Tony Dungy's Quiet Strength

My father recently gave me a copy of Tony Dungy's new biography Quiet Strength. I think it's difficult not to like Dungy, Payton Manning, and the Indianapolis Colts. After reading this book, I'm a fan of the Colts.
The book recounts Dungy's childhood, parents, and of course, football. Dungy astounded me with his continual emphasis to put God first. Let's be honest, for Dungy that means putting God first in football coaching. Page after page, though, I realized that he was aware of the low value that football has, but even so, God is the God of all things and demands glory in all things. Dungy exemplifies this truth in the way he leads his life.
In a day that sports presents so much drama, one may question whether or not a ESPN is a soap opera or a news network. This man brings integrity and character to the areana in a much needed way. Many football players and coaches do many great things in their community like purchasing homes for single mothers (Warrick Dunn), the Indianapolis Colts' head coach spearheaded the organization All Pro Dad; "All Pro Dad is Family First's innovative program helping men to be better fathers." His coaching imperatives to his players and coaching staff consist in telling them to spend time with their families.
The striking characteristic that is on every page of the book is Dungy's dependence on God. This dependence was never more needed when his son committed suicide two seasons ago. I can't imagine hearing those words as a father. He asserts that while he'll never move out of the grieving cycle, but he knows that God is working for the good of those that love Him. At the same time, he's not asking why, rather he's asking what does God want Him to learn from this and how can he help others.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading through Dungy's life and am thankful to the Lord for the way that He has used him and will continue to use him. Even so, I'm thankful for my dad who passed this book onto me and who continues to love me and bless me through his words and actions everyday of my adult life.

Wedding in Lexington

We got to spend a good deal of time with my family in Lexington this past weekend at my cousin, Caroline's wedding. Here are some fun pictures and videos from the entire day. Enjoy :)
This video is a historic moment. I can't stress enough how awesome it was to see my grandparents on the dance floor!!! Those who know them can appreciate it's significance.


Here is a video that seems to now be a tradition for our family at weddings.

Forever Changed

In John Feinstein's book, The Punch, he takes us back to December 9, 1977. This night marks the most violent moment in the history of sports. Regardless that the L. A. Lakers went on to defeat the Houston Rockets, the memory etched forever into sports history is Kermit Washington's devastating blow to Rudy Tomjanovich.
Feinstein begins with the infamous night then starts over with each man's life growing up in different but still tough circumstances. Both men had a voracious work ethic that brought them into the NBA and one that continued as the impact of the punch played out in their lives.
After reading the book, it is tempting to think that Feinstein skewed a favorable light on Kermit Washington. But testimony after testimony gave creedance to Washington's character. The Punch thrown that night is a horrific sight. The only type of man that would do such a thing is a monster, a man bent towards horrid violence. At least that's what you'd think after watching it.
Washington and Tomjanovich have spent their entire lives getting over the impact of The Punch. Those aren't my words. Those are their lives speaking out on every page of Feinstein's book. Their connection is gripping. More so, it is remarkable as they each disclose to Feinstein how connected they are twenty some years afterwards.
Washington remarked, "I feel like I've been married to him for twenty-four years." In the end, Tomjanovich wished Washington well not because they've been married but "because we're brothers".

Thriller Like Never Before