I just loved this past weekend. First off, Saturday, I was able to enjoy an incredible breakfast with several of the men of LFC and then watch the video feed of the Athlete's in Action, and listen to Tony Dungy speak and of course share his faith. Lovie Smith was not there, but via video gave a moving statement of his friendship with Dungy and his deep faith in God. Neither man was afraid there or on National T.V. to share that their faith was in Jesus Christ. In the spotlight, before a huge percentage of Americans and thousands of people in the stadium, thanks to God was being declared for the win. Nothing new - we have heard that before. But something was different this time. Owner of the Colts, Jim Irsay started it off and later Peyton Manning would chime in. But because these are men of known faith, principle and godly character, it was genuine and moving. Now, thanking God for winning a sport event is nothing new, but there was a deeper message here. They were thanking God for all He had done for them, who He had helped them to be. They were thanking God because they did not want to glory in the moment without glorying in Him. Dungy said this, as reported by NFL.com:
“This is a great time for both of us,” Dungy said. “I’m so happy Lovie got to the Super Bowl because he does things the right way. He’s gotten there with a lot of class, no intimidation, just helping his guys play the best they can. That’s the way I try to do it and I think it’s great we’ve been able to show the world that not only can African-American coaches do it, but Christian coaches can do it in a way that you know we can still win.”
While some media omitted or edited out the statements by Dungy, the live acceptance speech was clear. It thrilled me as I used Dungy's Saturday comments in my sermon. It thrilled me as we had a most incredible time of worship and the sense of God's presence in our midst and around our communion time. Eight people said, 'Yes' to Jesus and many responded to the fact that they were not living their lives according to the 'play book' God had for them. To live God's way. While those eight people may forget who won the Super Bowl, they will never forget the day they gave their lives to Jesus Christ. They will remember the work of His hand! The day they decided to live God's way.
As quoted in the Times:
“I tell you what, I’m proud to be representing African-American coaches, to be the first African-American coach to win this,” Dungy said. “It means an awful lot to our country. But again, more than anything, I said it before, Lovie Smith and I, not only the first two African-Americans, but Christian coaches showing you can win doing it the Lord’s way. We’re more proud of that.”
I think it is great that two men of color have become coaches and that they went to the Super Bowl, but greater sill is there faith. Though there are some on the internet buzzing over the fact that the quotes have been changed and much of the Christian emphasis removed - people like 
ESPN.com’s Michael Smith wants everyone to stop “talking about the colors of these men’s skin” and start talking about the faith and values factor:
"Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith are Christian men who serve the Lord first and spend nearly as much time serving their communities. Doesn’t prevent them from winning. And often. In just three seasons Smith, last season’s Coach of the Year, has helped build the Bears into a league power. Dungy has won more regular season games than any coach since 1999. Where does color factor into that?
After they won their conference championships, you heard Smith talk about his “being blessed” and Dungy give thanks to God. That isn’t just lip service with these guys. As Christians they believe it is their responsibility to let their light shine whenever they’re in the spotlight. Just as they have a game plan for each other come Super Bowl Sunday, both plan to use the global platform that the Super Bowl provides to speak words that could make an impact beyond football. At his oldest son James’ funeral last year, Dungy used the eulogy as an opportunity to teach lessons about manhood and fatherhood."
When networks tend to avoid showing incidents on the field that represent faith, I don’t expect TV commentators to start talking about the faith of Dungy and Smith, but I do predict they will talk about all those wonderful values and deeds done by the coaches. The problem with this is that when you talk about a person like Dungy or Smith and do not bring up their faith you are ignoring the core of that person’s being.
But the more you learn about these two men, the more it becomes apparent their close friendship stems from something far deeper than race — their convictions. Both are devout Christians who don’t drink or curse.Rather than belittle players with profanity-laced tirades on the sidelines, they shoot a stare that delivers the message loud and clear."
Paul the Apostle said this:
Romans 1:16
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. (NIV)
Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World, said it this way:
Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (NIV)
May it be our way to live too.
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