A few weeks ago, Mike Vick stood before the freshman class of Nueva Esperanza Academy in Philadelphia. Vick is the professional quarterback who, after signing a mega-million dollar contract with the NFL Atlanta Falcons, was convicted of multiple felony charges around a dog fighting and gambling business. Mike Vick exchanged his NFL uniform for a prison jumpsuit.
Since his release from prison, Vick has spent a lot of time with former NFL coach, Tony Dungy. Dungy is one of the most highly respected men in football circles. Incredibly successful in producing championship teams, Dungy is equally admired for the way he was able to get his players to perform at such a high levels. Coach Dungy is universally known as a man of honor and unquestionable character. Sure seems a good decision by Vick to make room for a man like
Dungy to speak into his life.
As Vick spoke to the students at the Academy, he spoke humbly about his time in prison and some of the reasons, other than the criminal actions he committed, that put him there.
Here's the deal. He admitted that many of his choices "were influenced by others." He later told these impressionable students that "my future was promising. At some point... I started listening to my friends and doing some things that were not ethical and not right."
So what is the truth Vick reveals? Friends are a powerful influence in life. That influence can be powerfully good or powerfully destructive. Maybe a question each of us should consider is: "Are the friends I hang with moving in the same direction as I am? Are my friends committed to doing things that are honorable and responsible?"
I hope Mike Vick continues his journey of redemption. I hope Mike Vick will surround himself with more friends like his new mentor Tony Dungy. That would be one of the most responsible decisions Mike Vick can make in this new season of life.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Ron,
I noticed a quote from one of my older books, so I thought I would mention my most recent publication.
Over ten years ago the Lord led me to write a book. That book, Secrets to Spiritual Power has now surpassed sales of 100,000 copies. Three years ago the Holy Spirit once again asked me to write a book. The first half of that project is complete. UP TO JERUSALEM: Insights on the path to the City of Lights is now available. It is a compilatoin containing 294 pages of spiritual truths, with over 60 chapters of material assembled in alphabetical order according to subject matter.
From the back cover:
Madame Guyon, Watchman Nee, Andrew Murray, Oswald Chambers,Hudson Taylor, Jessie Penn-Lewis, A. B. Simpson, Dwight L. Moody Norman Grubb, John Nelson Darby, Reese Howells, and T. Austin-Sparks - these were men and women that tested the depths of faith. They were pioneers that forged ahead in their spiritual walk, up to the “Faithful City,” and penetrated the inner recesses of the temple. They completed the journey to the heart of God, and saw things only those that enter the Most Holy Place can describe. Now the truths that these legends of the faith acquired by walking through life from “strength to strength, and victory to victory,” experiencing the liberties of the abundant Life in the spirit, are available to you.
The book can be viewed at: http://www.amazon.com/Up-Jerusalem-Insights-Path-Lights/dp/1439263590/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&a mp;a mp;s=books&qid=1259627674&sr=1-8
If you are interested in a deeper walk in the spirit, and understanding Biblical truths that previous giants of the faith uncovered in their walk with the Lord, then this book is for you.
In the service of my Savior and Lord,
Sentinel Kulp
Post a Comment