17 Feb, 2009
Super human: Howard, Magic's man of steel, has joy for life
Consider the popular big fellow's conundrum: How many 6-11, 260-pound jam-it-in-your-face centers do fans see beaming regularly? They have rewarded Howard's great play and good-natured demeanor. He is the leading vote-getter for this year's All-Star Game, the first player to exceed 3 million votes.
Howard is elevating his game, persona and maturity. In last season's All-Star Game, his irrepressible spirit made him a favorite as he won his first dunk contest. Who can forget Howard, wearing a Superman T-shirt and flowing red cape, impossibly walking on air in pure Jordan-esque flight?
But even Clark Kent had another life - and Howard is beginning to realize that joy can sometimes be tempered with reality.
Last year, he became a father. The mother, Royce Reed, a former Magic dancer, and Howard share custody of their 15-month-old son, Braylon, he says.
The sudden news shocked many because Howard was quite vocal when he entered the league preaching a no-street image and the word of God. At the dunk contest two years ago, Howard slapped a sticker to the backboard with the phrase, "All things through Christ. Phil. 4:13."
"I was a little hurt about some of the decisions I made," he says. "I was kind of hurt about some of the things that were said about my character - what I said when I got into the league and what I did. Then I realized, 'I'm not perfect.' Even though the situation might have been a mistake, I got a blessing out of it. I would never take that back."
Braylon "was almost like a wake-up call. Dwight recognized, 'Hey, I stepped outside my boundaries.' "
"People might say I'm Superman, but at the end of Superman is 'man.' I'm still human," he says. "I still have feelings. I don't fly to the moon at night. I sleep in a bed, see the same stars, breathe the same air..."
(To view full story, go to usatoday.com 2/13/09. Article by Jon Saraceno. Photo by Preston C. Mack)
Superman...minus the super
Romans 3:23 [NIV]
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
James 5:16 [NIV]
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.
Colossians 1:21-23
Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation - if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel.
What does God's Story teach us about being "superhuman"?
The first thing it teaches us is that there was only one human that walked this earth that was perfect...and it wasn't you or me! The Word helps us know that Jesus was 100% man yet without blemish...tempted but without sin...human but without fault.
Secondly, we learn from scripture that each one of us falls short of that standard. Just as Dwight Howard recognizes when he says, "I'm not perfect", so you and I can admit the same painful truth.
The third lesson from God's Story today is that when we combine these two truths...confessing our imperfection and recognizing His unblemished sacrifice to cover those shortcomings...we can be healed!
How can we connect today's story, God's story and my story?
- Recognize before God that you too have "stepped outside of the boundaries." Confession is merely agreeing with God about that which is true. Spend some time today asking God to search your heart. It may be painful, but that's where the healing starts.
- Recognize before others these same sins...if needed. James 5 teaches us that we are to confess to one another. Is there someone from whom you need to seek forgiveness?
- Spend some time praising Jesus for being the only true super-human who has allowed you to stand before God free from accusation!
How can we connect today's story, God's story and my story with my friend's story?
- The NBA All-star game and dunk contest always stirs a lot of conversations...perhaps it will allow a good opportunity to share the testimony of fellow Christ-follower, Dwight Howard...a guy who is flawed and forgiven...just like you and me.
- It is in our nature to cover up our sin. It has been happening since the Garden of Eden. Can I encourage you to let go of that game of pretend? Let's be real before others. Yes, we should strive for holiness as God helps us...but when we mess up, let's be done hiding it. If your friends see that you are messed up AND can still go to God...it will help them know that they can too.
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