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Fantastic Lies

Posted on March 30, 2016 by expressyourself4him

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3BVUpoaXik

Over Spring Break, I spent a sleepless night catching up on several of ESPN’s 30 for 30 episodes.  The feature which struck a nerve was entitled Fantastic Lies, a documentary on three Duke University men’s lacrosse players who were falsely accused of rape.  Unfortunately, in recent years certain issues create a firestorm and in this typically case some are assumed to be guilty before all the facts are presented.

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful, Hebrews 10:23.

In this age of political correctness, innocent until proven guilty no longer applies.   The media has a tendency to jump to conclusions, labeling the villian and making it nearly imposible for justice to be achieved.  As the three Duke players and their parents found out, if Americans don’t have the financial means to defend themselves, fantastic lies can place the innocent behind bars.

So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded, Hebrews 10:35,

From an Easter perspective, those who fear Christianity continue to spread lies about Jesus.  As the sermon that I heard on Sunday proclaimed, if skeptics can prove Jesus never rose from the dead, the Christian faith would be destroyed.  Thus, fantastic lies continue today, hoping that one will cause countless to abandon their faith.  To prevent this trend from being effective, make sure that you open the Bible daily so that the truth within will set you free.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Why Josh Hamilton in Philly Pinstripes Makes Sense

Posted on December 1, 2012 by expressyourself4him

Like Bill Murray in Scrooged running from the ghosts of Christmas, Josh Hamilton understands the meaning of having a checkered past.  A former number one pick of the Tampa Bay Rays in 1999, this blue chip prospect had his baseball career derailed by a drug addiction.  A living example of 1 Corinthians 15:33-34, Josh Hamilton was led astray by his association with a tattoo parlor which influenced him to experiment with illegal drugs and alcohol.  After a visit to the Betty Ford drug rehabilitation center, Josh improved until failing his first of 2 drugs tests, leading to his exit of baseball for an extended period of time.

Josh’s story and comeback became a national headline after airing on ESPN’s Homecoming with Rick Reilly in January of 2009.  Appearing in his hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina, Josh shared skeletons from his past as well as his new relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.  After being traded to the Texas Rangers from the Chicago Cubs, his new team put in place an accountability system to prevent Josh from back sliding into his former bad habits.  Since being acquired from Chicago in 2007, Josh has been selected to 5 all-star teams, won the 2010 American League Most Valuable Player award and led Texas to 2 consecutive World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011.

As a current free agent, teams are afraid Josh’s body will break down physically, revert to his former life or simply isn’t worth the 4 years, 100 million dollar contract experts think he will receive.  This is where the Philadelphia Phillies make a great marriage on and off the field.  With Carlos Ruiz suspended for the first month of the season for using amphetamines, Josh Hamilton would look great between Chase Utley and Ryan Howard.  Although, this would make the Phillies vulnerable to left handed relievers, any right handed starting pitcher might soil their pants every 3 innings when facing these sluggers.

Off the field, Philadelphia has a history of strong charismatic Christian athletes on their professional sports teams beginning with Reggie White with the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1980’s.  Former eagle and future NFL hall of famer, Brian Dawkins would make a great mentor for Josh Hamilton, a true example of Jesus Christ.  Meanwhile, Josh could reside in Ocean City, New Jersey, a dry city since its establishment in 1879, a little over an hour drive from Citizen’s Bank Park.  Christians flock from all over the East Coast to this quaint beach side community, a perfect place for Josh to call home.  I may be dreaming of another big free agent signing, yet Josh Hamilton would look great in Phillies’ pinstripes.

by Jay Mankus

former mini-tour member and P.G.A. Qualifying school participant

former staff writer for Travel Golf Media

former Bible teacher, counselor and youth pastor

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