Book Review: Looking for Terry

I couldn't stop reading this great book and finished it within two days.

It's one of the funniest and warmest books I have ever read.

I know who Terry Bradshaw is. I've watched him for years presenting pre-game shows during the regular football season. His sense of humor and knowledge of the game have always impressed me.

So, I was intrigued to read this book about his life in order to learn what made become a football player, what success meant for his life, and how he developed his wonderful career over decades.

I was not disappointed. Terry's story is full of many ups and downs, all of which he conveys simply, humoredly, and straightforwardly. The book is full of incidents and people in his life who influenced many of his choices. What did surprise me was his sincere faith that has sustained him through many issues, injuries, and illnesses. Terry Bradshaw is a practicing Christian who knows his flaws, confesses his mistakes, and seeks God's guidance every day. He also candidly expresses his experiences with depression and how medication, counseling, and support from his wife Tammy has helped him overcome it through the years.

It's a remarkable book and one which I'll return to again and again. Terry's mantra for life would be that whenever something causes you to stumble or fall, get up and start again.

The book would make a perfect birthday or Christmas gift for sporting Dads, Grandfathers, and friends instead of the annual present of ties or socks.

I rate this book with five stars, and I feel absolutely blessed for having read it.

You can view and purchase Terry's book at this link: Looking for Terry

Midweek Devotion: Real Truth

John 8:31-32 Then Jesus said to the people who had believed in Him, “If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (NRSV)

The ancient Greek word for “truth” in the Gospels is pronounced “aleethia.” It describes what is wholly free from pretense, deception, falsehood, or corruption. In the New Testament, the term often refers to God’s works and ways: an absolute divine reality that human caprice or whim cannot challenge or change.

During these days of political upheaval, people are sadly misled by masterful manipulators who label what’s true as ‘fake news’ or ‘fake reports.’ This undermines our national confidence and disrupts our daily lives. It’s an old Machiavellian ploy where lies are used to confuse groups of people and disrupt them. It’s far easier to conquer and control a divided society than to overcome a people who are united. Presently, truth is harder to find and corruption is easier to hide, but history tells us that eventually wrongdoers will be revealed and bullying liars will be exposed. 

The truth that Christ was referring to – the real truth – will remain throughout history and continue into the everlasting realm of God. This is why Jesus also declares that He is the Truth – the whole and unassailable truth – which cannot be diminished or destroyed by deceitful men. So, as followers of Christ, we are called to seek, know, and live by the Truth for only then, as Jesus wisely stated, will we become truly free.

Point to ponder: How can God help me to discern the truth in today’s world?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, teach us to value truth above all else, for only God’s real, divine, and sacred truth can set us free. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

Midweek Devotion: Seeking Christ

John 6:24 Once the crowd realized that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus. (NIV)

              Years ago, I was looking for an old recording of a conversation that I had with some dear friends which took place at a local radio station where I once hosted a weekly religious program. One of them had just died and I wanted to hear his voice again, as well as the remarkable story of his life which he shared with me and the radio listeners. I hunted high and low in my home, my study, my garage, and church office, but sadly I didn’t come across the CD recording. I know that I put it somewhere safe, so I’ll probably discover it when I’m searching for something else. Until then, I’ll just have to rely on the memories I have of my friend and all of the good times we shared.

              In today’s Gospel verse, the people are looking for Jesus, but He is nowhere to be found. The previous day, He had miraculously fed 5000 people, which made the crowd want to crown Him as their king. When they discovered that Jesus had gone elsewhere, they set out on their boats and sailed up to Capernaum where He usually resided. I’d like to think they were looking for Christ for all of the right reasons, but I suspect human nature being what it is, they were mostly looking for more miraculous free food.

              This Gospel incident has caused me to reflect on my own search for Jesus. Have I been seeking Him for all the right reasons, or do I have some selfish desires which I want Christ to fulfill? Am I looking to Jesus to straighten out my problems, overcome my difficulties, and fix my issues, or am I just humbly seeking to serve Him because He is my Lord and King? I hope and pray that it has more to do with the latter.

Point to ponder

Am I looking for Jesus to do something in my life, or am I seeking to do something for Him?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You are the Lord of our lives and the King of all Creation. We are supposed to be Your servants and faithful followers. Help us to seek Your will in all we set out to accomplish and experience today. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.