Tag Archives: University of Pennsylvania

Finally A Champion

Posted on February 9, 2018 by expressyourself4him

 

My father played college football at the University of Pennsylvania from 1961 to 1964.  At this time, the Philadelphia Eagles played their home games at Franklin Field, the Quakers stadium on campus.  My father got to know some of these players, fresh off the 1960 championship team led by Norm Van Brocklin on offense and Tommy McDonald on the defensive side.  Human nature suggested another championship was close, possibly just around the corner, yet none came while my dad was a college student living in Philadelphia.

Awake and rouse yourself for my vindication, for my cause, my God and my Lord! – Psalm 35:23

When the team that you are on or cheer for is not victorious, losing takes its toll.  If seasons lead to decades and decades to half centuries, negative thoughts turn fans into cynics.  This loser mentality causes individuals to expect the worst, turning self fulfilled prophecies into reality.  Perhaps this may explain why national sports writers labeled the city of Philadelphia, negadelphia.  As this championship drought continued for 57 years, people struggling with self-esteem issues adopted the Cowboys, Patriots, Steelers or 49ers as their team.  This front runner mentality further alienated diehard Eagles fans from those who jumped off the Wentz Wagon after Carson’s season ending injury.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose, Romans 8:28.

Yet, it took a Christian head coach, Doug Peterson, a man of faith who painted a vision that his team began to embrace to lead the way.  Fellow believers, Carson Wentz and Nick Foles, took turns passing the baton as quarterback, from one to the other, putting the team in front of selfish ambitions.  Thus, this group of under dogs did what the experts said was impossible, to beat the greatest coach and quarterback combination of all time.  When the clock finally struck zero after Tom Brady’s Hail Mary pass feel incomplete in Super Bowl 52, what Philadelphia fans dreamed of, hoped for and prayed about came true.  By the grace of God, the Philadelphia Eagles are finally a champion.

by Jay Mankus

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My Dad

Posted on June 22, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Since 1964, there have been several memorable songs in America and throughout the world.  One of the most popular, My Girl, was the first Temptation single to feature David Ruffin, the voice which transformed this group’s popularity.  However, on Father’s Day, I wonder why there hasn’t there been a similar song to honor dads, something like “My Dad.”  Although I will leave this up to professional song writers, I do think its vital to remember my own dad on this day.

As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him, Psalm 103:13.

My father was six feet tall as a twelve year old, a size that probably saved his life as the Russians began to invade his native Lithuania.  Fleeing his homeland and hiding in the Black Forest for weeks, my dad came to America with the clothes on his back.  Nothing was given to him as he earned a second language English, devoted himself to education and fell in love with the game of football, playing for the University of Pennsylvania before moving on to the Wharton School of Business.  From here, my dad went on to live the American dream, working his way up the corporate ladder before retiring after thirty years of service with the same company.

Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation, Psalm 68:5.

Today, I wish I had the same financial resources which my father provided, yet a different calling took me in another direction.  Though I dabbled with a career in golf as an architect and P.G.A. professional, the Holy Spirit nudged me toward youth ministry.  Weaving in coaching, teaching and writing, I’m not sure what the ending of my story on earth will look like.  Nonetheless, I am grateful for a wonderful father, encouraging family and a faith that steers me near the narrow road.  From here, all I can do is honor my father and mother, provide for my wife and children and only hope that I can have as much as an impact as my own father had on me.  Happy Father’s Day to all of you dad’s!

by Jay Mankus

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Unlikely Sources of Intelligence

Posted on January 18, 2013 by expressyourself4him

There was a time in this country when a high school diploma meant something.  Today, in an age of endless education, you have to acquire this certification and that degree along with these essential skills to get away where or be anyone.  Unless of course, you are drawn toward an unlikely source of intelligence.

During the first century, there were 2 main classes, the elite and peasants.  Thus, only the wealthy could afford higher education.  The poor endured the school of hard knocks, entering lesser trades like fishing.  This is the backdrop of Acts 4, where the upper class attempt to scold 2 unschooled fishermen.

Following their Rabbinical School Teaching, the high priest, elders and teachers of the law were set in their minds to punish Peter and John for not obeying cultural traditions as each spent one night in jail prior to their public hearing.  Relying on superior intellect, Peter and John had the deck stacked against until Peter became plugged into a source out of this world, Acts 4:8.  After this the religious leaders never had a prayer, over matched according to Acts 4:13-14.

I can relate to this event due to an unusual twist of fate.  My parents are both Ivy League graduates, attending the University of Pennsylvania, with my dad earning his masters from the Wharton School of Business.  On the other hand, my 2 older sisters and I were average B students, wondering when or if the IQ of our parents might ever be passed on to us.  Like Peter and John, I felt over matched until I began to mediate on and study God’s word, Joshua 1:8.  Similar to the Holy Spirit, this unlikely source from a worldly perspective has even astonished me at times.  If you feel as if you are lacking the knowledge you need, get plugged into God today!

by Jay Mankus

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