So this evening I watched Tim Tebow and his Broncos beat the mighty Pittsburgh Steelers in the playoff game in Denver. It was an amazing win and made me continue to believe in the magic and mystique behind Tebow.
So naturally, as a Christian, I felt this was a win for God and for my “side”. Right?
Hardly.
I’m writing this blog not because of the win but because of something our five-year-old daughter, Kylie, said to me after the win. She was more overjoyed than usual after watching an NFL game with me. Naturally, her father is a Washington Redskins fan, so Kylie has seen a lot of gloom and doom after games since the Redskins usually lose in tragic fashion. Still, this was different.
Kylie gave me a hug and whispered the following in my ear: “I prayed to God that Tebone would win and God did it for you! We won!”
Note, Kylie didn’t know that Tebone is actually Tebow, but that’s okay. She prayed. This was a first for her with for an NFL game and it made me realize Kylie had heard me talking about Tim Tebow’s outspoken faith to my wife. I guess she really listened and took it to heart.
Meanwhile, the social networks were all abuzz with Christians declaring this a victory for God and rallying behind Tebow.
I shared this simple remark on Twitter: I don’t think the Broncos winning is a “victory” for God. Please. God gave Tebow talent & this outspoken passionate man gives God the glory.
Let me elaborate a bit on those words.
I think it’s great that Christians are excited about a good-looking and amazingly talented NFL quarterback winning. Does that sound a bit crass? Not at all. That’s the truth.
If Tim Tebow’s people ever contacted me to write his story, I’d be honored. Seriously.
But this is the sort of story that really moves me.
An NFL player blessed with talent who ends up believing in his own press and doing whatever he wants, then hitting rock bottom and being forgotten about by the world. Then, finally on his knees before his maker, finding hope and redemption in the power of that same verse that Tim Tebow has touted–John 3:16.
Yeah, that’s a victory.
I try not to wear my faith on my sleeve simply because it would look like a shirt bought at a thrift store that was last worn by someone in the Civil War. Okay, that’s a bit dramatic but that’s how I feel.
The thing that impresses me most about Tim Tebow? Not his talent but his outspoken faith. He wears it well.
I wish I had that.
What I usually do is take my faith and my love of broken people and put them in my stories. I get to hide behind my pages and my wandering plotlines. It’s easier that way.
I am amazed by Tim Tebow’s talent but even more I’m astounded by his seemingly unwavering faith. That’s probably the thing that other Christians are remarking and rejoicing about.
I’d like to think that somewhere in his profession, a shattered player is watching Tim Tebow and seeing the same thing. And maybe it’s getting through to them.
That’s a cool thought. Cooler than the Broncos playing in the Super Bowl.
Then again, I can say that as a Redskins fan.
Along with shattered players in his profession, I hope there are others in all walks of life who find his story, his outspoken faith and the courage he finds in that inspiring. Our "role model" professions have been missing a quality like this for some time now.
I pray for him and think he is awesome. Heart rendering to hear Christians slamming him. Great post.Oh to have faith as your child did.
There are so few good Christian men in sports these days. Tebow is refreshing, and I find him inspiring. Find a way to send him your post. I think he would love to hear a five year old is praying for him! You've taught your daughter well! I too wish I had her faith. Tebow's too!
Why are Christnas slamming him? What's to slam?
I have followed the Tebow story for a few years. I am one of those "Sunday Coupon Ladies" who has to get the Sunday paper. Then, I do read all of the paper. I read the story of his testimony. Had his mother followed the doctors orders while she was expecting, there would be NO Tebow. He had an amazing purpose laid out before him by God. The stand he takes for the God who has brought him this far in life, for him to stay level headed amongst all the punches being thrown at him, is amazing. He will no budge on his foundation. We need more "heros" like this for the children to look up to! It is not the "man" as much as it is one person standing up for their belief… And for your little girl to make that kind of faith profession, yes, she has had some great upbringing!
I DO NOT like the Steelers At ALL so now i am rooting for tebow to go to the superbowl i am a bengals Fam so i know what you as a redskins fan are going through but as i told my gym teacher the other day "the world needs a tebow" so form this point for ward GOOOOO DENVER i hope that tebow will keep playing with as much faith as he has and that he countinues to be a light to the world of sports