Carroll Marr is the senior pastor of Southcliff Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas. "I don't really want to bore you with the facts about me. I'm just a normal guy. A pastor. A husband. A Dad. A wannabe Granddad. If you'd like more information about all things Carroll, well just read on."
I feel that I must give you some insight into the purpose of this blog. Actually, I am not sure of its purpose but can tell you what you might expect. I will use this space to chat about things that I observe, think, experience, or otherwise encounter. To me, a blog is an opportunity to openly dialogue and stimulate thinking. I will not always answer questions raised; in fact, at times, I will raise them and challenge you to answer. I will always, I think, leave the topic incomplete. That, to me, is the nature of a blog. If I complete the topic it should be a book and not a blog. Sometimes the thoughts will be fun sometimes serious. I do not intend to give you a daily devotional though I would be happy to recommend a couple. My hope is to inspire at times, encourage at others, entertain at others and occasionally make you think a little. We will see if I accomplish any of the above.
Did you see the story about Kansas City Royals pitcher, Gill Meche, who walked away from a guaranteed contract of $12 million? That is right a 12 million dollar contract because he says he does not deserve it.
This is a fascinating story that has not received the attention I think it deserves. Meche, according to the New York Times announced that he would retire, giving up the payday due on the last year of his deal. The article also notes that Meche has always been known for his integrity and his response to this decision was that he just didn’t like the idea of not earning his keep. The article also said that his decision left the baseball world stunned. I bet it did. The decision is stunning but it is also stellar. Wow! In a day when the attitude is; get all you can, can all you get, and sit on the can, this is a classy move.
This guy is one that we can truly lift up as a sports hero, one we can hold up before your children. I know that many will immediately discount his move drawing attention to the fact that he has already earned millions but even armed with those facts $12 million is still a lot of money to walk away from – even if you are a millionaire. Most millionaires would not leave that kind of money on the table.
I think his decision was a matter of integrity, here is a guy who seems to live by the principles. I was taught as a child, an honest day’s wage for an honest day’s work. In this instance he felt that he was not giving labor worthy of the agreement. Again, well done and may his tribe increase. Honesty, integrity, honorable work ethic, these are things more valuable than money. The writer of Proverbs says a good name is more desirable than great riches (22:1). Gill in this decision earned a good name.
Its good to know that their are people out there who still have integrity, and know what a good hard day’s work REALLY is. Many people, today, seem to be blinded by money, and let money RULE them. Instead of us working for money, people let money WORK for them. They are letting money rule their lives. I know this is off the beaten path, of course, but that’s how I feel. On Gill Meche’s part, its hard to find people with that kind of integrity, or that kind of work ethic these days. Most would jump, but, somewhere in his heart, he knows its not just about money, and know’s when its time to hang up the jersey. Its those people who great deserve recognition, not the ones gaining all types of money, and then sitting on the bench. Ive herd it said before “A true man, he works hard” and its true. I remind myself of that saying everyday, when i wake up and before i go to sleep every night. I pray every morning that GOD uses my hands for good, guide and make the path I take the right one. Those are the days, I can lay in bed, thank the GOOD LORD, and sleep easy. Knowing I did all I can do.