I am a pretty basic man. I love the Lord. I love my family and friends. And, as a native of the Great State of Ohio – I love college football. For four-plus decades, my New Year has begun in late November on the Sunday after The Game between the Buckeyes and The Team Up North. That Sunday sunrise begins 364 consecutive days of prayers of thanksgiving or pleas for redemption.
But, my favorite college football memory does not come from the Scarlet and Grey. In fact, my favorite gridiron moment is not from a game-winning drive or an iconic Brent Musburger call.
On Jan. 7, 2010, the University of Alabama throttled the University of Texas to win yet another national championship. On the first series of the game, Texas’ All-American quarterback Colt McCoy suffered an injury to his right shoulder. The senior signal caller would spend the remainder of the game in the locker room and on the bench.
During the post-game interview, McCoy showed the polish one would expect of an elite quarterback preparing for a long career in the National Football League. He spoke highly of his replacement’s performance. He praised the Alabama football team.
Then, about 40 seconds into his response, he praised God. McCoy closed his message with, “and if I know nothing else, I am standing on the rock.”
Did I hear that right? “I am standing on the rock.”
So, I grabbed my Bible and began to look up all the references I could find to “the rock.” I encourage you to do the same, but pack a lunch – it is a rather common phrase.
Of all the verses mentioning “the rock”, Matthew 7:24-25 stood out most.
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”
Eleven years later The ROC – Ranger Outreach Center at St. Luke Church in Columbus, Ga. was officially opened. The name is not an accident.
Colt McCoy does not know me, but I know him. His public discipleship in the face of adversity inspired my future action. We have the ROC because we wanted a place where we take care of the whole person facing the challenging journey of transitioning out of the military and reintegrating back into the civilian world. A place to deal with adversity as a community.
Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose.
Build your house on the Rock.
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