. There just aren’t any.

When we walk on this earth there are people who help us by influencing each step we take in our journey in life. Here are some of the ones who have influenced Mitchell’s journey.

Was there someone one in your life who influenced you spiritually?

My parents, family as a whole, friends, Lecrae, Dr. David Pendergrass, and even people like Tim Tebow.

 Is there someone now that helps you in your spiritual walk?

My family, Lecrae, Tripp Lee, Chauncey Franks (FCA Leader), Michael Lorenzen, and then to be more specific seeing I haven’t bragged on him yet, my brother. He is an incredible writer, has an awesome story of his own, and his transformation and walk is honestly a daily dose of inspiration for me to look up, get up, and never get up…He is one of my few heroes, even though he is 13 months younger than me. I love him very, very much.

Is there anyone who has changed your life or inspired you in your walk?

My Dad, my Mom, my brother, my sister, Dr. David Pendergrass, Lecrae, Tim Tebow, and Michael Lorenzen are the names that come to my mind. Actually there is one more…her name is Laura Valby; she is one of my best friends if not my best friend apart from my family. She has changed my life in so many ways it’s incredible. She is the epitome of what a Christian girl fixed with her eyes on Jesus looks like…she’s my superstar.

Where do you attend church at?

Community of Faith is the name of the church I attend back home. At TCU I attend a weekly chapel service called Ignite…It’s difficult to find a church here with baseball always on the weekend. But don’t you worry; I’ll find a way.

Did you ever have to choose between faith and sports growing up and today?

Kind of. I realized that what “baseball” may be to some, isn’t what it is to me. I don’t dip…I don’t cuss…I don’t look for fights on the field or talk trash…I don’t go sleep with “my girl” after the game, or find cleat-chasers to hang with following a big win…I have had to always keep in mind that baseball is a gift, and to whom much is given much is also required…I do everything I can not to take this opportunity a gift for granted, and part of that is refusing to mess around with those things and focusing on 3 things…my effort, my attitude, and my preparation. That’s plenty to work on…. Trying to be great is a daily decision, just as being follow of Christ is.

Is it hard to be a Christian and play college baseball?

Not for me to be honest. I don’t mean that in an arrogant sense by any means… temptation is always there. But He always seems to protect me from it. I’ve learned that if I live for people’s acceptance, ill die from their rejection…so I don’t seek to “fit in.” It’s not surprising that people think I am just a goody-goody teddy bear, or that its “cute” I don’t drink or cuss, or that I wont be tat guy that gets the hottest girl in the room…I expect those things, and day by day He has aided me in understanding how to deal with those realities, while never forgetting…the cream rises to the top; He has, and always will have my back. Dishonoring Him just because its “too hard” simply isn’t an option; it’s just not.

Any great stories of how you have witness to others about Jesus?

I do everything I can to walk the 1 Peter 3:15 life…always being ready to give an “apologia” for my faith…It’s not my job or my place to press Jesus on people. I don’t walk around telling people what they do wrong, what they should be doing, or how badly they need Jesus. Instead, I befriend people out of true love; I view people as people, not projects. If I am asked a question, which I am asked PLENTY, I answer the best way I can. I set the best example I can and realize my decisions don’t just affect me or impact my life… people are always watching. My life is my testimony; it’s my walk that I seek to be the ultimate witness to those who have eyes to see and ears to hear. People notice…doesn’t mean they change their lives on the spot, but they definitely see that I have a reason to do what I do, and if that puts the pebble in their shoe that they have to take a look at come sometime than praise God for that. And don’t get me wrong, I’m no where near perfect, nor do I try to be…I just do my best to be articulate about my life’s “why” questions, and do my best to let others know my hand isn’t fit for the gavel; im their friend not their judge.

Do your teammates know you’re a Christian?

Yes they do.

Has sports challenged your faith?

Absolutely. There was a time when all this happened with my surgeries, and I wondered if I had wasted the last 10 years of my life on something I thought I was supposed to do, but really wasn’t at all being called to do. The enemy sneaks into the smallest crevices…but I was reminded God is not the author of confusion it is that fact that immediately fired me up and got my roaring to go again. Any kind of hardship challenges your faith…but adversity is a beautiful thing; the greatest of characters are seared with scars.

What does it mean to be a role model?

My goodness…a role model. It’s humbling. Yeah…it’s very humbling because to be honest I’m not any more special than the kid who sits next to me in my Calculus class.

“You see, the definition of me changed the moment Christ stepped in…it is no longer I who lives, but He who lives in me; we are a team, an inseparable team. So when it comes to “being a role model”, I think that goes hand in hand with being a Christian…I’m humbled to be viewed in such an honorable manner, but I realize that I don’t deserve the credit, I don’t deserve the limelight…there is a One who deserves all of that, and His name is Jesus Christ.”

What a powerful statement about being a role model in today’s world. This goes back to Mitchell’s picture, I Am Second. Mitchell gives all the credit and glory to Christ for having the opportunity to be an example to others. 

Is it hard as a Christian athlete w/ temptations that are all around you?

No doubt about it. Temptation is a battle for all people, Christian or not. Christianity doesn’t protect you from anything, if anything, it puts a big red X on your back. I’m a target, but I’m not alone…so I fall, I get back up, and I never stop fighting. The War was one 2000 years ago… so I really don’t worry about what happens to me or about the mistakes I make, those things are like a sunk cost; you knew they’d happen long before they did. It’s my response to all those things that acts as compass for the path I choose to travel…though I may fall, I will respond with my eyes on Christ.

Before a game do you spend time in prayer?

Absolutely. Before every inning, after I throw my last warm-up pitch, I get ball back, face home plate and pray whatever my heart has on it. After I give it up to him, I step onto the rubber, look up to home plate, and go to battle.

Does the team pray?

Some guys do. After we break from signs and whatnot after infield and outfield, most of the guys take knees individually and pray what’s on their heart, and most of them silently. Some guys get with one another though.

Are there other teammates who share your faith?

Yes, although I wont say them by name, there are a few other guys on the team that are believers and are active in their pursuit of Jesus and His calling on their life.

Fav. scripture?

Geeze…so tough! Psalms is my favorite book, as I seem to give a lot of qualities similar to that of King David, or so I am told. I would say my favorite verse is probably Psalm 18:31-34…I love Psalm 91, 1 Corinthians 2:9, Romans 12:2, Jeremiah 29:11, Jeremiah 17:7, Matthew 17:20, and John 16:33 to name a few others.

What verse has been the most powerful to you with your walk with Christ and how has it?

1 Corinthians 2:9…”No eye has seen, no ear has heard, what the Lord has in store for those who love Him.” No matter what monsters I face in this life, and no matter how hard things get…He has my back, and He has me covered.

“All I have to do is continue to MAXOUT what He has given me in my life…because I love Him, He will be with me always…it’s only the beginning.”

We have been hearing so many stories of athletes in the news who have decided to share about their homosexual lifestyle, who have got arrested for drugs and so many other stories.  Here is a story of a TCU pitcher who has given his life to Jesus Christ and who truly is a role model. Please share this glimpse into the life of Mitchell Traver with your friends, family and even ESPN. One day we will see the comeback kid take he hill and throw out a pitch for the Houston Astros. His story of keeping his faith through adversity inspired me and I hope it will do the same for you.

Mitchell thank you for inspiring us to walk our journey and MAXOUT what God has given us. We are rooting for you and know that God has a plan and purpose for you. Keep on walking in his steps.

Be Thankful

“Be thankful not just on Thanksgivining Day, but every day of the week.” Look at what God did for you, is doing for you and what he will do for you in the years to come. You might not score 138 points in a basketball game, but be thankful for the talents God has given you.

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

It is hard to live by this passage, to give thanks no matter what circumstance you are in. We need to be reminded where Paul is when he wrote this passage, in a Roman jail cell. There is always something to be thankful for in our lives. Thankfulnes, or graitude, is a heart posture. We can’t fake being thankful and we can’t fight it either. We need to take long deep look inside our hearts. We can hurt and struggle day by day but knowing that Jesus died for me and went through so much for me, gives me that peace and thankfulness in my heart.  So take the time this week to count your blessings and see what God has done for you and turn your eyes upon Jesus. Have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Giving Glory To God: It’s A Win-Win Situation

(Photo: Twitter/Josh Whipp)

With the Olympics now almost reaching an end, there have been many memorable moments so far in this London 2012 games. There was Michael Phelps in the pool winning his 22^nd career medal and 18^th gold of his career, establishing himself as one of the best Olympians of all-time. On the track, there was Usain Bolt, who became the first man to repeat as the 100 meter dash champion since American Carl Lewis.

However, I want to keep my focus here on one event that caught my eye during last week. That was the gymnastics. Before the Olympics began, I filled out a prayer request form from a group called Athletes in Action. In the e-mail I got sent back, I received the names of five Christian athletes from all around the world to pray for throughout the Games. They came from a variety of sports from table tennis to swimming to soccer.

The one sport I watched over the past week that made me praise God most of all was the gymnastics. In particular, the athlete I want to spotlight is 16-year-old American Gabrielle (Gabby) Douglas. Douglas won the women’s all-around competition last Thursday night, ending it in style with a dazzling floor routine.

It was her comments to NBC afterwards that made me a huge fan of hers.  This is what she told the NBC reporter:

“It is everything I thought it would be; being the Olympic champion, it definitely is an amazing feeling. And I give all the glory to God. It’s kind of a win-win situation. The glory goes up to him and the blessings fall down on me.”

Douglas is absolutely right! When we give glory to God, win or lose, we are rewarded. However, it is not an earthly reward we should expect, but a heavenly reward. You can still bring glory to God in whatever you do, even if you are not a gold-medal athlete.  Paul tells the people about this in a letter to the Colossians:

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:16-17)

Today, I exhort you to continue bringing glory to God in whatever you do. Remember that without God, we would not be able to do anything. He gets the glory and like Gabby said, all the blessings come down to us. The love of Jesus should always remain in our hearts! True, we can win a gold medal or eighteen like Michael Phelps, but the ultimate prize that we have is eternal life given through the death of Jesus on the cross!

The Miami Heat: A Lesson In Humility

Photo Credit: Mike Segar/Reuters)

The whole sports world is buzzing over the coronation of the “king”. On Thursday night, the Miami Heat beat the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. More importantly, it was the first NBA Championship ring for Lebron James. The man who had the infamous “Decision” two years ago now finally got his time in the limelight for the right reasons. He told ESPN that it was about time and he was right.

After nine years of high expectations that were Jordanesque, playoff failures, and comments about telling the media to live our lives, LeBron finally got that title. Two years ago, I was a Lebron James fan. Then, when he announced his decision to join Dwyane Wade in South Beach, I became a person that rooted against him. I was so happy last year when Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks showed that you could still win the championship as a team and not just because you have two superstars.

However, in these playoffs, we saw a different Miami Heat team. They went through so much adversity whether it was the series deficits to Indiana and Boston, the injury to Chris Bosh, a Game 1 2^nd half collapse against OKC or cramps to James in Game 4, Miami always had an answer. They fed off the tough Finals’ loss from a year ago and realized that we couldn’t just win the championship by showing up. There had to be hard work put in and teamwork that was shown with James and Wade getting guys like Bosh, Shane Battier, and Mario Chalmers involved in the offense.

I always thought after last year, especially with the big party the Big Three threw after the Decision, that this team was too focused on their egos and that greatness was just going to come in a matter of seconds. You can just flashback to the not 4, not 5, not 6, not 7 titles comments by James at that party as an example.

Thursday night, I heard a different LeBron James and one that I could get back to not disliking him again because I think he finally felt humble and realized he needed to win this not for the haters, but for himself and his teammates. Take a look at some quotes I took from the Game 5 postgame news conference.

“It took me to go all the way to the top and then hit rock bottom to realize what I needed to do as a professional athlete and as a person,” he said. “I was just happy I was able to get back to this position. I was happy I was able to do it the right way, and do it for myself and not for anyone else.”

“The best thing that happened to me was losing the Finals, and me playing the way I played,” he revealed, “because basically, I got back to the basics. I knew I was going to have to change as a basketball player and as a person to get what I wanted. It just happened one year later.” (NBA.com)

As Christians, we can all learn a lesson from LeBron James and the Miami Heat. It is all about being humble. We can have good success at our jobs or with our friends and feel good about it, but the danger comes when we think we are the greatest. It becomes a trap of falling in love with wordly things rather than focusing on God above who gives us the gifts to achieve that success and His unfailing love that brings us encouragement to succeed.

The perfect example of that humility is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Paul talks about Jesus’ loving example in his epistle to the Philippians. He talks about us taking on the interests of others rather than ourselves, but more importantly, imitating the mindset of Jesus. God’s Son was of high esteem in Heaven, but because God loved us so much, He sent His Son to be a sacrifice for our sins so that by faith in who He is and what He did we could be forgiven. Talk about going from the top of the mountain to being mocked on the cross as a criminal. This is what Paul writes:

“but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.  Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.” (Philippians 2:7-10)

Now LeBron is not Jesus, but looking at “king James” helps to remind me of the true KING! Jesus is the King of Kings and He is great and Holy! Today, I exhort you to trust in the Lord in all things and continue to remain humble. Always put the Lord first in everything that you do because without Him, none of it would be possible. Jesus says in the Gospel of Matthew: 

“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”(Matthew 23:12)

I pray that I, as well as all of you, continue to remember that the Lord gives us our platforms to spread the Gospel, and, even though some might praise us for our efforts, remember that all the praise and the glory does not go to us, it goes to the Lord! We do it ALL FOR HIM!

 

Mother’s Day

I have been watching the NBA playoffs this year mostly because my favorite teams: The Thunder and the Celtics are still in it. Something I have noticed lately is how many times the camera focuses on a players mother and then the commentators make a comment about her. I have seen Kevin Durant’s mom on the screen several times this year smiling, clapping and at times jumping up and down and cheering for her son.
I even had the opportunity to visit with a mother who’ son plays basketball for the Jayhawks. Even during the Championship game this year, the camera focused on her face for a quick second. It is great to have the support of your mom while you pursue your dreams. It is great to watch these Mom’s on the camera cheering and even at times crying for their sons.

God tells us in Ephesians 6:1-3:

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”

Growing up I always dreamed about being the next John Elway and John Stockton. My Grandpa told me that I had a great arm and should play quarterback. I played neighborhood football and even flag football but when it was time to play tackle my dream was crushed. My mom wouldn’t let me play because she was afraid I would get injured and break my neck. So instead of playing football my parents bought me a moped and on the first day to drive it, I wrecked it and broke my collarbone. So basketball was my next dream to fufill but again my dream was crushed because Im not a great basketball player. I played in Junior High and my mom was at every game cheering me on even when I was on the bench.
When I got into High School, I decided to go out for track cause I thought I could be in the Olympics one day. (very funny) So I signed up to run distance and throw the Javelin. Well I never made it to the Olympics but I did get to run the 800 at the Ulysses Invitational track meet in front of hundreds of people. To be completely honest I cheated at track by not practicing like I should havs. Our coach would drop us off at in the countrt and we would need to run back to the track. Well I had a friend pick me up and drop me off a block from the track and I would get some water to wet myself down to look like I was sweating. So on the day of our invitational track meet I get to show everyone that Im not in shape at all. So we line up for our race, the gun goes off and Im in first place for awhile until I totally run out of gas and everyone passes me and I end up in last place. I keep running and get passed again by half of the runners. Everyone makes it to the finish line except for me and before I even get there they are starting up another race. I decide to just quit until I hear this voice saying, you can do it John David. That voice was my sweet mother who has always been there for me during this race called life.
I finished that race and my mom just a few months ago finished her race. This year has been really tough for me, losing my job and losing my mom. My mom is my hero, my spiritual mentor, my support and who I dearly miss. I regret not being able to see her as much as I would have like too. Tomorrow we celebrate Mother’s Day and this will be the first year I wont be able to call my mom or send her a card in the mail.
Just as Timothy had his mother and grandmother, Lois and Eunice, pass their faith to him, my mom did the same for my sister and me.
She would pray for me, she would read the bible to me, she took me to worship right after I was born and taught me about what Jesus did for me. My mom, Sandra Hayden, never had a camera focused on her, never had the tv commentators talk about her but my mom is the greatest mom that a son could ever have.
Today I want to shine the spotlight on her and let the world know how blessed I am to have her in my life. When football, basketball and track didnt work out, Tennis was my next choice and at every tennis match there was my mom cheering me on even when she didnt know the rules of the game. Every dream I has my mom supported me in it even when some of those dreams never were fulfilled. It is because of the values, principles, morals that she lived by and passed on to me is the reason Im the man who I am today.
She taught me how to love, laugh, dream, live for Jesus, be a servant, care for others, smile and make others wonder what you are up to and she taught me to be myself. I remember my Junior year of high school when I got into a fight with Greg Oxford. I pushed him because he made fun of my mom and when I turn back around he punched me in the nose and I bled everywhere. My mom was 4′ 8″ and I was teased about her in junior high and high school. This particular day my mom had to come and pick me up from school. When the principal told her the story of what happened and the reason I got into this fight, she started to cry because I stood up for her.
There are so many stories about her but I want to leave you with one. When she was in the hospital in Wichita, KS dealing with bleeding and her liver I wanted to go see her but I didnt have the money to go. I called her a few times and the last time I talked to her was when she was in the ICU because of a sweet nurse letting my mom use her phone. During our phone conversation everytime I wanted to ask how she was she ended up turning it around asking about how I was and how my family was. She knew we were struggling and cared so much about our pain and forgot about her own. She told me on the phone to be strong, trust God, love my family, tell my family she loved them and to never give up on my dreams. That was the last time I talked to her and two days later my wife shows up to work to tell me my mom died. I miss you mom so much but I know you are in Heaven cheering me on like you always did and from the crowd yelling at me, John David, you can do it and keep running the race and never give up.
So this Mother’s Day, wrap your mothers with love and show them how much you admire them and appreciate them because you never know how much longer you will have them in your life.
Happy Mother’s Day to the greatest mom who ever lived and who taught me so much. I love you
mom !!

Running The Race: A Marathon, Not A Sprint

Throughout my entire life of watching sports, some of the people I have had the most respect for has been endurance runners. They put in hard work for 364 days a year in training for that one event. Then, on Marathon Day, the training all comes into fruition.

I was never a marathon runner, nor even a person who was interested in running a race. However, as I walk on the road with Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, I realize that it is not a sprint, but a MARATHON! Along the path of the race, the apostle Peter tells us about how there will be many trials and tribulations that come along our way. In any of the major sports, teams will face tough stretches where their teamwork will be tested, but it’s how they come out of those tests that determine whether or not they are “championship material”.

When I first came up with this very site, I looked at a verse that eventually became my mission statement. The two verses, which come from Hebrews read like this:

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,  looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

This verse stood out to me because the writer is trying to tell his readers that when you follow Jesus, you have to endure the entire marathon. The first step is to run the race and accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior who was the propitiation for your sins. He finished the grueling part of the race that we could never finish!

As the runner is participating in the long race, fatigue begins to set in. In the heavenly race, we can consider fatigue to be temptation whether it is not praying every day or letting your Bible collect dust, etc. We all face these kinds of temptations and at times, we succumb to those temptations. However, Jesus wants us to drink the living water and trust in Him at all times.  Jesus told the woman at the well at Samaria to drink the living water that ultimately leads to our salvation.

“Whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again.The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:14)

With the exception of a few gifted runners, most people run a marathon to finish the race! As Christians, we are taught to run to the finish line or in other words, until the Lord calls us home to be with Him!After you accept the walk, there is still training that we all need in order to become fully enriched into God’s Word.

Spiritual training is something we all need to do 365 days a year in order to run the race every day. It takes a lot of effort to stay on the course and sometimes we may slip up, but the goal we have to remember is receiving that heavenly reward when we come to be with the Lord. Take a look at what Paul tells the people of Corinth about the need for self-discipline:

“Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” (1 Corinthians 9:25, NIV)

In ancient Greece, runners used to compete for an olive wreath that would be placed around their heads. We need to keep running for that heavenly reward at the finish line rather than be distracted by the earthly rewards that are trying to be our stumbling blocks.

Just being in the competition is not enough! We can’t just say that now we are saved by the blood of Jesus that we can do whatever we want. It does not work that way. Paul told Timothy that “an athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.” (2 Timothy 2:5, ESV).

While God did save us from the curse of the Law, this does not mean we should ignore the commandments that God has placed in our hearts and minds. That is why the training becomes important during our running. While it may get discouraging that people may pass you along the way, you should keep your head up, put your trust in the Lord because He knows what is best for you!

Today, I exhort you to keep running that race. While it may seem difficult at times and the easy path might seem tempting, remember the heavenly reward that God has set before you once you finish the race. His Son ran the grueling part of the race for us when He suffered and died on the cross for us so that we can have eternal life and have a heavenly reward! I also exhort you to keep reading the Word of God! When we are equipped with the Gospel, we can withstand any test the devil throws at us just like our Savior did in the wilderness. (Matthew 4)

When I made this site, I wanted other sports fans who did not know Jesus to come run the race with me. So as I end this devotion, I wanted to take an excerpt from Paul’s letter to the Philippians that summed this up the best. I pray that you will spread this devotion to Christians and non-Christians alike and continue to press on toward the ultimate goal!

“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12-14)

The Faith In Sports Show

About three weeks ago, I recorded a special episode of Kickin’ It With Keeler on the radio station I have been blessed to be a part of (What’s Brewin’ In Sports). With the platform God has given me, I wanted to do a show to answer the questions that people have been pondering ever since Tim Tebow and Jeremy Lin have become two of the most intriguing names in sports. I was joined by Bryce Johnson of Sports Spectrum and my friend, George Ippolito from LifeInChristMinistries.com to discuss some of these issues in a faith in sports roundtable!

On the link below, here are some of the topics we discuss in this one hour special:

• Can Faith And Sports co-exist?
• Tebow’s impact in New York! What lies ahead for him?
• Image of Faith surrounding sports
• The issue of divine intervention
• How we can glorify God with any platform!

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/whatsbrewin/2012/04/20/kickin-it-with-keeler-special-edition

I pray that you enjoy the show as much as I enjoyed recording the show. When I finished the show,I felt great because I got to honor God with the talent that He has graciously given me. Without Him, I am nothing. Hopefully, Lord Willing, in the future, we will bring some faith-oriented podcasts to Jesus N Sports. Until then, enjoy the link and God Bless!

Jon Kreft: Life Changed Through A Great Mentor

This post comes from our newest blogger, Wes Baldwin!

(Photo Credit: Riley Shaaber/FSView - FSUNews.com)

He was listed as one of the top 30 basketball players in the nation out of the 2006 high school class. His name was right there with guys like Kevin Durant, Greg Oden, Ty Lawson, Thaddeus Young and several others that were top draft picks in the NBA. But this guy’s path didn’t quite go as planned. His plan of playing for a major college, getting drafted and playing in the NBA turned into  spending a year in the Broward County jail in Florida. He had so much talent, so much height and strength, a five star status, but he started breaking team rules, facing frequent game suspensions, and then eventually found himself handcuffed in the back of a police car, after being arrested for possession of cocaine and marijuana. All that talent, all the hype, his scholarship to Florida State, all his dreams……down the drain. But, not so fast, Jon Kreft, says it’s that experience that has shaped him into the man he is today.

Kreft sat in that jail and realized something had to change; he couldn’t let his life amount to nothing. While he was in jail, he got a call from Greg Heiar, who was the head coach at Chipola Junior College, in Marianna, Florida at the time. Heiar told Kreft that Chipola wanted him, but things were going to change. He would be required to check in with the coach daily with no exceptions. He was to attend every single class, take notes, take part in classroom discussions and achieve great grades…..average wouldn’t cut it. He would have absolutely no involvement with drugs, alcohol or any kind of illegal substance. Also, he would do things Heiar’s way on the basketball court. No more showing off, but he would learn how to play team ball, and if he didn’t …..he’d be asked to leave. Kreft jumped at the opportunity and ended up turning around his life at Chipola. Kreft formed a deep connection with Heiar, as he became his accountability partner.

Kreft ended up being a great player at Chipola and a great student. His determination and hard work paid off, as he was offered another scholarship at Florida State, where he has played the last two years as a key player off the bench. Kreft says if it had not been for Greg Heiar believing in him and giving him a second chance, he would probably be back in prison, or possibly even dead.

Kreft’s story reminds me so much of the Apostle Paul’s story told in Acts 9. Paul (Saul at the time) had been living a life of persecuting Christians for their faith. That was before he was blinded by a light on his way to Damascus. His life was turned upside down. He now had a calling from the Lord, to take up the very cause he had been persecuting people. People from both sides now didn’t trust him, Even the disciples didn’t believe he was telling the truth  and they were afraid of him. But Saul had a man named Barnabas stand up for him.

Acts 9:27 says: “But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.”

This was the beginning of a powerful mentoring relationship that existed between Paul and Barnabas. Barnabas became Paul’s defender, motivator, encourager, and friend. Although, they later had a conflict over who to take with them on a missionary journey, it doesn’t take away from the fact that in a lot of ways, Paul wouldn’t have become the man he did, if God had not placed Barnabas in his life.

Paul and Jon Kreft both had to deal with naysayers. Having to deal with people refer to you as a hypocrite and murderer or a druggie and a waste of talent. Luckily these guys both had men who saw something in them, who invested their lives in these men, didn’t give up on them, and helped these men achieve lives worthy of living.

So ask yourself: Are you someone’s Jon Kreft or Greg Heiar?

The Attitude Of An Athlete (Part 2)

This post features the second part of our Attitude Of An Athlete by our guest writer, George Ippolito from Life In Christ Ministries:

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. (1Cor 9:24-27)

In The Attitude of an Athlete Part 1 we started to consider Paul’s exhortation to the church of Corinth at the end of 1st Corinthians chapter nine. It is there that the Apostle exhorts the church to exhibit certain attitudes, or characteristics, that are typically found in the athlete.

The first characteristic we considered was that the athlete plays to win; today we’ll consider the attitude found in verse 25 where Paul writes, “everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.”

The athlete must be temperate.

The word temperate means moderate, self-restrained, someone who is not indulgent. This is an expected characteristic of athlete in top physical condition. Those who participated in the Roman games would train for months leading up to their participation in the events. Part of their training would require that they not eat as much as they might have wanted, or go where they wanted to go, they had to be temperate. They had to get the proper amount of sleep, continue to physically prepare, and undergo sport specific training, even when they didn’t feel like it. They were, in essence, focused on a goal and all of the other things that would pull them away from that goal needed to be removed.

Do you see any parallels to the Christian life in that?

They were focused on a goal and they didn’t want anything to interrupt that pursuit. They would have to deny themselves from certain things, discipline themselves and keep in mind the goal to which they were running.

What was the prize?

A pine wreath placed on their head…

That’s why Paul writes, “Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown” (1 Corinthians 9:25).

On the other hand, the Christian’s reward is not temporary… it’s eternal, a crown… imperishable.

How do you get there?

Well, one of the key components is to make sure you’re temperate.

Remember, one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit is self-control, and to be temperate requires self-control.

This is an important Biblical topic.

• Paul included it when speaking to Felix and his wife Druscilla concerning faith in Christ. The first time the word “self-control” is used in the New Testament is in Acts 24:25 during that dialogue. The Scripture says that Paul “reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come”. As for Felix’s response… “he was afraid and answered, ‘Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you’.”
• It is a requirement for a pastor/overseer. 1 Timothy 3:2 says that “a pastor must be… temperate.”
• The lack of this fruit characterizes the wickedness of the last days. In 2 Timothy 3:1-4 he says that perilous times will come in the last days and that men will be… “without self-control”…. and… “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God”.

How are you doing with being “temperate in all things”?

Is the fruit of self-control one that characterizes your life? Is it missing? Or, is it present in some areas, but seemingly not so much in others?

What areas of your life need greater self-control?

• Do you need to exert greater self-control when it comes to how you use your time? Do you need to exert greater control over your enjoyment of entertainment? Video games? Internet?
• Do you need to show greater self-control in your relationships? In what you say? With whom you spend time? How you act around, or with, the opposite sex?
• Do you need to exert self-control over laziness? Prayerlessness? Inordinate busyness?

Landen Lucas, the next KU Superstar.

Landen Lucas will be a freshmen at Kansas University in the fall. He has committed to play for the Kansas Jayhawks Men’s Basketball Team. We have heard all about his great athletic skills and will continue to hear about them and see them firsthand. Just check out youtube.com to watch Landen excel on the basketball court. This story is not about his skills but about the most important part of his life, his faith and his walk with Christ.
Landen is from Portland, Oregon and will graduate from Westview High School in May. He just finished his high school basketball career and even tweeted this “Its crazy to think the next time I’ll be playing an official basketball game will be with Kansas!” Not only will KU get a great basketball player but will also get a great young man who strives to be like Jesus.
Landen chose Kansas because of the great coaching staff, the tradition and his opportunity to develop as a player and the chance to play. Watching videos of him score, rebound and defend show why Kansas fans are ready for him to come and continue the winning tradition.

I asked Landen some questions about his walk with Christ and his faith. Here are his answers:

Tell me about your spiritual journey in life:

Landen- I have always had had Christ in my life and I’m following his path to impact others through my talents.

When did you start your journey with Christ?

Landen- Every Sunday going to church ever since I could remember.

Is there someone who instilled your faith in you and who spiritually influences you?

Landen- My mom had a big role in it and so did my pastor. My mom always brings things back to God. Good or bad, and it really has made an impact on me.

Do you ever have to choose between faith and sports growing up and today?

Landen- Yes, just the normal perception of sports players makes it hard to chose what route to take in my spiritual life.

Is it hard to be a Christian and play high school sports?

Landen- Yes expectations make it very hard.

Does your teammates know you are a Christian?

Landen- Yeah I’m sure its pretty clear to them by now.

What church do you go to and are you involved in a youth ministry?

Landen- New Song since I was 3 and when I have time I try and get involved with it.

Has sports challenged your faith?

Landen- Yeah especially during the downs and times it was hard to believe and trust in Him.

Is it hard as a Christian athlete with temptations that are all around you?

Landen- Yes, many are put in front of you when you are in the spotlight and it’s one of the hardest things to resist them.

Are there other teammates who share your faith?

Landen -On my current team there are a few.

Can u tell me about a time where God has really impacted your life?

Landen- When I was out at Findlay away from my family in Vegas it helped a lot to have Him there.

What verse has been the most powerful to you with your walk with Christ and how has it?

Landen – “I can do all things through christ who strengthens me.” I’m never going to get a tattoo but if I did that would be it. It can be put in so many situations.

I have a 10 yr old son who plays basketball-what advice would you give him?

Landen- Stay focused. Don’t go with the crowd, people who arent conforming with the crowd go far on and off the court. An example on the court would be like when I was a kid focusing on rebounding even though everyone was worried about scoring more than anything.

So KU fans everywhere, are you ready for the next KU Superstar that not only will score on the court and rebound every ball but will serve Christ with all of his heart. This 6-10 and 240lb C/PF young man is ready to make it 9 straight Big 12 Championships with the rest of the team next season. So look out for #33 this fall living like Jesus on the KU campus and dominating in the Phog.