|
|
|
|
| 16 Dec 2009 04:12:30 am |
| MICHAEL VICK, Quarterback, Philadelphia Eagles |
|
|
“Life is so much easier when you just focus on the things that matter most.”
On December 7, Michael Vick was interviewed by Hannah Storm, on ESPN Sports Center, following his return home to Atlanta and his key contribution to his team’s success over the Falcons. The question Hannah asked of Michael was: “How are you a different man?” His answer included today’s Real Zeal quote. To listen to the entire, very inspiring interview.
********************
Today’s Real Zeal message is the last one you will receive in 2009. And what a brilliant, wise, and relevant message it is. Many of us have a jam-packed two weeks in front of us – presents to buy, parties to attend, bills to pay, projects to complete before year-end. Life becomes do, do, DO. In the rush of it, it’s easy to lose sight of what matters most.
As a matter of fact, a reminder to focus on those things that matters most – our family, our friends, our passions, our God – may be the best advice any of us could receive right now.
There’s another reason today’s message is so relevant. The Christmas season is a celebration of new life and new beginnings. No athlete better qualifies than Michael Vick. This is someone who’s been to prison, who thought he might never play football again, and who clearly had lost his way in the world.
Yet, as you watch and listen to Michael Vick, he’s a new man. And according to him, without prison, he might never have changed, might not have become someone who knows that “Life is so much easier when you just focus on the things that matter most.”
As we enter two of the most hectic weeks of the year and commence on our own new beginnings for 2010, may we all remember that focusing on those things that matter most to us, those things that are near and dear to our heart – may be our single best access to an easy and fulfilled life.
To learn more about this 'reborn' inspired athlete, continue reading.
****************
Michael Vick is a fallen athlete – a former superstar and a highly paid, hugely successful professional athlete. But he had a dark side – he was someone who could not escape his past, nor the negative elements associated with it. And because he was a follower of that past and not a leader out of it, he has suffered severe consequences.
In November of 2007, Michael Vick was convicted on federal dog fighting charges and sentenced to 23 months in Leavenworth Prison. Dog fighting is a horrible, inhumane activity and because of Michael’s actions, millions of people turned against him.
Fast-forward to today. Michael Vick is in the process of turning his life around. He’s back in professional football, and slowly but surely making his mark again.
More importantly, he’s a changed man. His CHARACTER is altering. And, he is beginning to make a difference in the very world he trafficked in – humanity to dogs.
Michael is traveling the country speaking to the impoverished children who face invitations to participate in dog fighting almost every day. And Michael Vick is imploring them to not do what he did. And these young people are listening.
According to, Michael Markarian, the chief operating officer for the Humane Society of the United States, "He is reaching hundreds of kids and steering them away from dog fighting.” In other words, Michael Vick has become part of the solution where he used to be part of the problem.
Returning to today’s Real Zeal message, Michael Vick has learned a huge lesson. And according to him, he would not have changed were it not for prison.
In his interview with Hannah Storm, here is what he had to say:
“I have different views and a totally different perspective on life. Just realizing what’s important in life and that’s family. And not feel obligated to so many people. And I find out that life is so much easier when you just focus on the things that matter most. ... You know I would have never changed had I not went to Kansas. It helped me. I think everything happens for a reason.”
Sometimes, the most inspiring stories are the stories of redemption. And Michael Vick’s is surely one of those.
Happy Holidays everyone! |
|
| |
Category : General
| Posted By : admin |
|
|
|
| The URI to TrackBack this entry is :
http://inspiredathletes.com/trackback.php/59 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
