I realize that some of you may be sick of hearing about Tim Tebow. It seems like we hear his name every time we turn around. He actually accomplished somewhat of a miracle last night: I watched an entire football game. Now, granted, we had company over, and it would have seemed rude to go into the other room, but I did pay more attention than I normally would. Why? Because Tim Tebow was playing, of course!
Now, I am going to add a disclaimer to all my comments. I worry about young men like Tim who spiral into fame. I know he experienced some of this in college, but now it is on a national level. People are holding him up to what may be an unattainable level of excellence. He is, after all, an imperfect person who loves a perfect Savior. As far as I can see, Tim is lifting up Jesus, but the world is lifting up Tim. That, added to the huge amount of money he is making, can be heady stuff. This young brother needs our prayers more than he needs our adoration.
Many are wondering why Tim is receiving so much more attention than other Christian athletes who are not shy about speaking about and showing their faith. It is pretty common to see professional athletes kneel or point heavenward while expressing thanks. Many have tossed out their theories about what sets Tim apart, both for acclamation and attacks. I think it is because he speaks openly about the unborn and the value of the human life in the womb.
Tim and his mother kicked open that wonderful door with their Super Bowl ad this year. When I began to hear all the hype about the ad I thought, wow, they must really be laying it on the line. Then, that night, my husband and I almost missed it. At first we thought, is that all there is? However, as I gave it more thought, I realized that it was wonderful in its simplicity. (In case you haven’t seen it, you can find it on YouTube by clicking this link.)
The story of the miracle of his birth is inspiring! His parents were missionaries in the Philippines. His father was showing The Jesus Film to a crowd when he was overcome with sadness at the whole abortion atrocity in our nation and around the world. He prayed that God would give him a son whose life would be a miracle and who would preach the truth.
Soon after, Tim’s mother became pregnant. Early in the pregnancy, she suffered from an infection which was caused by an amoeba. Supposedly she fell into a coma. The drugs which were used to rouse her from the coma and to treat the infection resulted in a placental abruption, where part of the placenta detaches from the uterine wall. This often causes miscarriage, and can also threaten the life of the mother.
When told that she should abort, Pam Tebow refused to even consider it. She reports that the medical team told her that her baby was just a “mass of fetal tissue” and that her life could be in danger. However, the Tebows believed that God had given them this baby for a purpose, and they did not believe in abortion. So, they trusted that God would take care of them.
Pam’s physical problems continued throughout the pregnancy. She suffered from other tropical diseases, refusing the medication since it could cause harm to the child. After Tim was safely born, his mother passed a large blood clot as well. The doctors said it had developed where the placenta had become detached. Just enough of the life-giving placenta had remained to give the tiny, growing baby life. It was truly a miracle!
It is my opinion that this story of love and sacrifice for an unborn child is the aspect of Tim Tebow’s live that is more hated and despised than the outward signs of his faith. It also doesn’t help that he has been winning football games! He was pretty much written off after college as being a player, especially as a quarterback, who would not make the transition of the pros. And now he is winning in a very dramatic fashion, taking the Denver Broncos to the top of their division! I don’t believe that God helps teams win games, but I do believe that when players give their lives and talents to Him, God will help them to be the best they can be.
I think my favorite reason for enjoying Tim’s success is that he gives abortion a face. It was not a “shapeless blob of fetal cells” which would have been aborted in that hospital, it would have been Tim Tebow. If not for his mother’s courage, he would not be here. It is overwhelming to think of all the “faces” who are missing from our world; all the amazing talent and heroes and world changers that were lost to us! Yes, I know their vast numbers would also include criminals and those who would harm the world, but that was never our choice to make! God alone creates life, and only He should decide the fate of every unique person in the womb.
I also rejoice that Tim has announced he will remain chaste until marriage. We need more examples like him. I just pray that, in the midst of fame, he can remain true. He seems well grounded in his faith and his family, but the pull of the world can be deceptive as well as strong.
It is hard not to take Tim’s football wins as a type of victory for life and the Gospel. Maybe that is why last night’s loss to the Patriots was good. This is just football after all! Losing is just as big a part of life as winning. However, it would be fun to see Tim take his team all the way to the Superbowl and let the good guys have a victory in this world, as well as in the next.
Football aside, the world needs more men and women like Tim who are willing to unashamedly stand for the truth. His generation is the first one in a while in whom the majority are pro-life. Let’s pray that many will have the courage to proclaim their convictions, no matter what size platform life has given them. If they do, perhaps we will see abortion on demand eliminated in our lifetime!
Keeping it true! Barb
(One more note: after last Thursday’s blog, the woman I was writing about, Dr. Mitu Khurana sent me the following note: “Thanks !!!! No i havent been able to fight back the visitation rights, In fact to pressurize me, my husband has filed for custody. So in a way am still afraid for their lives. Thanks for all your support and prayers.” Please continue to lift her and her daughters up so that her husband will not gain custody!)
Well said.