When did thanking God become taboo?

 Last night on one of the cable news networks the topic of Tim Tebow's demonstration of his faith was "debated."  As anyone that follows NFL football knows (or anyone with a television, I guess) Tim Tebow has stirred up much controversy because he continues to talk about God. Pundits just don't seem to know what to think of that...or maybe more accurately stated, they are quite vocal about what they think.

The problem for many is that they may not understand what it really means to be a Christian. They are familiar with "religion"...those organized groups that have a set of spiritual beliefs, creeds, traditions, rituals that one practices on Friday in the mosque or Saturday in the temple or Sunday in church. But, unlike all other "religions" Christianity is about a relationship with a person. That person is Jesus Christ. And that relationship exists every day of the week, every hour of the day. Tebow compared it to the marriage relationship. He said, in answer to a fellow football player's criticism, that one doesn't just tell one's spouse that you love him/her the day you get married or only one day a week. You tell them at every opportunity. And that is what Tim Tebow does...as do millions of other Christians in our world.

On Saturday, a tragic accident occurred at a private airport in McKinney, Texas. Lauren Scruggs, a fashion model and online fashion magazine editor walked into the path of the propeller of an Aviat Husky A-IC-180 two-seater airplane. She had just returned from an aerial tour of Dallas' Christmas lights and, after getting out of the plane, walked into the path of the spinning propeller. They think she was walking over to thank the pilot.  Lauren has lost her left hand and has suffered other very serious injuries. Her parents, Cheryl and Jeff Scruggs were interviewed in recent days on most of the major morning news shows. In describing what has occurred and in answer to the questions from the shows' hosts, the Scruggs have demonstrated that same heartfelt love and appreciation to God even through all the tragedy they are all experiencing. They talked about Lauren's faith in Jesus Christ and shared with great optimism, yet great humility, that they trust that God will take care of all these things. And that trust does not seem to be conditional on a certain medical result.

I do not know the Scruggs but I know other members of her family. They too share this amazing relationship with the person whose birthday we will celebrate in 19 days. Please pray for Lauren and Cheryl and Jeff and all the people in their lives that have been affected by this horrible accident. Pray for the pilot, Kurt Richmond. Imagine how he must feel.

I admire people like Tim Tebow and Lauren, Cheryl and Jeff Scruggs. They love God and it would be like telling them to stop breathing to tell them to stop proclaiming their love for the Lord. So, let them breathe. Because in breath, there is life.

Maybe you are reading this and do not have a relationship with God. How I wish I could convey in words what an incredible transformation occurs in the life of a follower of Christ. When we enter into a relationship with Christ we don't suddenly become weird...we become new...alive...not perfect, but desirous to be like the One that loves us unconditionally. If you would like to speak to someone about this, I would be honored to share the Christ I know with you...just make that known to me via a comment. We will figure out how to make the connection with one another.

Lauren's "story" can be found through the various links below. Listen to her parents talk about their daughter; read the outpouring of love and concern and prayer on the CaringBridge site that has been set up.

Tim Tebow and Lauren Scruggs...one a burly football player...one a fashion model. They couldn't be more different...or be more alike.

Listen to Lauren's parents
Visit Lauren's CaringBridge site

Thank God today...out loud. And say a prayer for Lauren...and for Tim.

Is Tim Tebow for real?

After I graduated from high school, the next stop on my education path was in Athens, Georgia. Despite my stay there being relatively short-lived, the red and black became a permanent love of mine. So, being a Bulldawg, it was not in vogue to be a Tim Tebow fan while he was a Florida Gator. But, I will confess, I was silently cheering for him (except during the GA/FL game.)

Why would I cheer for him? Because Tim Tebow is the real deal. He obviously is an extremely talented athlete. He is a fierce competitor. He loves playing football. But he has been attacked from almost all sides. I can't remember any other standout athlete that has been mocked and ridiculed like Tim Tebow. His critics (that may not even be a strong enough description) cheer any and all failures he experiences. They want him to fail...not just fail, fail miserably. Just what has Tim Tebow done to deserve the vitriol?

Tebow is a devout Christian. He makes no apologies for his faith or the way he lives his life. He wore bible verses on his eye black. He gave praise to God whenever he was interviewed. He bent down on one knee in prayer when he scored, presumably giving thanks to God. He confidently stated that he and his teammates would be the hardest working college football team. Braggart? I don't think so.

We have heard the story of his mother refusing the doctor's suggestion that she abort her high-risk pregnancy (when pregnant with Tim.) We watched the commercial during a recent Super Bowl that shared that story and celebrated life. Prior to the airing of the commercial, the pro-choice folks went nuts over the idea that the commercial would be allowed on TV. Once it finally did air, I never heard another word about it because who could criticize the message of the commercial?

When Tebow entered the draft many said that he was not NFL material... he couldn't learn to take snaps from under center, his throwing motion was a mess and he just didn't have the juice to be a pro quarterback. Will he be a successful pro quarterback? I don't know. But I hope so because the NFL needs people like Tim Tebow.

So why all the criticism; hatred even towards Tebow? I think it is because Tim Tebow makes us uncomfortable. He seems too good to be true...or maybe just "too good." He is too nice, too polite, too devout, too humble, too demonstrative in his faith, too squeaky clean and that makes us uncomfortable. What does that say about him? More importantly, what does that say about us?

I have no illusions about Tim Tebow being perfect. I am certain that he would tell you that he is far from perfect. He would say that he is a sinner, saved by the grace of a merciful God. Many people are just waiting for him to do something that defies his profession of his faith. They are just waiting for any misstep. Unfortunately, that day will probably come and they will shout "Aha...see there, Tim Tebow is just like the rest of us...he's not so perfect now is he?" And they will feel better about themselves.

I will continue to cheer and admire Tim Tebow. Not because he is a great athlete but rather because he is trying to live his life as a follower of Christ and use every opportunity to share with others not who he is, but whose he is. That makes him a winner in my book.

Read what Jill Kelly (wife of former Buffalo Bills QB Jim Kelly) has to say about Tim Tebow