September 6, 2019 – Click here to listen
Being an Atlanta Falcons fan since their inception I have never been enamored with the New Orleans Saints. There is a great rivalry between the two teams and its fans. I’ve never been a fan of their quarterback, Drew Brees simply because he has been a nemesis to the Falcons for as long as I can remember and I for one wish he would just retire already. This is not to say I don’t respect what this man accomplishes on the football field. He is simply put one of the best quarterbacks to ever walk on the field – darn it.
What many people don’t know is what he does off the field. He is a devout Christian and is not ashamed to let anyone know it. In this age of politically correct closet-Christian wimps it is refreshing to see someone stand up for Christ. Recently he participated in a video produced by Focus on the Family that encouraged school kids to bring their Bibles to school. Brees encouraged children to, “Live out your faith on Bring Your Bible to School Day.”
Then came the storm of criticism. It was led by a fact-less article published by Business Insiderwhich labeled Focus on the Family an “anti-LGBTQ group.” This, despite the fact that nowhere in the video did he or anyone else mention LGBTQ people, or issues. So, the storm of critics within the LGBTQ flash mob attacked Brees with fury. They condemned him along with Focus on the Family.
After hearing of the article, and the maniacal criticism of his involvement with Focus on the Family, Brees took to social media to say that he is not anti-LGBTQ. The Saints quarterback also made clear that his intent was merely to support “Bring Your Bible to School Day.” He also made the point that his strong Christian faith and how it commands him to love all people is what he lives by. He wrote:
There’s been a lot of negativity spread about me in the LGBTQ community recently based upon an article that someone wrote with a very negative headline, that I think led people to believe that somehow I was aligned with an organization that was anti-LGBTQ and so on and so forth.
I’d like to set the record straight, I live by two very simple Christian fundamentals and that is love the Lord with all your heart, mind and soul. And, love your neighbor as yourself.
I think the first one is very self-explanatory. The second one, love your neighbor as yourself, what does that mean?
It means, love all, respect all and accept all. So, that is actually how I live my life. That is what I try to do with my family, with my teammates, with people in my community, with my friends, all people. No matter your race, your color, your religious preference, your sexual orientation, your political [views].
So many professional athletes are the farthest thing from a role model as the earth is to the outermost star. This tremendous athlete is the opposite. Drew Brees is my “foe no mo!”
He will without question end up in the NFL Hall of Fame, but more importantly his faith and willingness to share it reserves him a place of honor and glory in heaven. I’ve had a little sign on my desk for so many years I don’t even remember that states: Don’t follow the world – Follow Jesus Christ. That means we should stand up for Christ and His commands.
This is not always easy to do, especially in today’s political environment where what is wrong is considered right and what is right is considered wrong. Drew Brees has stood up for Christ and continues to do so at every opportunity and is successful by any measure. You too can rise to his level of faith and be just as successful in your own walk. As Christians everyone can love all – respect all – and accept all – without loving the sin(s). I pray for all those who are in Satan’s grip and have condemned this great man who simply wanted to encourage some school kids to bring their Bibles to school on school day…
Matthew 22:37
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important commandment. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commandments.”
Have a great weekend and go to church this Sunday!