inspired...it's time.

call me crazy.. but today i'm going to write about my favorite sports team... ever.

The Texas Rangers. I know that sounds a little ridiculous, but this team reallyinspires me.

Yeah, maybe not all of the guys are Christians, maybe they don't make the best decisions in life, and maybe they all make mistakes..but they're human. I've noticed more and more lately how much of a TEAM the Rangers are. They pour into each others' lives on and off the field, and it's so evident, especially this season. The Rangers, as individuals, and as a team.. inspire me.

example number 1: Josh Hamilton.
I know most everyone knows his story, or at least the gist of it. I know you've heard that he leaves the room during the crazy celebrations with alcohol, and I know most of you probably know that he relapsed in his addiction and made mistakes, fairly recently. I bet a lot of you don't know that he sometimes goes out and shares his testimony with fans after the games, and i bet a lot of you don't know that the songs he chose to play while he walks up to bat are Christian songs. The man is incredible. If you haven't watched his I am Second video.. watch it:

http://www.iamsecond.com/

example number 2: CJ Wilson.

I watched an interview with CJ recently and I was blown away. I had no idea that he was such an incredible guy. He has never had a drop of alcohol, never smoked, and never done any drugs in his life. He goes with Josh Hamilton to do alternative celebrations, too. This is my first example of showing how incredibly close this team is.. as individuals, and humans, not just professional baseball players.

example number 3: David Murphy.

David Murphy is also an remarkable individual. He went to Baylor University (Sic 'em bears!) and played baseball there. He is always so humble in his interviews, on and off the field. He would hit the game winning home run, and still not hesitate to give God the glory. His walk-up song, similar to Josh Hamilton, is Strong Tower by Kutless... love it.

These three guys are a very small part of this Rangers team. Nonetheless, each one of their stories is incredible and each one plays a HUGE role in the team's overall reputation.

Now to look at how legit the Rangers are as a team/organization:

example 1: Ron Washington admitted to using cocaine and offered to resign as the manager of the Texas Rangers. He admitted to the league and to the team, before his drug testing results came back positive. He apologized, and the team accepted. The players, owners, and organization decided to forgive Washington for his faults and keep him as the manager. Look where this took them: the World Series.

example 2: all of the playoff wins are so exciting, and the celebrations are the same through out the major leagues.. champagne and beer being sprayed everywhere in the clubhouse. Josh Hamilton, as a former alcoholic and someone who strives to bring all glory to Christ, is uncomfortable with these celebrations and doesn't participate. So, the team got ginger ale to celebrate with, just so Josh can be included. If that doesn't scream true teammates... i'm not quite sure what does. :)

It's incredible to watch this team rally around one another and pull together through the mistakes, through the losses, through the wins, and through everything. I love watching them play the game, and i love hearing their interviews off the field. I'm so proud to call myself a Rangers fan. and I am even more excited thatthey will get their chance in the world series this year. It's a beautiful thing. and I think they've earned it. Just because of the kind of team they are...full of love and full of drive.

Claws and Antlers baby.

As for me.. I'm doing well :) I took two road trips this week.. one to CSTAT and one to ATX :) it's been a blast. I'm loving every second of life. It's so beautiful. and God is SOOO good.

:)