Two years ago, professional football analysts and fans were highly critical on New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr for his perceived selfishness and off-field distractions. But on opening day of the 2018 NFL regular season, the high-profile player dropped to his knees and thanked Jesus Christ.
While other professional athletes have stirred controversy by taking a knee during the national anthem, the flamboyant pass-catcher has renewed his faith in the Lord. Having been routinely criticized for setting a poor example, his act of humility has elevated his stature as a leader. The once brash athlete has not been shy about his born-again status and he recently shared his dedication to Jesus on his Instagram profile that includes upwards of 11.5 million followers.
Amid a scandal about sexual misconduct at home, Beckham made a pilgrimage to Israel over the summer where he was baptized in the Jordan River. He shared a photo of the life-changing event with the caption, “FRESH START…What a time ! #Jerusalem #ImForgiven.”
During his time in the Holy Land, Beckham posted other images marking his spiritual journey. In one photo of him riding a camel, he stated he, “couldn’t of asked for anything more!!!! God I can’t thank u enough for this one. My journey is just beginning…”
Since returning from the Middle East, the superstar has overflowed with humility and gratitude for his station in life. In August, he signed a new contract with the New York Giants when many sports reporters believed he would be cut or traded as a result of his on- and off-field issues. But things have turned for the positive since his pilgrimage.
Rather than find himself cut with other talented but troubled NFL standouts, he signed a 5-year deal reportedly worth $95 million in August. Instead of boasting about his monetary success as many would have expected from the once egocentric football player, his expression of humility carried the day. “God, I can’t even put into words my gratitude. This is only the beginning… #ImThankful,” he reportedly stated.
During Week 1 of the NFL season, the all-pro receiver known for acrobatic catches gave glory to God rather than himself.
“Lord, I come to you at this time… not to ask you for anything… but just to say Thank You,” he posted with a photo of himself on his knees, praying in uniform.
The blessings received by this household name athlete extend to people across the globe. Like the troubled wide receiver, everyday Americans who lean on God’s love also finding solace in seemingly unusual ways.
Family of Tragic Disney World Death Count Blessings
In 2016, a two-year-old boy met an untimely and tragic death while the family traveled to Walt Disney World.
Lane Graves, the toddler son of Matt and Melissa Graves, was attacked by an alligator and dragged underwater while romping on a Disney Grand Floridian Resort and Spa shore. The father fought bravely to rescue his young son, but the alligator escaped with the child. The boy’s body was recovered by officials the following day, breaking the hearts of the family who were joyfully on vacation.
It’s been two years since this tragedy impacted the Graves family and they have leaned heavily on Jesus’ love during this troubled time. But they are reconciling their loss and God’s plan for them. The couple recently made a positive announcement.
“We are happy to announce the birth of our son, Christian Lane Graves,” Matt and Melissa Graves reportedly said. “Although we know the pain of losing Lane will never go away, we feel God has blessed our family with this precious miracle of life.”
The Graves also have a daughter, Ella, and have turned the devastating loss into a positive for other families. In 2017, they formed The Lane Thomas Foundation to help offer financial resources to families of children requiring organ transplants. The non-profit organization will help others pull life out of death by increasing awareness and supporting research about organ donations. The end goal for the Graves is to eliminate “the need for organ transplantation to save children’s lives,” according to the organization’s website.
“Lane was a beaming, spirited and loving child who always referred to himself by his first and middle names, Lane Thomas,” according to the website. The good works by the group are “an enduring way to remember the light and hope he brought to the world.”
From pro football stars to families who suffer tragedy, Christians are able to put their faith to work and create a more positive future.
~ Christian Patriot Daily
