Gulfport Gridiron, Bama Again

For the second week in a row, our speaker at Gridiron was an Alabama man. And for the second week in a row, I can say that, in spite of that fact (which is no small thing, considering the verbal abuse I, as an Auburn man, had to endure both weeks from both speakers!), I have to admit that it was an excellent evening. John Croyle, of Big Oak Ranch, in Gadsden, AL, spoke tonight. John played in the early '70s for Bear Bryant and was part of Alabama's 1973 National Championship team. And his son, Brodie, also played quarterback for Alabama (and, now, the Kansas City Chiefs) from 2003-5.

John spoke passionately and movingly about his work with children at Big Oak Ranch. He told us that our children are themselves looking for a hero and challenged us to be that hero in their lives by living according to three "Ps." They are as follows,

Prepare. John encouraged us to invest our lives in preparing our children for the future. He reminded us that there is no such thing as "self-made men." Everyone got a break somewhere or was helped along the way to become what they are today. Everyone of us had role models or mentors.
Purpose. John also encouraged us to be men whose lives are purpose-driven. We are not to be "wandering generalities" but men who know what we are about and who live accordingly. We need to pass this along to our children.
Passion. The third thing John encouraged us to be is passionate about what we do and about what we believe. He said that one of the distinguishing characteristics of Coach Bryant was that he chose young men to play for him who were motivated men. Coach Bryant, he indicated, was not so much a motivater as a director or steerer of men who were themselves motivated.

John Croyle is an outspoken Christian, who seeks to teach the young men and women he takes in about the transforming love of Jesus Christ. He has "raised" over 1600 children since he opened his ranch. Join me in praying for John's family and ministry.