Most of the time, the only time that one hears character referenced is in regards to politics and even then, only at election time. However, the other place it is referenced, though not discussed is in sports. There is a show on Saturday morning called the "Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year". It's a nice show about what football coaches all over the country are doing to help their teams. It's also an advertisement for Liberty Mutual (whom I hold no ill will since they did feed my family for about 10 years).
The thing that gets me, is during the show's introduction the talk is all about the brave and wonderful coach who has so much character and leads his men to victory. He has character to keep being a football coach. This is the point when I roll my eyes. Sure we like it if the coach who wins is also a nice guy and his players go to class, but the reality is we like a coach who wins.
Players talk all the time about a fellow players great leadership and "character." OK, but this same guy may play great ball, but he has how many kids by how many different women and how much time does he spend with them?
Everyone loves Tom Brady. "What a great guy." "What a leader!" What character!" What if Tom Brady announced tomorrow that being away from his infant son is not good for him. What if Tom Brady announced that he was going to live near his son and work a normal job and be a real and consistent father to his son? Can you fathom the outcry? No one would be talking about character. They would be saying "what a waste."
Or how about a more down to earth example. What if the local high school football coach decided to just be a teacher in order to have more time to be a better father and husband? Why he would be "letting down the community."
What shows more character, doing something you don't like day after day because it is good for you or your family or doing what you love and running over everybody in you life in the process?
*Disclaimer: I know that there are many wonderful people involved in sports and I think that often sports can be a very positive thing. But sports like many things has a dangerous side that our culture refuses to look at or deal with.*
About Me
- Misplaced Texan
- I am a flailing woman swimming in a sea of grace, committed to leading a thoughtful life of faith. I encourage other grace swimmers to thoughtfully consider their lives so that we can more fully enjoy the grace and love of God. Sometimes this looks like a book review, sometimes it looks like a recipe to make you life easier. Most of the time, it looks like sitting around a table with your favorite hot drink and encouraging each other. I was born and raised throughout Texas, but have been wandering since marrying my husband. We currently live near Charlotte, North Carolina. One of my favorite things to do is grab a coffee, or a tea, or a hot chocolate, and get to know people. This is a place to share life and the table. I have 3 children, my table is messy, but please come anyway.
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