Changing the Outcome

Real transformation requires real honesty. If you want to move forward – get real with yourself.

Bryant H McGill

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I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; Iwill remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.

Ezekiel 36:26

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NBA player, Caron Butler, grew up in Racine, Wisconsin and started on the rougher side of life. By the age of twelve he was involved with gangs and drug dealing and was frequently in trouble with the law.  Before he had turned fifteen, he had been arrested fifteen times, but the fifteenth time was significant for him. He remembers looking into his mother’s eyes as he was driven away in the police car, seeing for the first time the pain he was causing her.  In that moment, he decided to change. He soon transformed from a trouble ridden teen to one who was determined to succeed. He moved to Maine so that he could attend Maine Central Institute – an independent high school with a nationally recognised athletic programme. During his time there, Butler worked hard at his basketball and earned himself a scholarship to the University of Connecticut. Following his time there, Butler went on to be Number 10 in the overall draft for the NBA and had a fourteen-year career in the league. He played for many different teams and had some impressive stats, but as much as his playing was admired, it was his character that often left the greatest impression. Numerous coaches and fellow players described his attitude of always putting the team first, never missing a practice, not complaining and working hard.

Butler is seen not only as a great player, but as a great man. He has been involved with regularly visiting incarcerated kids, outreach programmes focused on reducing violence and building positive connections between police and youth, quit smoking programmes, gifting bikes and warm clothing to youth in Racine and many more charitable movements in America and around the world.

Butler is currently the assistant coach of the NBA side, Miami Heat.

Thinking About It

In an environment that has the potential to build egos and selfishness, Butler’s humility, commitment and selflessness were renowned throughout the NBA league. This is even more remarkable when you consider the trajectory his life was on at age fourteen. A moment of revelation when he looked into his mother’s eyes were enough to motivate huge change. He chose a better schooling environment and he chose to invest in sport and school rather than gangs and money. These are major decisions for a young man to make and they are decisions he has continued to follow through with.

Making significant changes in our life is often daunting, but when we walk through life with God, we can know that we do not need to make those changes in our own strength alone. God always wants what is best for us and is eager to help us to move towards better attitudes, better decisions and a better life. The bible says God will continue His good work in us (Phil 1:6) and it even says He can bring change in our heart (Ezk 36:26). So if we take a step in the right direction and ask God for His help, we can know He will be there to help us with the positive change He is calling us to.

Prayer

Thank You Lord that You always want me to have more of Your peace, love and understanding in my life. When I am faced with the need for change, help me to be courageous enough to step forward in faith to make the changes You are calling me to.

Contributor:
Sarah Auld, SCNZ (pictured)

General Editor:
Sarah Auld

Content Editor:
Phil Pawley

Inspirational Reflections © Sports Chaplaincy New Zealand, 2021