Tebow Takes Stand in Super Bowl Ad

Amazing what a 30-second commercial that hasn't aired yet can do. The controversy that has erupted over the decision by CBS to allow a pro-life commercial during the Super Bowl with Tim Tebow and his mom, Pam, has been interesting, to say the least...

If you haven’t heard about it, here are the basics...In the commercial, Pam Tebow tells how when she was pregnant with Tim, she had become ill and doctors advised her to have an abortion. And of course, that child grew to become one of the best quarterbacks to ever play college football, winning two national championships at the University of Florida as well as a Heisman Trophy. Most importantly, throughout his college career, Tim has always praised God and given Him all the glory.

Produced by Focus on the Family, the ad has drawn criticism from pro-choice women’s groups who say it is “extremely intolerant and divisive and pushing an un-American agenda.”

Amazing how something is only divisive when it runs counter to their viewpoint. And this from the same people who are always preaching tolerance....Suddenly, there’s zero tolerance...

And it leaves me asking the question, what’s so divisive about supporting life?

Goodbye, Mr. Baseball

The great Bobby Bragan was laid to rest today in Fort Worth. He died last week at the grand age of 92. For anyone who knows anything about baseball, Bobby was truly “Mr. Baseball.” Those of us in the Dallas/Fort Worth area were blessed to have had him here...

Besides playing for the Phillies and Dodgers, Bobby also managed the Pirates, Indians and Braves, and of course, the Fort Worth Cats, back when they were in the Dodgers farm system. That’s how he came to be known as Fort Worth’s Ambassador of Baseball...He also worked for my beloved Rangers.

He played for and was a protégé of Branch Rickey, the manager who helped break the color barrier in the majors with Jackie Robinson. Bobby was quick to admit that he had initially resented Jackie’s playing ... but he later said he considered it an honor to be his teammate.

More importantly than his love for baseball and the legacy he leaves behind in the sport, Bobby leaves a legacy of faith—he loved God first. I was blessed to have known him, and blessed to have called him friend. I don’t believe there will ever be another Bobby Bragan here on earth, but, I tell you what, I’m sure he’s organized a few games in heaven already.

If you’re a baseball fan, you have to get a copy of his autobiography, You Can’t Hit the Ball with the Bat on Your Shoulder: The Life and Times of Bobby Bragan.

Super Bowl Preview at PowerLunch

For football fans, there couldn’t be anything much cooler than PowerLunch on Tuesday. You’ve heard me talk about PowerLunch, our weekly lunchtime gathering at Prestonwood that features a diverse lineup of speakers each season.

Well, even though our Cowboys made a quick exit in the playoff game against the Vikings last Sunday, football still reigns here in the Dallas area. So nearly 900 people showed up to hear James Brown, of The NFL Today on CBS. James and his crew will handle the pre-game show for the Super Bowl XLIV. The icing on the cake was having the legendary Pat Summerall interviewing James. As you know, Pat’s worked a few Super Bowls himself...16 to be exact.

So they talked a little about football, about life and most importantly about God. James said that he wants to be transparent in life and hopes his new book, Role of a Lifetime: Reflections on Faith, Family, and Significant Living, will be a good witness. Viewed by millions each week, James himself is already a good witness with his impeccable character and integrity.

Prayer and A Heart for Haiti

The news emerging from Haiti in the wake of the most powerful earthquake ever recorded in the poorest nation in the world, is heart-wrenching, to say the least. Thousands could be dead—thousands of souls who likely never heard the life-transforming message of the Gospel.

My heart aches.

Not only because of the sheer devastation and pain being endured by those who have survived; not only because many more are trapped in the tangled mess of concrete and steel; not only because it is a nation that is beyond poor; not only because I have a heart for the people of Haiti, having lived in South Florida for many years ... My heart aches because I know my Savior’s heart aches for the lost souls.

The Gospel of the bleeding heart demands a commitment of a broken heart, and before we will ever be effective in reaching our lost world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we must be broken with the burden of God ... a burden for souls.

Are you broken with that burden?

Pray for Haiti; pray for those who will hear the Gospel because of this catastrophic earthquake; pray for those who will take the Good News to this hurting place.

I am grateful for international Christian relief organizations such as Samaritan’s Purse. Led by my great friend Franklin Graham, Samaritan’s Purse is among the first-arriving relief groups at most disasters throughout the world. When better to show the love of Christ than when people need it most, when they can see no hope beyond the disaster and despair?

Samaritan’s Purse has already dispatched a team to help with clean water, shelter and medical care. Click here to learn more about this ministry and to support it financially ... and keep it in your prayers. Prestonwood members, you may also give through our church, designating "Haiti" or "Disaster Relief Fund." We will then provide those funds to Samaritan's Purse.

Another Idol Beginning

For Team Graham, tomorrow is an exciting day—the start of a new season of American Idol. (Actually, this is a pretty great week with 24 starting on Sunday…more on that another time.)

Sure there’s a lot of drama and backstage nonsense that comes with these high-profile judges… But at the heart of Idol is an amazing few months of uncovering talent that has touched the world. It’s an incredible thing to witness (sometimes) raw talent unfold and refined over the course of the season. And like last season, you get to pull for someone such as Kris Allen who loves the Lord and uses his gift of music to glorify God.

My family and I have enjoyed every season, and hope tomorrow night’s season premiere sets a good tone for what’s to come. Here are my top five American Idol singers:

1) Carrie Underwood

2) Kris Allen

3) Daughtry

4) Katharine McPhee

5) Mandisa

Let me know your top five…

Brit Hume's Bold Stand

When Brit Hume stepped out in faith, the world took notice. Just as he left his colleagues on the set of Fox News Sunday momentarily speechless, everyone else who has watched the clip on YouTube has the same reaction … certainly not all for the same reasons. No one is in the middle on this. Before I say anymore, in case you don’t have a clue what I’m talking about, Brit Hume had a message for the tarnished Tiger Woods on the Sunday program:

“The extent to which he can recover seems to me depends on his faith. He is said to be a Buddhist. I don’t think that faith offers the kind of forgiveness and redemption that is offered by the Christian faith. My message to Tiger would be, ‘Tiger, turn to the Christian faith and you can make a total recovery and be a great example to the world.’”

All you have to do is Google this story to see the incredible divide. There are those who exclaim, “How dare he?” while others of us are praising God for the boldness to proclaim what we know as Truth.

I read an excellent piece today by Peter Wehner in National Review Online. I think you'll agree that it makes some great points that you might not otherwise read or hear on most secular publications or networks.

Let me know what you think...

True (Maybe) Facts about Chuck Norris

I saw my good friend Chuck Norris on Huckabee on Saturday. (Great to see him and Mike paired up again!) Chuck was talking about his new paperback, The Official Chuck Norris Fact Book: 101 of Chuck’s Favorite Facts and Stories. Let me just tell you, it is funny! I think it’s hilarious that on the cover, in a yellow starburst is a quote from Chuck: “I officially approve The Official Chuck Norris Fact Book.”

I’ve known Chuck for a long time and I’m always glad to see him and his wife, Gena, attend Prestonwood when they’re in town. Obviously, I think the world of him and I’m pretty sure some of the facts in the book are true! So, in honor of my superhero friend, here are some of my faves:

• “When Chuck Norris was born, the only person who cried was the doctor. Never slap Chuck Norris.”

• “Lightning never strikes twice in the same place, because Chuck Norris is looking for it.”

• “Chuck Norris can eat just one Lay’s potato chip.”

• “Chuck Norris’s mind is connected to the Internet. He refreshes Web pages by blinking.”

• “There is no chin behind Chuck Norris’ beard. There is only another fist.”

• “Chuck Norris never uses a stunt double, except during crying scenes.”

• “When Chuck Norris wants an egg, he cracks open a chicken.”

• “Chuck Norris never loses his way because all roads lead to Chuck Norris.”

• “Chuck Norris uses Tabasco sauce for eye drops.”

• “On the seventh day, God rested ... and Chuck Norris took over.”

If you’re looking for a quick read with lots of laughs, go pick up a copy of the book and let me know which facts you liked.