Welcome to our new regular feature here at Christian in the Rough, called Things that Are Excellent.
There are so many things worth celebrating these days, but it seems they often get drowned out by things that shock.
Things that inflame.
Things that are controversial.
Things that are sexy.
Things that…”sell”.
A few weeks ago I got to thinking about all sorts of different things that are admirable, excellent, and worthy of praise.
I thought, ”Someone should provide a venue for stuff like that to be celebrated.”
About then, God came in and whispered, “Dude…”
…and Things that Are Excellent was born!
Each week we’ll share and celebrate things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely and admirable. Things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Join in, suggest a topic, or even submit a guest post. We’ll give you some more details below!
But first, our current feature - Hall of Fame NBA basketball player David Robinson.
Those who know me may be surprised at this choice. After all, I’m not much of a basketball fan. I’ve been to two live NBA games in my life, plus one Harlem Globetrotters game back in the day of Curly Neal and Geese Ausbie (it was awesome!).
Other than that, I have never watched a basketball game from start to finish.
I had never heard of David Robinson until after he had retired and been inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
So what is it about David Robinson that made him the first choice for Things that Are Excellent?
It wasn’t the fact that he’s considered one of the greatest centers to play the game. It wasn’t the long list of awards and accomplishments from his time on the hardwood. It wasn’t even for his philanthropic efforts, which have totalled more than $11 million.
It’s for the speech he gave at his Hall of Fame enshrinement.
Listen to the love, encouragement, appreciation and thanksgiving in all that he says. See the look in his wife’s eyes at 2:43. Yes, 7:40 is considered way too long for a featured video in a blog post, but trust me. You will want to watch every second.
From his time serving in the US Navy, David Robinson earned the nickname “The Admiral”.
After hearing his speech, I’d like to add a couple of letters and make it “The Admirable”.
David Robinson’s enshrinement speech – excellent!
Do you have a feature idea for Things that Are Excellent, or a guest post that you’d like to submit? Let us know your comments below or email your ideas to: excellent@larryhehn.com
David Rupert (4)
Just Sayin (4)
Liz McLennan (3)
ACA The Underground (2)
bill (cycleguy) (2)
Kevin Martineau (2)
Barbara Drewry (1)
Jennifer (1)
Juan Cruz Jr (1)
Julie Stewart (1)
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Tears! Go David! Wow!
Yep Andrea, I think that’s all I could say after seeing that video for the first time. Wow!
Great series. I’m looking forward to it!
The first idea that pops into my head is the testimony of Micheal Leehan. He wrote the book Ascent from Darkness. You should check out his site.
He is a modern day Saul Paul as he once persecuted the church and now is serving God with all he has.
Another idea is Erica McNeal, she wrote the book Good Grief. She has overcome death of children and battling cancer on more than one occasion and now she uses her experiences to minister to others.
tcavey recently posted..The Cost of Discipleship Chapter 7
Thank you very much for the suggestions, TC. I’ll be sure to check them out!
This looks like a great weekly series Larry! I look forward to what you are going to present.
Kevin Martineau recently posted..An amazing example of sportsmanship and grace
I’m very excited about it too, Kevin. Thanks!
Robinson is a legend. I’ve always admired that guy, despite the fact that he played for the Spurs.
Stephen Haggerty recently posted..Parking Lot Rage
Heck, I’d admire him even if he was with the Celtics.
Yep. I made my eyes water, especially when he honored his wife and kids.
Juan Cruz Jr recently posted..Daily Deposits
If I ever get enshrined into any Hall of Fame, I want to give a speech like that.