Newsletter #4

On Football and Funerals

Congratulations to the Cincinnati Bengals and the Los Angeles Rams on reaching the Super Bowl! They both had intriguing seasons. I’m guessing the Rams will win 23-17, but I’m just hoping for a great game!

The Will to Excel

Last week, Tom Brady announced his retirement from professional football. In truth, you shouldn’t have to be a football fan to try to appreciate the significance of this announcement.

I well remember some stars of the 1990s, like Steve Young and Troy Aikman. I remember when my region finally had a team closer than the Atlanta Falcons (the Carolina Panthers). And I certainly remember when churches would lure people to a Sunday evening service for the “Souper Bowl,” which consisted of a devotion, a chili/soup fellowship, and watching the game, usually minus the halftime show.

I vividly recall watching Super Bowl XXXIV with some friends as the St. Louis Rams edged out the Tennessee Titans. I never knew then that I’d later live in Tennessee (and belong to a church near thei…