Answering the Call

2nd Corinthians 4:
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 

One of the great stories, I believe, about the National Championship season for Alabama is the response that the team had to a very tragic situation that took place in Tuscaloosa in April.   That was the day that a potent F4 tornado came within yards of the University campus, damaging homes, displacing students, and resulting in the sudden end to the school year.   It's been a rebuilding year for Tuscaloosa - physically, and emotionally, and the University of Alabama players played a key role.  

Nick Saban really desired for his team to be part of the healing - for the city and the state - and for one of its own.  You see, Crimson Tide long snapper Carson Tinker's girlfriend perished...in his arms...after being carried from the house where they were huddled.   Bruce Feldman of CBS Sports wrote this:

The camaraderie that can build within these teams is truly one of the best things about sports. Not just about what it can mean to these 18- and 19-year-olds, but also the faith and trust they can feel from those around them who invest so much energy and passion into supporting them.

This year's Crimson Tide developed a unique sense of community and support for one another - I believe that is why Coach Saban said it was a special team, and why there are those who think he enjoyed this one more than before.

The adversity the team faced and their response provides some valuable lessons for us.   Another football story I discovered this summer was the amazing journey of Brenda Warner, wife of NFL great Kurt Warner.    In her book, One Call Away, Brenda shares her challenges:  such as an accident that left her son blind and brain damaged, a tornado that killed both her parents, her relationship with Kurt, and the pressures that his sudden success brought to their family.  Through all of those challenges, she discovered a source of strength, giving her the power to answer the call, when that "one call" comes - offering hope when the circumstances would seem hopeless.   When we face trials, we can trust the hand of God, leaning on Him, and leaning on others, and learning that He is our only source of hope.   When challenges - or opportunities - call...how will we answer?