I just finished Mike Singletary’s book Singletary on Singletary. He was my favorite football player growing up. Some of it was because I knew he was a man of faith. Some of it was because he brought so much intensity to his trade and routinely blew people up on the football field.

I saw a copy of this book at my church in their “for free” section of the church’s bookstore and wanted to read it. It’s not quite an autobiography (he has other books that accomplish that purpose), but it is more of a reflection of the forces and experiences that shaped who he is. The book was written in ’91 while Mike was still playing so it was a long time ago, but it was still good.

I take away 2 things from this book besides more “Bear love”:

1. Insight into both the power and pain of the redemption process. I did not know much about Mike’s personal journey of faith. He’s very honest in the book about significant moral and spiritual failures and about what was involved in experiencing restoration and forgiveness. It was a reminder that while there is often momentary pain involved in choosing to walk in the light, there is great abundance and fruitfulness that enters our lives through the grace of God.

2. The rewards of personal discipline, strong work ethic, and determination. I have come away inspired to consider my own goals and dreams and reevaluate what kinds of things are required of me to achieve the things I want to achieve with the Lord’s help. I’m not a slacker by any means, but I see how greater personal discipline in a couple areas that is fueled by a vision and commitment to more would produce greater fruit in my life and ministry. I’m not talking about becoming a workaholic, but about injecting greater focus into my efforts and achievements in light of an overarching vision for the future.

In the book he speaks to a lot of current issues in society and represents his own thoughts on many things. He comes across at times old fashioned and even opinionated. However, those things aren’t bad when you also convey that you have paid the price of really thinking about and wrestling with the issues AND you convey compassion and gentleness. Singletary does both as he takes on a lot of today’s societal issues.

Mike is now a coach and his name has circled around as a candidate for coaching opportunities in the NFL. I hope he gets a shot to lead at that level.

Tagged as: Bears, leadership, Spirituality, Sports