I came across an interesting article the other day – one that I think captures a brief but powerful case study of the importance of mentoring in terms of personal and spiritual growth. Here’s an excerpt:
Every morning, Devin Hester receives an inspirational text message from his idol and friend, Deion Sanders. Hester certainly needed encouragement following the death of former Miami Hurricanes teammate Sean Taylor.
Hester attended Taylor’s funeral Monday in Miami. Sanders came to practice Tuesday, preparing for his sideline coverage of the upcoming Bears-Redskins game. But Sanders also made himself available in case Hester needed more support.
“When he’s dealing with something that’s heavy on his heart, he’ll send me a text,” Sanders said. “He sent me a text last week telling me it was hard to come to practice knowing Sean would never be at practice again.”
If you’re confused by some of the names and terms here, let me explain. This excerpt was originally published in the Chicago Tribune. It refers to a unique relationship that has developed between two of the most exciting players to set foot in the National Football League during the last 20 years: Devin Hester and Deion “Prime Time” Sanders.
If you’re not a football fan, I’ll let you know that Sanders is a retired NFL legend known for his extreme speed and flamboyant style. Hester is a young player – currently finishing his second season with the Chicago Bears – who electrified fans by setting an NFL record for return touchdowns in 2006, his rookie year.
As a rookie, Hester mentioned in an interview that he had idolized Deion Sanders as a child. Upon hearing this, Sanders contacted the young player and took him under his wing, so to speak. They have enjoyed a close relationship ever since.
With that in mind, take another look at the newspaper excerpt above. Here are some things that stood out to me:
1. Deion Sanders contacts his young protege “every morning,” according to the story. Every morning! Would you give your right arm to receive daily encouragement and feedback from a legend in your field of ministry? I sure would.
2. The article mentions Sean Taylor – a college teammate of Hester’s who was murdered at the beginning of December in his home. How did “Prime Time” respond? He “made himself available in case Hester needed more support.” Has anyone intentionally sought you out when times were tough in your life? How did that feel?
3. And notice that Hester didn’t take the “tough guy” route – he didn’t hold on to his emotions or suffer alone. He contacted his mentor. He told him honestly that “it was hard to come to practice knowing Sean would never be at practice again.” When things get hard in your ministry, who do you intentionally seek out for comfort? If you don’t have an answer, why not?
I was so intrigued by the relationship between these two superstar athletes that I did a little more digging. Here’s an excerpt from another story that I found on ESPN.com:
Sanders has worked with Hester on his play, but also on off-the-field issues, such as how to conduct yourself and handle the hype. “I look at Devin like the little brother I never had. I love him,” Sanders said. “Devin is a very shy kid. He plays the game loud, but off the field he is very shy.”
And “Neon Deion,” known for flash and flamboyance and an ability as a defensive back to shut down receivers throughout his 14-year NFL career that included eight Pro Bowl selections, said Hester is already a better returner than he was. “I think so,” he said. “I never accomplished the feats he’s accomplished. Never. This guy has broken records, man.”
Hester did his Deion-like impersonation on his first score Monday. But on his second, he took it a little farther and looked back before he reached the end zone [a form of showing off]. Sanders said he told him – like a big brother can do – to knock it off. “He won’t do it again. I promise you,” Sanders said. “I don’t condone looking back or taunting. I got on him about that.”
Again, there are some intriguing lessons that can be drawn out of this article, particularly in the way Sanders handles himself as an example and mentor:
1. Honesty – Sanders gives an honest evaluation of the character of his protege.
2. Humility – Sanders doesn’t view his relationship with Hester as a competition; he can admit that the younger player is already a better player than he was.
3. Encouragement – In all the articles I’ve read about these two, including the one above, they are consistently heaping praise on each other.
4. Accountability – When Sanders saw Hester participating in an action that was beneath him (taunting the other team), he spoke up. Sanders told him why it was inappropriate, and told him to knock it off.
May we do so well in our relationships in ministry. May we find someone older and wiser than ourselves who can help us realize our potential. And may we find someone younger and more inexperienced than ourselves that we can build up, encourage, and help to grow.
