excerpts ..
- My message actually is just a question: Why? What about Tebow brings out such meanness in us?
Because this seems strangely personal, like some folks want him to fail, just to be able to ask, "Where's your Messiah now?" — also seen on Twitter on Thursday. I have seen columns already calling him a failure, predicting his imminent demise, detailing why he fails, ripping his practice, his preparation, telling missionaries to save a seat for him because he'll be joining them soon, questioning if maybe God wants him to be a backup. His Christianity and his performance linked together, both used as punch lines.
- Full disclosure: I like this kid for all the reasons many seem to despise him. I like how he wears his faith proudly. I like how he seems to practice what he preaches. I like how he believes in himself despite waves of doubt coming from all corners. I like how he delivers punishing hits. I like what he stands for. I like his heart. And I am not so convinced Merril Hoge is right in giggly dismissing his chances of being an NFL quarterback. I believe Tebow may just turn into a quarterback despite his flaws. I have this thing about not betting against winners.
Or at least I am unwilling to rip him for believing he can.
- In a league fraught with all kinds — sinners and saints, good guys and great talent, dog killers, vehicular manslaughterers, adulterers and a whole bunch of other "—ers" we have chosen to ignore — we hate him.
All I can figure is we just want our athletes to say sound bites about "giving all the glory to God" and leave it at that. We do not want to hear about them actually living this, and we snark on them if they do.
But I am preaching now. And this is not a sermon.
This is about a young quarterback who, after a shaky first drive, finished 6 for 7 for 91 yards and generally acquitted himself decently, who believes he'll be a starting NFL quarterback one day and who puts his faith in God.
So, by all means, go ahead and hate him. Just ask yourself why.
Because hating him seems to say more about the congregation than the Evangelical quarterback.
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