Who inspires you? What name or faces just flashed through your mind when I asked that? Adam Wainwright is a hero of mine. I love baseball. The St. Louis Cardinals are my team. Adam is retiring after a historic career. He has been receiving many accolades for his accomplishments.
However, there has been a phenomenon occurring. Countless people are recognizing this elite player is very different. When they speak about Adam Wainwright they describe who he is. He is known as a humble, selfless, giving man.
Adam created a foundation, Big League Impact, to assist local and international organizations helping meet basic human needs like food, clean water, medical care, shelter and education. He uses his personal resources and platform to do all he can to impact his world.
But here’s how people who know him best describe him: “He’s the best teammate I’ve ever had”. “He has invested in me.” “He is always available!” One of his close friends, the great player Albert Pujols said this: “We can talk about the accomplishments…but what has impressed me the most and touched me the most is the person you are. You are a great father, a great husband and a great brother in Christ. I want to thank you for the impact on me that you didn’t even know you were making. We are so proud to have been your teammates. You have been the same guy everyday.”
He sent me a personally autographed baseball that also includes a scripture verse, Acts 20:24:
“But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus – the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.”
My granddaughter Jordin was wearing her “Waino shirt” to a ballgame. He saw it, called her over to the edge of the field and signed the back of the shirt. It was a joyful moment for us!
Adam has impacted me and my family personally. We feel like we know him. He is an inspiration in my life.
However, there are other people who are more central to my life.
They are a part of my story. We know each other well. God has used them to truly impact my life. They encourage…they teach…they challenge me…they provide fun and enjoyment…they hold me accountable…they care and make themselves available.
We’ll talk about that next time.
Stay tuned for a preview of our next e-book in our REPLENISH Series…
– Dave
