Candy A. Westbrook

Candy A. Westbrook - Author, Columnist, Speaker, Football Mom

"Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus … who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross" (Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJ).
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Game On!

August 20, 2013 by Candy A. Westbrook

As you head to the ballpark this year to watch, coach, cheer for your favorite team, including those precious peewee fellers, remember they are just boys, young fellas, not-quite-grown men vying for a piece of the action. Granted, I’m talking mostly about those who are not NFL-ers. This doesn’t necessarily apply to those who get paid to play the greatest game on earth!

However, I wonder, I wonder if we as spectators would shout to the death from the stands if we knew that the next play could end-up costing a child his life. I wonder this? Would we still shout to the top of our lungs, “fight, fight, fight” if we knew that a simple play-in-action would be the last play of a kids life?

The death of De’Antre Turman, age 16 from a simple, routine tackle at Creekside High School in Atlanta last week, has caused me to pause and ponder this thought. What if? What if we knew that a tackle, a field goal, an audible from a quarterback, a touchdown from a wide receiver, what if that play was the last play a player would ever play? Would we still be so hell bent on shouting absurdities and singling out a player for a mistake? Injuries are one thing—death is something altogether different.

There are apparently 76 biblical references to “our days being numbered,” but Psalm 90:12 caught my heart while writing this piece. “So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.” NKJ

A heart of wisdom. Again, I wonder, are we seeking The King of Kings, The Most High God, our Lord and Savior, Jesus to impart His Wisdom upon us? Or, are we just plain busy, keeping our minds busy, ourselves busy, just busy, busy shallow, empty, hollow busy? Do we seek His direction, His will, His WISDOM for our lives? Or, are we the hamster on a wheel?

D’Antre or Tre Tre as was his nickname, family says he loved football. Thrived on it. I say, what an example that child was to all of us! Find our God-given abilities, our passion and live what we love. Maybe even die for what we love. Our military sure has. Died that is. For the Country they love so dear.

Are you living your passion? Do you know what your God-given talents are? Are you seeking God’s Wisdom? I have a long way to go, but I do see the goal posts and I’m running. Who’s with me? Game on!

Filed Under: Atlanta, Creekside High School, Deantre Turman, football, King of Kings, peewee football, Psalm, Wisdom

About Candy

Candy A. Westbrook is a writer, newspaper columnist, and speaker whose passion lingers on the football field. She inspires families of all sports, but at her heart is her love for those boys of fall.

Helmet Kisses – The Heart Behind The Gridiron

Candy is working hard on her football memoir, Helmet Kisses. Make sure to watch for news and sign up for Candy’s newsletter so you never miss an update!

Helmet Kisses - The Heart Behind The Gridiron

About Candy

Candy A. Westbrook is a writer, newspaper columnist, and speaker whose passion lingers on the football field. She inspires families of all sports, but at her heart is her love for those boys of fall. College football recruiting can leave parents dangling on a zipline indefinitely and need someone on the other side who gets it. She inspires parents to go the distance because, “the topic may be football, but the real subject is life.”

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