7 Days of Manly Superbowl Stuff – Day 4 (Kurt Warner Day)
Although I’m a HUGE Steelers fan, I’m going to be “ecumenical” today and give up a big shout out to Kurt Warner, the QB for the Arizona Cardinals. This guy’s got one amazing story. We might be familiar with the part of the story that includes his going from the grocery store stockboy to Superbowl MVP, but most of us aren’t familiar with the side of the story that goes like this…
Kurt grew up in an abusive home. He worked hard throughout his youth to overcome those odds and eventually made it to training camp with the Green Bay Packers, but was later released from the team. While working as a stock boy at the local Hy-Vee grocery store, he noticed Brenda, the checkout girl. He stayed after his shift one day and offered her a ride home; as he dropped her off, he asked if he could see her again, outside of work. She said it wasn’t possible. See, Brenda was a divorcee with two kids from an abusive previous marriage. Most men run to the hills at the sound of a story like that. Kurt was different, he wanted to take the kids with them on their date. She said it wasn’t possible. See, Brenda’s son was born a paraplegic and was in a wheelchair. No man would possibly want that situation to enter his seemingly normal life. Kurt was different, he wanted to help Brenda and her kids. Within a year of their first date, Kurt and Brenda were married. Kurt adopted Brenda’s son and daughter and together they have two additional children. Kurt went on to be signed as a free agent with the St. Louis Rams and was named 1999 League MVP as well as MVP of Superbowl XXXIV. (Only Bart Starr, Terry Bradshaw, Joe Montana, Emmitt Smith and Steve Young achieved that honor before him. They are all Hall of Famers!) Kurt attributes his success in the NFL and in life to his personal Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
See, Kurt manned up. He took struggle, hardships and seeming defeat and worked harder than they could. He continued to be faithful to Jesus and never let anything get in the way of his dreams. He found a woman that he loved and did whatever he could to win her heart. (He pursued her without end.) He treats her as his queen and loves every child, even a paraplegic. (Our society would suggest that a paraplegic is sub-human and should be aborted in the womb.) Kurt sets a great example for us about being a husband, father and dreamer. Thanks Kurt!
Man up!
