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Key Bible Verse: Throw yourself into your task so that everyone will see your progress 1 Timothy 4:15. Bonus Reading: 2 Timothy 1:13-14

I started at Baylor University on a full scholarship. I only needed money for clothes and for food on Sundays, when the cafeteria was closed. But being poor, there were times I didn't eat. Coach Grant Teaff saw my problem and helped me solve it without breaking any rules [the NCAA prohibits coaches or alumni giving players money].

On some Sundays Coach spoke at churches. He took me with him. After one event he told me about his honorarium and said I'd be a good speaker. After I'd spent a few weeks observing Coach speak, he called and asked me to stand in for him one week. I told him I'd do it, but he could tell I was petrified. He didn't back off. "You've got to go," he insisted. "I need you to do me this favor. Thanks, Mike."

I was sweating. I knew I couldn't fill the coach's shoes.

Well, I went and spoke. I was awful; nonetheless, Coach Teaff gave me more opportunities. I spoke at the YMCA, the city council, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and some churches. It was cool to get an honorarium and have some jingle jangle in my pocket. It was even better to know that I had a coach who cared about me as a person, not just as a player.

—Mike Singletary in Mike Singletary: One-on-One

My Response: How could I nudge a friend to tackle a new challenge? … or do so myself?

Thought to Apply: Everybody wants to be somebody. The thing you have to do is give them confidence they can.—GEORGE FOREMAN (boxer)

Adapted from Mike Singletary: One-on-One (Regal, 2005) by permission.

Copyright © 2007 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Lord, help me form a relationship with another man that spurs significant growth for both.

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