Life as a Christian Woman

photo by Jim Brown/US Presswire

The football coach at my alma mater, Phillip Fulmer of Tennessee, was recently forced to resign, because the team lost a few more games than some big donors would like. One of the things I have always admired about him is that he is a man of faith. It is well known that he leads a Bible study for other coaches, attends church regularly, and generally walks the walk.

I was thinking what a shame it was that he was pushed out, that such a strong, positive influence was being lost to the University. But as I listened to the post-game radio show, I realized just how wrong I was.

As the players were doing their interviews, virtually everyone acknowledged the coach and his Christian leadership. Repeatedly, these student-athletes used the phrase “Man of God.” It seems football was important, but the lives of these young men were vastly more important to Fulmer.

And then it hit me… this coach’s influence goes so far beyond the football field. Every player he has touched through God’s grace will spread that light. And the ones they touch will spread it farther.

I started thinking about my life. A few years ago, I invited an employee at Subway to join my family in church. He was a college student, new to the city, and we have an active college program. He came and enjoyed it. He was baptized and became active. I don’t see him as much these days, but now he is a leader of the college group and heads up a small group.

I didn’t “witness” to him, or pull out the Bible and start reading. I’m sure that the coach didn’t proselytize his athletes (the state has laws against that, I’m sure!). But his simple words and actions have spread God’s light to so many others. His influence, his life and light, will be felt for generations beyond his own life span. While those donors who throw their money around may think they have rid themselves of a coach who didnt’ get enough wins, the reality is that Coach Fulmer’s wins go far beyond anything they can see with earthly eyes.

And that, dear friends, is what Christianity is all about. It is about spreading God’s love in a loving way. It isn’t about scoring points, but about love, God’s love, and showing that love beyond the confines of your own world.

You may only “touch” one person in this lifetime… but the vine will spread from that one seed, and grow and grow.

We have a viny weed here in the south called kudzu. You give it an inch, and it will average two feet a day in growth. Pretty soon, it can overtake trees and whole hillsides. It only takes one seed to get the whole thing going.

I’m going to shoot for a kudzu faith!