02.13.2009 5:58 am
The A-Rod story should make us even more thankful for Pujols
SPECIAL TO THE POST-DISPATCH
When my sons heard the “A-Rod did ‘roids” story on the radio, my eleven-year old said, “I sure am glad Albert Pujols never took steroids.”
Ditto.
Kids - whether they are 11 or 34 - need heroes. Thank you Albert, for your Christian witness - the talk and the walk.
Scott Lamb pastored Providence Baptist Church in St. Louis for seven years, and now serves as Director of Research for the President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. 
Everyone likes a winner. And a guy who can hit home runs. Go Pujols, Go Cardinals!
The only thing I don’t like about the guy is his “thanks to God” gesture whenever he hits the long ball. I thought he had “natural” talent that he developed and brought to the Big Show. It gives kids - whether they are 11 or 34 - the wrong idea: that Pujols’ talent is somehow “supernatural” and that “God” has interceded on his behalf. (What about all the amputee soldiers coming home from Bush’s War? Why doesn’t God grow any of them a new limb?) Sure, next to Pujols, we may seem like mere mortals, but the fact is, so is Albert Pujols.
We are advised not to pray on street corners “for show.”
As to the amputee’s, God did grow them limbs along with a life, and with that comes the opportunity to choose how to spend it.
There is honor in choosing how one spends their life and limbs. Some may choose not to blame, and maintain for themselves the full honor of their sacrifice.
Evidence or not, this is the story of Jesus.
Hello “Another”,
Thank you for the favor of your replies, posts#2 and #3, page#1 at 8:24 am and 9:10 am Feb 16.
At first, I was mildly excited that you had an example of “God did grow [amputees] limbs”, but then I noticed you were just referring to some Bible fiction. You do know that people made up and told stories in the BC era, right? Perhaps I misunderstood; if so, please provide a link or other reference if you have it. You know me: I am definitely interested!
In the meantime, I hope Big Al knocks another 40 out of the park this year (!), but doesn’t disown his abilities each and every time by disingenuously ascribing them to “God” or “Jesus”. (As “Another” suggests: it’s inadvisable to pray “for show”.) Thanks for providing a non-steroid model of success, Mr. Pujols.
More evidence that he sees what you do not, the seams on the fast ball!
No doubt in my mind that he owns his abilities, and the opposing pitchers!
Gratitude, in any form, does not absolve us of our responsibility in the world. Practisng both gratitude and humility provide access to what is available to us. Pride is counter productive to this end.
He works hard at his skills, and through gratitude and humility acknowledges that more is available to him. All great lessons in growth from someone who is a master.