NFL: Need for Love

Amid the backdrop of Radio City Music Hall—the site of the 2011 NFL Draft—former Alabama Heisman-winning tailback, Mark Ingram delivered a “sermon” that captured the heart of mankind.

It wasn’t his impressive on-field performance, his strong burly stature or his honorable off-field accolades that caught the attention of the media and men (and women) everywhere. It wasn’t anything he did or even said, it was simply the shedding of a tear: A tear that spoke a thousand words. A tear that in a moment brought the busyness of New York to a stand still. A tear that reflected his life’s struggles, successes, and second chances.

The tear came following a reporter’s personal message from Ingram’s imprisoned father who (paraphrased) simply said, “Son, I’m proud of you!”

“I’m proud of you.” Those four words mean everything…everything! Not only is it an applicable biblical parallel,* but more so, it is a beautiful reminder of how undeserving we are of God’s favor, love, and approval. And yet simply by being united with Christ this is reality for the Christian.

Regardless of age, regardless of demeanor, regardless of gender or upbringing; regardless of all of these variables, everyone has an ongoing need to be—and feel—loved.

* Luke 3:22 “And the Holy Spirit descended on Him [Jesus] in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.’”

by Matt Dunn

Editorial