January 27, 201016 yr http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2010/01/22/as-prospect-retires-to-enter-priesthood/ I'm stunned at the people who seem like this guy is somehow doing the wrong thing or wasting his talents "just" to enter the priesthood. I was listening to Dan Patrick today and his sidekicks seemed to be almost mad about this. I don't get it.
January 28, 201016 yr We tend to look at sports talent as a "God-given ability." In a way, isn't it squandering that "God-given ability" by foresaking it at such a young age? If God really wanted him to be a man of the cloth, wouldn't it make more sense for God to steer him toward liturgical concerns before the kid invested several years of his life pursuing what he thought was his "calling," based on talent that God instilled in him? Why would God give him that natural ability if He didn't want him to use it?
January 28, 201016 yr I wish him well. As for the "haters" you mentioned, I would group them in with the majority of other radio talk show hosts. If you're not controversial, or dealing with a controversial subject, you're not likely to keep an audience. There'd be very little interest in hearing caller after caller say "I agree with you". So, they try to create conflict. Often when disecting a game, it'll be more about what one team did wrong (to lose) than what the other team did right (to win). For example, the Saints didn't win on Sunday...the Vikings lost it.
January 28, 201016 yr Why question the timing of this man's calling to serve God? Let God's will be done. "Last year before the season I really had a strong feeling of a calling and real strong desire to follow it," Desme said. "I just fought it. As an excuse I went into this year as a test, to see, just hoping and praying about it. As the year went on, God blessed me, and I had a better year than I could have imagined, but that reconfirmed my desire because I wasn't at peace with where I was at." ... "I was interested to see how I'd react, knowing that when I was done with the call, I'd be done with baseball for the rest of my life, and I experienced a great amount of peace," Desme said. "It reconfirmed my decision." ... Desme said the injuries "were the biggest blessing God has ever given me. Baseball has always been my life, defined me... When baseball was taken away from me, it was a shock. I did some soul-searching of who I was and who I wanted to be, and this is where it's led me." It appears that this decision has been well thought out and that he is a peace with his choice.
January 28, 201016 yr Author We tend to look at sports talent as a "God-given ability." In a way, isn't it squandering that "God-given ability" by foresaking it at such a young age? If God really wanted him to be a man of the cloth, wouldn't it make more sense for God to steer him toward liturgical concerns before the kid invested several years of his life pursuing what he thought was his "calling," based on talent that God instilled in him? Why would God give him that natural ability if He didn't want him to use it? I think many of us have God-given abilities. We make choices. Is it the right choice? Maybe. I may have a unique talent in playing the violin. Does that mean I have to be a violinist? This kid has multiple abilities and talents. Why should his baseball talent take priority over his perceived ability to be a priest and have a daily impact on many lives?
January 28, 201016 yr We tend to look at sports talent as a "God-given ability." In a way, isn't it squandering that "God-given ability" by foresaking it at such a young age? If God really wanted him to be a man of the cloth, wouldn't it make more sense for God to steer him toward liturgical concerns before the kid invested several years of his life pursuing what he thought was his "calling," based on talent that God instilled in him? Why would God give him that natural ability if He didn't want him to use it? I wasn't aware that the ability to play baseball was one of the "spiritual gifts" given to us by God. I have known numerous preachers who were outstanding athletes. I don't think a calling into the priesthood/clergy and also having athletic abilities must be viewed as being in conflict with each other or mutually exclusive of one another. And it often takes persons a while to understand/follow God's plan for our lives. From my read, it appears this young man has handled this very well.
January 28, 201016 yr I wasn't aware that the ability to play baseball was one of the "spiritual gifts" given to us by God. I have known numerous preachers who were outstanding athletes. I don't think a calling into the priesthood/clergy and also having athletic abilities must be viewed as being in conflict with each other or mutually exclusive of one another. And it often takes persons a while to understand/follow God's plan for our lives. From my read, it appears this young man has handled this very well. You've never heard of anyone use the phrase "God-given ability/talent?" :confused:
January 28, 201016 yr He should follow his dream if that is what he wants but why not play for a while make some money and donate it to the church somehow. Seems like that would be a lot of help for some church.
January 28, 201016 yr He should follow his dream if that is what he wants but why not play for a while make some money and donate it to the church somehow. Seems like that would be a lot of help for some church. It would appear as though he's less interested in following "his" dream and instead following God's will for him. Tough - but absolutely selfless -decision.
January 28, 201016 yr Would this even be a story if he were retiring from baseball to become a financial advisor or an IT specialist? Me thinks not...
January 28, 201016 yr Funny conundrum...we shout from the rooftops that we are a "Christian" nation, that we are founded on "Christian" principles and values, then get all upset when a man walks away from the "game" and the "money" to pursue the ultimate Christian calling. :ohbrother:
January 28, 201016 yr ^I don't see anyone getting upset....I personally think it's a dumb decision, but certainly am not upset by it. :idunno:
January 28, 201016 yr ^I don't see anyone getting upset....I personally think it's a dumb decision, but certainly am not upset by it. :idunno: What is dumb about it?
January 28, 201016 yr What is dumb about it? Assumedly the thing he is best at his playing baseball. To me, it makes little to no sense to walk away from something you have a distinct advantage or knack for, to do something that in all likelihood you won't be as good or successful at. I liken it to me quiting being an accountant, and deciding I want to be a teacher. While it may be viewed as a more noble profession, it's one I almost assuredly wouldn't be as good at.
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.