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Tuesday, December 9, 2014
That still small voice
Part of our ministry is assisting in the development of character and leadership in athletes. In 2006, the Frederick County Christian Eagles were founded to use the sport of football to teach Christian character and leadership. Many of those players I coached went on to play in college, several are now married, raising families, finding success in their jobs—they are productive members of society. The story does not stop there. In the midst of all that, I became acquainted with several current and former NFL players. They trained some of our young men in both football skills and character. And my relationship with the NFL continues to grow. Our efforts on character and leadership continue beyond the Eagles.
One man who sowed into these young players is Troy Vincent. Today, he is Executive Vice President of NFL Football Operations. He is a man of God and of great character. For the past four years, his body of work on character development is extraordinary. Recently, he has been part of the team at the NFL addressing the personal conduct policy that has been brought to the forefront of media attention with recent incidents of domestic violence and child abuse. Troy has written a column for TIME.com based on the theme of “that still small voice–do the right thing.” It can be found in its entirety at TIME.COM .
Troy believes Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Trouble is, many have not been trained up properly, so there is further need for mentoring and teaching. There is also a need for discipline when the lines are crossed. Troy states: “The privilege of playing football cannot override the rights of victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.” As a childhood survivor of domestic violence, Troy uses the platform of sports to speak into society. He says, “While the overwhelming majority of current and former players in the NFL are excellent husbands and fathers, over the long haul, there will need to be a culture change throughout the NFL and the business of football built on the cornerstone of character.”
Soon, the NFL will announce a new personal conduct policy that may well set a national standard. It’s about leading culture change by doing the right thing. Defenders of those who perpetrate violent crimes also must change. As Troy wrote: “They will have to gaze into the mirror of morality to reflect on where they draw the line so that perpetrators do not depend on representation that says you can beat your child or wife during the week and play on Sunday as a right of due process. It comes down to a question: How do you defend the indefensible? This is also a question for society. It is a question for those role models that young men and women admire…We must take action in a society where the noise of self-indulgence often drowns out that still small voice that whispers “do the right thing.”” True. Do the right thing. Pray. Act.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
For God’s Glory Alone Ministries thanks Bill Wilson and www.dailyjot.com