12 faith INTRODUCTION Today we are talking about faith. This is an important part of character. Let’s get a good working definition and find out why. DEFINITION • Complete trust or confidence in someone or something. • Strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof. • Confidence that actions rooted in good character will yield the best outcome, even when I cannot see how. • What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think about faith being a character trait? • How do you think your life would change if you had that type of confidence? STORY I first saw and heard of Frank Reich on a Saturday back in 1984. He was the backup quarterback for the Maryland Terrapins, coached by Bobby Ross (he replaced injured starter, Stan Gelbaugh). On November 10th, they were playing the University of Miami Hurricanes, with Bernie Kosar at QB, the week after Miami lost to Doug Flutie in that embarrassing "Hail Mary" upset. Miami had a huge halftime lead of 31-0. With the anger and passion the Hurricanes were displaying, it didn't look like anything good was going to come from the Terrapins in this game. But, in orchestrating the greatest comeback in NCAA history, FrankReich led the Terrapins on multiple scoring drives. Three touchdowns in the third quarter and a fourth at the start of the final quarter turned what was a blowout into a close game. With the score 34-28 Miami, Reich hit Greg Hill with a 68-yard touchdown pass which deflected off the hands of the Miami safety to take the lead. Maryland scored once more to cap a 42-9 second half, and won the game 42-40.
25 your faith can move mountains, your doubt can create them
WAIT! The "Frank Reich Comeback Story" is not finished... by a long stretch. It gets even better. Years later, January 3rd, 1993... I am sitting in my living room watching an NFL Playoff game with my wife. It featured Warren Moon at quarterback for the Houston Oilers (and their famous Run-and-Shoot Offense coached by Jack Pardee) visiting the Buffalo Bills on this cold day at Rich Stadium. The problem with this game was Buffalo's starting QB, Jim Kelly, had to sit out with an injury from the week before. So, his backup, Frank Reich, was to start in the game. Well, the Oilers shot out to a 28-3 halftime lead, doing everything right, and the Bills doing everything they could to lose. That's when an announcer at halftime said, "This game looks to be about over." That's when I jumped up and yelled at the TV, "You're wrong! Frank Reich orchestrated the greatest comeback in NCAA history, and he can do it again!" (That's when my wife reminded me, again, I should have been a sportscaster.) Of course, I lost some confidence when Reich was intercepted for a touchdown in their first series of the second half, to go behind 35-3. But, he won that game -- the greatest comeback in NFL History (at the time - it's still the greatest in NFL Playoff History). from www.inspire21.com
FOLLOW UP What I want you to remember: The challenge is that you would first focus on who you are going to BE before you decide what you are going to DO with your life...or your career. Eventually, you will get to the end of yourself physically. But if you make the right choice, to be a person of great character...then that well never runs dry. You can accomplish more and be greater when you put your priorities in the right place. Even when you can’t see how. DO WHAT YOU SAY, That’s FAITH! SERVE OTHERS, BRING CHANGE
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