(Bart Starr, retired quarterback of the Green Bay Packers, and fine Christian gentleman, went to be with the Lord this past weekend. I am both sad and happy, for reasons expressed in the following, a repeat from more than decade ago. The thought occurs to me on the occasion of sending this out again that from his Heavenly vantage point, Bart would remind us that a life well lived originates and proceeds from the Lord Jesus who so well lives in those who trust Him. Thanks, Glen).
"Bart Starr"
When I was growing up, I loved professional football, I loved the Green Bay Packers, and I loved Bart Starr. As an adult, I've lost interest in pro football and the Packers. However, I still greatly admire Bart Starr as a person, now far more than as a football player.
Mr. Starr is legendary here in his home state of Alabama. Certainly Bart's on the field exploits in a football-crazy state have much to do with his notoriety. Even more, however, he is known for the life he has lived and the things he has done as the expression of God's grace in the Lord Jesus Christ. I recall the story told by a gentleman whose car broke down on the highway. Many drivers passed by without stopping to help. Finally, a car pulled over to the side of the road behind the stalled vehicle. The driver of the car who stopped to offer aid was Bart Starr. Again, this is one of many stories told by Alabamians about a man honored as the 1960s Player of the Decade in the National Football League. Mr. Starr has quietly honored his Lord with a life of self sacrificial devotion to God and people.
I have a personal Bart Starr story. A few years ago our family stopped at a fruit stand in central Alabama as we returned home from vacation. The stand is known for its peach ice cream, and we went in to enjoy a treat. As I stood in line, a man passed by, leaving the store. I took little notice, but later, through the plate glass windows of the building, I realized that Bart Starr had crossed my path. I could see him getting into his car where his wife waited. Rather than immediately leave, they sat in the car, enjoying their ice cream.
I faced a dilemma. A strong inclination gripped me to go out to the car and tell Mr. Starr what a blessing he had been to me, both as a football player and as a Christian gentleman. For nearly a half century, he has held a special place in my heart. I finally had an opportunity to tell him so. However, another thought came to mind, which eventually guided my actions. People of prominence such as Bart Starr have a difficult time finding private moments to simply enjoy the small things of life. Moreover, I could say nothing to him he hasn't heard a thousand times. Most importantly, he shared an interlude with his wife that did not need to be interrupted. I therefore decided to thank the Lord for a nice blessing, and allow Mr. and Mrs. Starr their privacy.
I've always been glad I did that. It would have been nice to actually meet Bart Starr. I found it far nicer, however, to exercise the same respect he would likely have shown, given the same situation. In fact, I think my actions in that moment were guided to some degree by the things I knew to be true of Mr. Starr. He serves as a prime example of a Christian gentleman. I want to be the same. It says much about Bart Starr that he could inspire such a determination, and it says even more about the Lord Jesus who so lives in God's trusting children that they can have such profound influence on each other. Indeed, I am sure that Mr. Starr would give all glory to His Savior for the life he has lived. Wonderfully, those who of us who have been blessed by Bart are also inspired to give glory to the same Savior who shines so brightly in those who trust and submit to Him. People like Bart Starr.
"As it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord."
(I Corinthians 1:31)
Weekly Memory Verse
"As it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord."
(I Corinthians 1:31)
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