Feb 24 at 7:18 PM
Hello, I came across your ebook while I was searching for help with my son who plays baseball in a VERY unchristian-like atmosphere. We are trying hard to keep him at it- because he's a great athlete and loves it, but we are sick and tired of the culture surrounding the game of baseball. Our son is being called names and the coaches don't really care to keep a positive atmosphere or show him that they care. They love that he's a great player, but we're worried for his heart. Any advice for us and him??
Thanks,
Jennifer Dillard, Arkansas USA
Jennifer Dillard, Arkansas USA
Hi Jennifer,
Thanks for your letter! I'm so proud of you for allowing your son play baseball, even though the atmosphere is unchristian-like... When I was a kid, I experienced something similar playing hockey. The goalie smoked pot and I kind of stood out because I spoke against it. One of the biggest challenges is to appreciate why there is sometimes such animosity against Christians. A lot of people see Christians as "church people" who live in a bubble. In other words, there's a belief that many Christians are "Bible-pushers" who lack real-world experience. Partly, this belief is valid. There are many well-off Christians who don't actually know what it's like to experience poverty, for example. Real ministry - as it happened in the earlier days of Christianity, often doesn't happen at present-day churches, because so many religious leaders are hypocrites. People can see the hypocrisy. Organized religion can be an environment for controlling people, rather than helping them. Alternatively, individual Christianity is faith that does not need organized religion. Having a personal type of faith, is a strong faith. Being a good teammate, letting actions speak, staying clean, training harder than anybody else and being physically stronger than anybody on the team, are things that will help your son to become more confident.
Sincerely,
Malcolm Rae
Ps. Here are a couple of links I trust you'll also find helpful:
