Saturday, February 19, 2011

Pujols: More than the game - Lamb and Ellsworth

My entire sports life has shown me many truths in life.  One of the most important to remember is that everyone, given enough time, will disappoint you eventually.  It is our sinful nature that causes us to slip and because of that athletes, whose lives are magnified, should not be placed on a high pedestal.   After all according to Charles Barkley athletes are not role models.  Throughout reading this book a few thoughts kept coming to my mind.  I admit that they are not fair and not warranted but given this day in age and the high rate if disappointment in fandom I couldn’t control the thoughts from being there.

First, given the era that Pujols played we should be careful how high we view any him or any player from his era.  How disappointing would it be to find out that he was one of the many who tried to “get an edge”?  While that doesn’t change his place in salvation, it does place a chink in the armor of his morality, guilty by association only, but in the minds of many still guilty.

Second, would this story be written a year from know if he doesn’t resign with St. Louis?  How much of this reputation and love that Albert feels today from his fans would go away if he left them behind?

Third, how many times have we seen athletes who obviously are not living Christian lives throwing religion around when they need it?

Fourth, If Albert is such a wonderful Christian athlete, why is he not out there proclaiming his faith in a more real way, like Tim Tebow?  Tim is persecuted for his faith; Albert seems to get a pass.

The book itself is a great look into the life of a man who we would all be happy our sons looked up to (to the extent that athletes should ever been looked up to).  It is a great read for any sports fan, especially one who may not be saved.  I pray that Albert doesn’t fall like so many other athletes. 

I am required to disclose that I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html>

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