In the middle of a TRAGEDY or TOUGH TIMES.... don't miss your CALLING

1970 Boyle County Rebels, Robert Allen Yankey is #11
Those black jerseys were brand new. My Dad was crazy about them.

My Dad passed away October 1, 2015. Probably to a fault, I really look up to him and put him on a pedestal. I love my Dad and I am very proud of him.  As I look back on his life and all of the things I remember about him, I really believe his finest moment, and the most important calling of his lifetime, was to be there for his players and take care of them when their Quarterback, Robert Allen Yankey drown the morning after a ballgame.

Anderson County at Boyle County, 1970

If you follow my blog or read my book, you will know that story. Of all events in my lifetime, that one defined me more than any other. I have thought about Robert Allen everyday of my life since that happened on September 25th, 1970.

I don't believe God wanted Robert Allen to die. But, I do believe that God called my Dad to take care of those kids during a tragedy beyond words. And, as I look back on it, that time was when my Dad was more of who he was than any other time in my life. It wasn't enjoyable. It was beyond tough. But, God prepared my Dad to be that guy during that time.

After Robert Allen died, the Rebels all wore #11 on their helmets for the remainder of the season

I know all of us as football coaches have a passion for the game, and I hope young people as well. We sure didn't sign up to navigate tragedy or hardship when we wanted to coach football. But, don't lose sight of the fact that God uses you in this role at the  toughest & most critical times for your players, their families and even the community as a whole. When those tough times arrive, let God use you to love your kids and their families. Be a source of encouragement and hope. 

For any of us in a position of leadership, the hard & tragic moments are not fun, but God has called you to be His vessel in those most difficult trials, to love and care for others. When I am in those situations, He is asking me to do what is toughest of all for me... get my eyes off myself and on to others and their needs.

It's not fun when we are in those toughest experiences.  My hope and prayer when we look back on those times are that we will be able to see how God was able to use us to help, serve and love others.

Strange how things turn out... I was 5 years old when Robert Allen died. At 61 years old, I talk to a couple of his teammates about once a week or more.  And, that is after having moved from Boyle County over 50 years ago. Who knows what your calling will lead to... it may turn out to be one of the greatest and most fulfilling times of your life. Our circumstances won't define how we are remembered. Our response will be our legacy.   Let God use you so that your response will bring glory to HIM!