The Real Underdogs

There has been quite a lot of “underdog” talk in the City of Brotherly Love over the past few weeks. While professional football isn’t my first passion, I have to admit it’s been contagious. As I cut out dog masks “for the children,” I thought about what makes underdogs so attractive to everyone outside of New England. In CLI’s first programs, we incorporated leadership author Larry Wilson’s principle of “Playing to Win”. Playing to Win (not to be confused with “playing not to lose”) means giving it all, no matter the result, and choosing growth over fear. The underdogs don't earn their title because others know their value, but because they know it. The underdogs expect nothing, but give everything. The underdogs play like every game is their last, because it just might well be. And deep down, the underdogs and all those cheering for them, know the most important truth of all: even when they give it all, their talent by itself, will never be enough to experience victory. They believe in the impossible. I may wear my underdog shirt for the home team, but do I recognize my call to discipleship as a call to be a permanent underdog? Do I focus on who I am in God’s eyes as opposed to what the world might see? Do I give God everything, not to win His love, but to give thanks for Him allowing me simply to be on the field? Despite every sin and imperfection, do I play like I know that victory not only can be won, but has been won by the most impossible act of love the world has ever known? Boston or Philly, ring or no ring, let’s root for all of us to realize the Champion we all have in common. P.S. Fly Eagles Fly!