I remember fearing Willie Mays Aikens as a Phillies fan in the 80's when he came to the plate. I had no idea at the time he had the same pain as me in those days, absence of father. Often we try to suppress our pain as athletes with performance. Sometimes performance cannot numb the pain so we start looking for something else to fulfill us like alcohol and drugs while playing (even if we know God). See Willie's quote below:
"There is a difference between being religious and being spiritual, he says. For eight years in baseball, he carried a Bible around on road trips. In prison, he actually read it. "I took it for granted, my life back then, you know?" he says. "I didn't look at it as living a blessed lifestyle. Most of the time, we don't pay attention until something bad happens in our life or until we feel like we need God's help."
Something bad happened when dad left him years before athletics were a big deal and it left a void that only Jesus can satisfy. Fathers leaving children intentionally or by death (in my case) creates spiritual roots that need to be severed. The enemy gets a foothold through our broken hearts and has access to influence us whenever he desires with anger, hatred, unforgiveness, depression, etc. Willie chased freedom from pain in sports and drugs and now is free after walking deeper with Jesus in prison and making it an authentic relationship.
I pray he has forgiven his father and released the bondage that drove the addiction. Mark Driscoll said " Addicts do not have a drinking or substance problem, they have a worship problem." If you know an alcoholic or addict look past the behavior to the source of spiritual power and pray that Jesus will heal the wound and demolish the stronghold.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=090715/aikens
Make it a great night!
Coach Chambers
Posted on
Fri, July 31, 2009