Texas Tornadoes Football Team

There are some games in which cheering for the other side feels better than winning.

by Rick Reilly

Gainesville State players douse head coach Mark Williams in celebration.

They played the oddest game in high school football history last month down in Grapevine, Texas.

It was Grapevine Faith vs. Gainesville State School and everything about it was upside down. For instance, when Gainesville came out to take the field, the Faith fans made a 40-yard spirit line for them to run through.

Did you hear that? The other team's fans?

They even made a banner for players to crash through at the end. It said, "Go Tornadoes!" Which is also weird, because Faith is the Lions.

"I WOULDN'T EXPECT ANOTHER PARENT TO TELL SOMEBODY TO HIT THEIR KIDS. BUT THEY WANTED US TO!"

It was rivers running uphill and cats petting dogs. More than 200 Faith fans sat on the Gainesville side and kept cheering the Gainesville players on—by name.

"I never in my life thought I'd hear people cheering for us to hit their kids," recalls Gainesville's QB and middle linebacker, Isaiah. "I wouldn't expect another parent to tell somebody to hit their kids. But they wanted us to!"

And even though Faith walloped them 33-14, the Gainesville kids were so happy that after the game they gave head coach Mark Williams a sideline squirt-bottle shower like he'd just won state. Gotta be the first Gatorade bath in history for an 0-9 coach.

But then you saw the 12 uniformed officers escorting the 14 Gainesville players off the field and two and two started to make four. They lined the players up in groups of five—handcuffs ready in their back pockets—and marched them to the team bus. That's because Gainesville is a maximum-security correctional facility 75 miles north of Dallas. Every game it plays is on the road.

This all started when Faith's head coach, Kris Hogan, wanted to do something kind for the Gainesville team. Faith had never played Gainesville, but he already knew the score. After all, Faith was 7-2 going into the game, Gainesville 0-8 with 2 TDs all year. Faith has 70 kids, 11 coaches, the latest equipment and involved parents. Gainesville has a lot of kids with convictions for drugs, assault and robbery—many of whose families had disowned them—wearing seven-year-old shoulder pads and ancient helmets.

So Hogan had this idea. What if half of our fans—for one night only—cheered for the other team? He sent out an email asking the Faithful to do just that. "Here's the message I want you to send:" Hogan wrote. "You are just as valuable as any other person on planet Earth."

Some people were naturally confused. One Faith player walked into Hogan's office and asked, "Coach, why are we doing this?"

And Hogan said, "Imagine if you didn't have a home life. Imagine if everybody had pretty much given up on you. Now imagine what it would mean for hundreds of people to suddenly believe in you."

Next thing you know, the Gainesville Tornadoes were turning around on their bench to see something they never had before. Hundreds of fans. And actual cheerleaders!

"I thought maybe they were confused," said Alex, a Gainesville lineman (only first names are released by the prison). "They started yelling 'DEE-fense!' when their team had the ball. I said, 'What? Why they cheerin' for us?'"

It was a strange experience for boys who most people cross the street to avoid. "We can tell people are a little afraid of us when we come to the games," says Gerald, a lineman who will wind up doing more than three years. "You can see it in their eyes. They're lookin' at us like we're criminals. But these people, they were yellin' for us! By our names!"

Maybe it figures that Gainesville played better than it had all season, scoring the game's last two touchdowns. Of course, this might be because Hogan put his third-string nose guard at safety and his third-string cornerback at defensive end. Still.

After the game, both teams gathered in the middle of the field to pray and that's when Isaiah surprised everybody by asking to lead. "We had no idea what the kid was going to say," remembers Coach Hogan. But Isaiah said this: "Lord, I don't know how this happened, so I don't know how to say thank You, but I never would've known there was so many people in the world that cared about us."

And it was a good thing everybody's heads were bowed because they might've seen Hogan wiping away tears.

As the Tornadoes walked back to their bus under guard, they each were handed a bag for the ride home—a burger, some fries, a soda, some candy, a Bible and an encouraging letter from a Faith player.

The Gainesville coach saw Hogan, grabbed him hard by the shoulders and said, "You'll never know what your people did for these kids tonight. You'll never, ever know."

And as the bus pulled away, all the Gainesville players crammed to one side and pressed their hands to the window, staring at these people they'd never met before, watching their waves and smiles disappearing into the night.

Anyway, with the economy six feet under and Christmas running on about three and a half reindeer, it's nice to know that one of the best presents you can give is still absolutely free.

Hope.

A great believer is small enough to let God be great in their life

❝ As David did with his psalms, use prayer to ventilate vertically. Tell God your frustrations. Cry out to him. He’s never surprised or upset by your anger, hurt, insecurity, or any other emotions. So tell him exactly how you feel. Most conflict is rooted in unmet needs. Some of these needs can only be met by God. To meet a need that only God can fulfill, you are setting yourself up for disappointment and bitterness. No one can meet all of your needs except God."

— Rick Warren (The Purpose Driven Life)

I have found this to be so true. This week has been difficult for me. I had a lot of things from my past brought back up to the surface and it was hard to face some of it. Instead of first going to God, I talked to friends and family about the problems and struggles I was facing. This seemed to only magnify my worries and build to the pain I already felt. But God taught me something through all of it. I can trust Him. Because He is Faithful. So many times I fall on my face and He is there to pick me back up. Psalm 121:3 says, "He will not let your foot slip- He who watches over you will not slumber." It's a beautiful Love story. Christ gave His life so that we may dwell with Him for eternity; IF we chose to follow Him. The Love of the Father for His children is unfathomable. I get so stressed and worried sometimes that I forget to remember what is really important. I forget the pray and read scripture. I run to others instead of my Creator. Where is my faith?? Can't the God who created the Heavens and Earth take care of my small problems? I so often look at situations in such a narrow view. If I step back and look at it as a whole, my situation no longer seems so important. It is ok to vent to God. It's ok to let out my anger, frustrations and pain. It's called being Genuine. Not everything is always Rainbows and Butterflies. If I thought it was, then I'd be lying to myself. Life can be hard. But when I trust God and pray for Joy and Peace, it becomes bearable; Even in hard times. Being real with God helps create a Bond that is unbreakable. If He is my everything, what can hurt me? Who can knock me down?"The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid?" -Psalm 27:1. I talked to one of my mentors about the things I was struggling with. She pointed out that my past does not define who I am today. There is so much truth in these words. Not only does it not define me, but it could also be used to glorify God and expand His kingdom. I can relate to those who have gone through the same situations that I have. I can point them towards what helped me. I can show Christ's love through understanding what others are going through. Maybe it is a struggle now, but God can take it and make it part of my testimony. And if that's the case then I thank Him for everything. The good and the bad. Whatever has happened in the past, it doesn't define you. When you follow Christ, he makes you a new creation. All sin yesterday, today and tomorrow is on the cross. He accepts us as broken and turns us into a new creation. I love the beauty and simplicity of this. 

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." -Isaiah 41:10

photography

So I have a new hobby. 

THIS WILL CHANGE THE WAY YOU THINK.

LETTER FROM AN ATHEIST TO RAY COMFORT

A resource from "Way of the Master" Ministries.

Ray,

You are really convinced that you've got all the answers. You've really got yourself tricked into believing that you're 100% right. Well, let me tell you one thing. Do you consider yourself to be compassionate of other humans? If you're right, as you say you are, and believe that, then how can you sleep at night? When you speak with me you are speaking with someone who you believe is walking directly into eternal damnation, into an endless onslaught of horrendous pain which your 'loving' god created, yet you stand by and do nothing.

If you believe one bit that thousands every day were falling into an eternal and unreachable fate, you should be running the streets mad with rage at their blindness. That's the equivalent to standing on a street corner and watching every person that passes you walk blindly into the path of a bus and die, yet you stand idly by and do nothing. You're just twiddling your thumbs, happy in the knowledge that one day the 'walk' signal will shine your way across the road.

Think about it. Imagine the horrors Hell must have in store if the bible is true. You're just going to allow that to happen and not care about saving anyone but yourself? If you're right, then you're uncaring, unemotional and purely selfish (expletive) that has no right to talk about subjects such as love and caring.

James Franz


                            

My Journey

"For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" -Jeremiah 29:11. 

Last week was difficult. I had to stand in front of the man who has poured into me this past year and who has taught me how to walk with Christ and tell him that I am not coming back next year. Not only did I have to tell him, but the rest of the group. The people that I have learned so much from, who have helped me in my walk with Christ. Who have been my role models. It breaks my heart to leave, but I know it is the right decision. God has given me so many opportunities to serve back in Memphis. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to be in this mission program. I learned so much just in this year alone. Looking back at my life, how it use to be, even a year ago...I was a completely different person. I didn't truly know what it meant to die to self and live for Christ. Going through Romans with a group of such strong believers helped me realize that I was not where I needed to be. Not at all. It has been a struggle to keep up and try to be at "their level." But God taught me something through this. He has taught (and is continually teaching) me patience. He taught me to slow down. I don't have to be "caught up", that doesn't make me any less of a Christian. I realized I needed to slow down and enjoy God and learn from His word rather than trying to cram scripture in my head that I would forget a day later. I started writing in a journal...writing out my prayers, my dreams, desires and my future plans. I decided to wake up an hour earlier each morning and read scripture and write in my journal. Which was weird to me at first because I hate silence. I like being around alot of people. I like to talk...alot. But in the mornings, when I had this time with God, I became silent. I read scripture, I prayed and I listened. After doing this for a few months, I started seeing small changes in my life. When we pray, we aren't doing it for God's benefit, he already knows everything, but we are doing it for our own. Prayer syncs our hearts with His will, His plan. My life is not about me. I have to die to self daily and live for Christ. If it ever becomes all about me, then it is a waste. I would hate to get to Heaven one day and have to admit, "Oh hey God, I lived my life for myself..." It would be completely meaningless. 

Going back to Memphis is just the beginning of my journey. I want and desire for God to use me to do great things in life. What amazes me, is that He will. I just have to trust Him and be willing to go wherever He calls me to go. So in the words of Matt Papa, "Here and I send me, I'll follow wherever You lead."

 If you want to live a life of adventure and purpose, then I dare you to follow Christ. 

Our God is Love.

My summer trip to Guatemala in 2010 changed my life. And it all started with an orphanage. I woke up that morning preparing myself for the last full day in the place I had grown so attached to. We headed to the orphanage. This would be our last stop on our journey before heading back to the States. When we got there, we saw many little faces light up with excitement. We introduced ourselves and Stephen, our youth pastor/leader of the trip, spoke to the children. He asked for a volunteer and a little boy raised his hand. This little boy looked as if he was probably around the age of  four, he was shy and adorable. As he came to the front of the room, Stephen scooped him up. I will never forget what happened next. He did not listen when Stephen talked, he did not care about the words coming out of his mouth...instead, he clung to him. He laid his head on Stephen's shoulder and held onto him as if he were his own father. My heart broke in that moment.  These kids do not have parents. They don't have someone to tuck them in every night and tell them that they love them. But yet, they still smile. They still laugh and are full of joy. It amazed me seeing how happy and wonderful all of these children were. Our God is Love. He takes care of His children. Those who do not have an earthly Father, still have God. He watches over His children. The joy on their beautiful, smiling faces reflects the beauty of their Creator.

Blessings and Woes

Blessings and Woes

I have never looked at Luke 6:20-26 this way. I love how Matt Chandler is so blunt and honest. This sermon really spoke to me.

"Lord break my heart until it moves my hands and feet."

"Great men and women of God have a sense mission that expands beyond their own life" - John MacArthur.

Everyone has a calling. As Christians, our calling is to Christ. I use to always get excited before a mission trip. I couldn't wait to get out of the states and tell others about Christ. I remember my first mission trip was to Brazil. I remember being so nervous the first time I shared my testimony. I remember being sad the day I had to pack my bags and leave this place I had grown so attached to. It seemed to become even more difficult each time I went somewhere new. I remember the first time I arrived in Guatemala, it felt like home. I cannot fully explain the feelings I felt, but I knew it was where I was suppose to be. I have been back twice since my first visit, and each time I pack my bags to leave, it becomes harder to say goodbye. My heart is in Guatemala. As I flew back to the states, I looked through my pictures and cried over the place I had fallen in love with. My first few weeks back were miserable. I felt as if I didn't belong. I knew I had left my heart in a different country. Through being miserable, God showed me something I will never forget. As I was reading my morning devotion, two verses really stuck out to me. Ephesians 5:1-2 says, "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Was I really imitating Christ? Why was I waiting to show Christ to others in different countries? Can't the God who saves nations use me right where I am? Why am I waiting to show others Christ's love when I can do that right here in Nashville? I may not be exactly where I desire to be, but why should that deter me from showing Christ's love right where I am? My calling is to Christ. My mission is to share the gospel with the world. No matter where I am. The place you are NOW is your mission field. Whether that is your workplace, your house or even on the streets. There is no limit to what God can do through us when we have complete and total faith in Him. I want to be in Guatemala one day, and I am sure that will happen but until then, I refuse to be stagnant.
Be the Example. Be the Light. "Be the Change You Wish to See in the World."

This is Discipleship

This video amazed me. It is so simple, but yet we can sometimes make is so complicated.

DNow Weekend!

two weeks ago I had the chance to be a leader at a DNow in Alabama. Autumn (my roommate) and I led 10th grade girls. I had never been a leader at DNow before so this was all very new to me. The theme for this weekend retreat was Tupos, which means example. The theme was centered around 1 Timothy 4:12. We were blessed with an amazing group. We had seven girls and they were all fun and talkative. After service each night we would all pile up on the couches or on the floor and talk about what God is doing in our lives and how we are growing and can continue to grow. They taught us just as much as we taught them. It was so cool to see how God was and is working in their lives. I love and miss my group!

Meet Kristofer!

Meet Kristofer! He is the little boy I am sponsoring through Loving Arms. He is five years old and he is the sweetest kid I know. I first met him this past summer on a missionary trip with my church. I saw that he needed a sponsor and I quickly signed up. . My friend Kelsey also sponsors a little boy, Emerson, who is from the same village. We went back to Guatemala this past December and realized that the seminary we stayed at was only thirty minutes from where Emerson and Kristofer live. We called Loving Arms and asked if there was any way that we could see them before heading back to the States. They agreed to meet us with Kristofer and Emerson at the park. Kelsey and I put together backpacks full of gifts to give to our boys. We met them at the park and gave them their gifts. It was so amazing seeing the smiles on their faces. I cannot wait to see him again!