VICKtory: From Criminal to Renewed Man of God

Roughly two years ago football sensation Michael Vick went from star to cell mate, from highly respected to being hated upon by millions for the horrific crime he committed. As a result of Vick's catastrophic crime with regard to animal cruelty, specifically running a dog fighting ring and endorsing the extreme torturing of these animals, Michael was convicted and locked up for nearly two years. There is no doubt in my mind that Vick deserved every single day that he spent in federal prison, however for him this time not only saved his life and what he is now living for, but helped him rediscover a new desire for a relationship with God.

To begin with, there is a monumental problem when it comes to athletes and criminal activity. Unfortunately these super stars are not capable of dealing with all the fame and wealth that goes along with the turf of being a professional athlete. This however is no excuse for their actions, but instead all the more reason why they need to be treated the same as a regular blue collar worker would be. With that said, it was very disappointing to hear of Michael Vick's role in animal cruelty. I have always been a fan of Vick, a pretty big fan, however as soon as the allegations came to fruition, that #7 Falcons Jersey was tossed in the trash. I refused to support a criminal who was supposed to be a role model.

Time is a precious gift that God grants to us all. We certainly do not know when we will be called from this life, therefore it is important that we make the most of the time we have on a daily basis. Michael Vick learned this valuable lesson while being locked up in prison for nearly two years. Like I said before, he deserved ever bit of punishment that he received and it is fair that Vick will have to deal with the boycott of his reinstatement by outraged fans. When a bad choice is made, the consequences and time have to be paid. Fortunately, Michael was able to change his perspective on life while behind bars. This humbling experience forced Vick to open his eyes and more importantly his heart. Even for a man who seemed to be on top of the world having it all, the money, the fame, the glory of being an NFL Quarterback, he was missing the most important aspect a real relationship with Christ. Although I do not know Michael personally, I do know that his mentor and spiritual advisor through this entire process, Tony Dungy helped Vick see a light at the end of the tunnel.

Furthermore, most people do not realize how great of an impact the former head coach of the Colts, Tony Dungy has on young men. Coach Dungy has not only written a number of books, one which I have recently read entitled, "Uncommon," but he has chosen to lead young men to living a life of better character, morals, in hopes that they find God. Coach Dungy was an outstanding play caller and awesome guy for any owner to have to lead his team. He was highly successful as an NFL player and coach, even winning the Super Bowl a few years ago. However, coach Dungy stepped off the sideline because God was knocking at his heart and he asnwered. He knew there was a greater purpose for him in life, to lead young men to know the Lord.

Therefore, in order to live out his calling of Prison Ministry on a more full time basis, coach Dungy went into the prison cells with troubled youth and young men across the country. One of these young men who received the love and help of coach Dungy was Michael Vick. Tony Dungy remains Vick's mentor and if he feels Michael is a changed man, I believe it. Time will ultimately tell, but for now it is nice to see how one man can reach out to another man and help him through tough times, make him learn what he did was wrong and help him make things right. Coach Dungy knows what it takes for one to change to become an UNCOMMON man, a man who will have a great impact on his family, his peers, and those younger who look up to them as a role model. Michael Vick can be one of these men. These life changing lessons were invaluable for Vick, who is now making things right by working with the humane society on a regular basis, advocating for animal rights, and most importantly speaking to youth accross the country about making good decisions. Michael said that he is a changed man. Coach Dungy believes that Vick has a new desire to live life to the fullest when it comes to his family, his friends, his committment to being a good role model for youth, and most of all in his relationship with God.

All in all, these very principles are going to be what it will take for Michael Vick to regain the respect of not only football fans, but people throughout the world. I believe in second chances, we all make mistakes and if we are truly remorseful should be helped on to the road of Victory. There is no doubt in my mind that God can change a person's heart, as the Lord Jesus has the power to reconcile and to heal, to allow one to get rid of the old self and put on the new. Certainly, there are football fans who are eager to see Vick on the grid iron again. I am definitely one of them. However, I am more excited to see this man close one chapter of his life which has weighed him down for the past years and to start a new one. Michael Vick has been given a second chance, it is now up to him to not only say the right things, but most importantly be a doer of his words and those that Coach Dungy has professed about him. Michael paid the time for his crime. It is now time for us as a forgiving people to embrace him. I would love to see Michael Vick lead the Eagles to a Super Bowl victory some day. Whether or not that will happen, I do not know. However, I am happy to see now and eager to see in time the man Michael is forming into. Vick is on the road to success in life as a person, not because of his money, not because of his fame or his glory, but because he has chosen to accept help, to accept change, and to accept that he needs God in his life more now than ever. Tony Dungy has won hundreds of games in his career as a player and coach, however there has been no sweeter VICKtory than for him to see Michael Vick leave prison as a changed man. My prayers are for Michael and his family; that he continues to walk in goodness and truth, that he fosters an ever growing relationship with God, and that he becomes a new ray of light for others which breaks through the darnkess. This is yet another example that God works wonders and miracles in life, that we can say through Christ we can all share in victory!

Camp Veritas...On Fire for God

One week is not a tremendous amount of time in the course of a person's lifetime, while one's lifetime is only a mere blip when it comes to eternity. However, depending upon how a week is spent, it most certainly can be life changing and extremely meaningful. About a week ago, I left Camp Veritas, a Catholic Camp for youth in the greater Central New York area, on fire for God. In terms of my faith and celebrating it with my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, I have had no experience that is like what I had at Camp Veritas. Veritas is Latin for TRUTH. The name of the camp is fitting because it challenges us as Christians to live by the truth and to continuously strive to follow our Lord Jesus Christ who is the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE. Unfortunately, we live in a day and age where power, wealth, sex, and fame is what is valued by the culture in our country. The importance of Religion is fading away more and more in the minds and hearts of those who live in this 21st Century. It is vital to realize that whether or not people wish to acknowledge God, He is as present as He has ever been! Camp Veritas provides one the opportunity and environment to take time away from "the World" and to spend quality time with God as well as hundreds of other fired up Catholics who wish to rekindle their faith.
Furthermore, it is so important to emphasize that although we live in a culture of death and sin, there are many people doing good, living through service of their fellow brothers and sisters, and ultimately living a life of LOVE. The Catholic faith is so important and the Church will always exist. During this age where Churches are closing and their is a lack of people accepting a call to religious life, we are challenged. Although it might seem a tough task or a big mountain to climb when we have to go against the grain of society on a daily basis, let us always remember that Jesus started with just twelve. Where two or three are gathered in His name, there He is with us. God will provide us the strength as long as we band together and do not give up. Camp Veritas is about encouraging youth to get to know Jesus on a personal basis, to live a life of love for the Church-the body of Christ, and to fully participate in the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord through the celebration of daily Mass and Adoration of the blessed Sacrament. Camp Veritas offers young people a chance to come together as ONE, to express there Faith, share it with others, and challenge themselves to go out into the world to make it a better place. Daily activities such as morning prayer, teachings and saying of the Rosary, music which includes praise and worship, help one come closer to God and grow in their desire to live for the Lord. This is what I experienced a Camp Veritas. Along with these great spiritual activities and testamonies each night, Camp Veritas is committed to also fostering the growth of the body through fun filled sports such as basketball, soccer, baseball, swimming, hockey, football, in addition to games and go-carts, rockwall, and a beautiful lake. What a way to spend a week, to take time out of life's business in order to grow closer to God and others who desire to do not their own will, but the will of the one who created them. Overall, Camp Veritas is about realizing that there is a God, and "I am not Him." As a result of living in a culture that tells us we can do whatever we please, whenever we please, our youth need a place where they can learn more about the Catholic faith and the Church which their blessed Mother protects. Through the love and committment of the YOUNG family, Camp Veritas is a place where the Holy Spirit is working and present, where youth come together to set their hearts of FIRE for GOD!