The Source of my Strength and Power is God: Derek Fisher

Integrity, Honor and Respect

In the Game

When a name like Derek Fisher or "D'Fish" is brought up in a basketball conversation, most people would know Fisher as an NBA point guard who has won five NBA Championships with the LA Lakers. 

A Man of Character 

Aside from being an outstanding point guard, Derek Fisher well-known for being "a man of character" on and off the court. He is thought highly of by other NBA players such as Kobe Bryant and former NBA player Magic Johnson. "Knowing how I strive to be a person of integrity, honor and respect off the court allows me to build solid relationships with teammates and not have to be someone else to get to know them better," says Fisher. 

A Christian Man

Derek Fisher is also known for being a Christian who demonstrates his love for God daily. Fisher strives to give God the glory in everything he does. "The source of my power and strength is God," says Fisher. "And I know it, without a shadow of a doubt." In addition to his Christian lifestyle, Fisher and his wife, Candace, have a foundation called The Derek and Candace Fisher Family Foundation. The foundation helps families affected by retinoblastoma (which his daughter Tatum had), along with reaching out to communities and supporting education, health and fitness initiatives. Derek Fisher is a man of integrity, honor and respect. Hopefully his actions on and off the court will be an encouragement for athletes around the world.

It's Worth the Fight: Clayton Kershaw

Acting Boldly in Your Faith

In the Game

Clayton Kershaw is a starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Kershaw was drafted right out of high school as the 7th overall pick in the 2006 draft. Kershaw has won two Cy Young Awards, one Triple Crown Award, and has been to three MLB All-Star Games.

Showing Christ to Others

You may know of Clayton Kershaw's amazing pitching talents, but you may not know anything else about him. Kershaw is a devout Christian man, and is consistent in helping others throughout the world. Kershaw and his wife, Ellen, have built an orphanage in Zambia called Hope's Home. The Kershaws have a foundation, Kershaw's Challenge, that supports various charities. During two of Clayton's seasons in the MLB, he has donated $100 per strikeout to different charitable organizations.

Worth the Fight

"God said, ‘I will give you baseball,'" Kershaw said. "'That will be your platform.’” Clayton Kershaw is clearly using baseball to spread God's word. He and a few of his teammates talk about God often to others and have spoken at various Christian events at Dodgers Stadium. Kershaw was asked what he thought being a Christian meant. "[Being a Christian means you] have to keep reminding yourself that you're supposed to stand out," said Kershaw. "You're supposed to be different. You're supposed to act boldly in your faith. It's not easy, but it's worth the fight."

Arise: Live Out Your Faith and Dreams on Whatever Field You Find Yourself by Clayton and Ellen Kershaw

A Real Saint: Drew Brees

Win the Day

In the game

Almost any sports fan knows who Drew Brees is. Brees is the quarterback for the New Orleans Saints. He has won many awards individually, and has led his team to numerous championships.

Not of the game

Away from football, Drew Brees is known for his Christianity, and he is open about his commitment to God. "I live for God," Brees says. "I live for the faith that I have in Him. Knowing the sacrifices that Jesus Christ made on the cross for me and feeling like it’s in God’s hands, all I have to do is just give my best, commit the rest to Him." Brees shows his love for Christ by helping others in various communities. His foundation, The Brees Dream Foundation, has donated over $17,000,000 to several charities and schools.

Win the day

In his book, "Coming back Stronger,” Drew Brees tells of his times of adversity and how he had to have faith and persevere. "When you wake up, think about winning the day," said Brees. "Don't worry about a week or a month from now -- just think about one day at a time. If you are worried about the mountain in the distance, you might trip over the molehill right in front of you. Win the day!” What a great attitude to have! Drew Brees is an amazing Christian role model for so many people, and hopefully he will always continue being an encouraging leader for upcoming athletes.

Hope is Never Lost: Josh Hamilton

Hope is Never Lost

When I think of professional athletes who set a good example on and off the field, I instantly think of Josh Hamilton. Almost any sports fan would know that Hamilton is a Major League Baseball player who has overcome alcohol and drug addictions, and credits his sobriety and success to God. Hamilton was the first pick of the 1999 MLB Draft (with the Tampa Bay Rays), but did not make his major league debut until 2007. 

Before

The first two minor league seasons went well for Hamilton. But in 2001, after a car accident caused him to feel depressed, Hamilton started hanging out at tattoo parlors. This led to Hamilton's alcohol and drug addictions. Hamilton was on and off minor league rosters throughout the next few seasons, but had ongoing injuries and relapses. After failing three drug tests, Josh Hamilton was suspended for the 2004 season. He began 2005 with hopes of making his start in the big leagues, but he was arrested and taken off the Rays' 25-man roster. He would try various drug rehabilitation programs, but none of them ever allowed Hamilton to fully recover. Hamilton was suspended by the MLB for the 2006 season, causing him to be out of baseball for three years.

Recovery

In 2006, Josh Hamilton began his recovery. He credits some of his recovery to Roy Silver, a man who owned a baseball academy in Florida. Michael Chadwick, the father of Hamilton's wife, Katie, is also credited for helping Hamilton get back on track. Most of all, Josh Hamilton gives God the glory and praise for helping him become sober and overcome his alcohol and drug addition.  Later in 2006, Hamilton was allowed to practice with a minor league team and eventually play in some games.

Josh Hamilton's I am Second testimony

Back to the Game

Having been left off the Rays 40-man roster, Josh Hamilton was selected 3rd overall in the Rule 5 Draft in 2006. He began the 2007 season in the Cincinnati Reds organization, and made his major league debut April 2, 2007, pinch-hitting in the 7th inning. Although Hamilton did not get a hit that night, he did get his first hit, a home run, a few days later on April 10. He was the National League Rookie of the Month for April, and made a run for Rookie of the Year that season. 

In the Spotlight

In 2007, Josh Hamilton was traded to the Texas Rangers. From 2007 until 2012, Hamilton played in five All-Star Games and two World Series'. He was arguably the best player in Major League Baseball from 2008-2012. After the 2012 season, Hamilton was traded to the Los Angeles Angels.

"What God has allowed me to do," Hamilton says. "To come back from everything I’ve been through and still be able to play the game at the level I play it — it’s pretty amazing to think about that."

Josh Hamilton in 2013

Not of the Game

At any opportunity he has, Josh Hamilton will mention God; whether it's about God's grace, forgiveness or blessings. Josh and Katie Hamilton have a missions outreach foundation called FourTwelve. The foundation helps those who are oppressed, abandoned, rejected, orphaned, and single parents. FourTwelve received its name from the verse in Hebrews.

  "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."-Hebrews 4:12

Josh Hamilton is an amazing role model for everyone, on and off the field. His story has been told throughout the nation, and will continue to be an example of a professional athlete who does not compete for his own glory or satisfaction. Hamilton loves The Lord, and enjoys sharing the Word of God with whomever he comes in contact with.

"I am proof that hope is never lost," Hamilton said.

Check out Josh Hamilton's book, Beyond Belief

Josh Hamilton

Couple Provides Home for Women with Mental Retardation

Texas couple provides home for women with mental retardation

A Texas couple, Mike and Connie Fulbright, provide a home for women with mental retardation in Lubbock, Texas. The home is in conjunction with the ICF/MRProgram (Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with Mental Retardation). The home houses women ages 22 to 62 years old, all of who are half-functioning. Connie’s mother, Agnes Dent, started the home 24 years ago, and Connie took over the operation with her husband, Mike. The Fulbright’s currently have six women living in their ICF home, with two women in each room.

Life away from ICF home

The Fulbright’s take the women to movies, Sunday church services, out to eat, shopping and to the library. The couple also takes the women to their training program meetings and doctor appointments. The women in the home are required to work every day; these jobs are small tasks, such as placing things in boxes and making crafts.

Free Time

While at home, the women are to tend to certain chores assigned to them.

“They are always willing to help out with chores, such as unloading the dishwasher or throwing away trash, but they have to be told to do it,” said Connie Fulbright. “The ladies usually don’t remember to take care of their chores, so someone has to initiate it.”

The women also have plenty of free time at home after work every day. In their free time, the women play card and domino games and work on word searches. Some of the women are capable of reading at a fifth-grade reading level and can write in cursive.

The women in the ICF home are not only taken care of by the Fulbright’s. The Fulbright’s have a staff that works around the house from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. every day. The staff takes care of laundry, meals and other tasks asked of them.

One thing the women really enjoy is attending church services every Sunday morning.

Donna Coke, who helps with the women’s Bible classes, sends the women cards and other small gifts of encouragement and talks to them about their lives away from the ICF home.

“The ladies always come into class with smiles on their faces. They like to hug each of the teachers and volunteers every morning,” said Coke. “I love working with them so much. They each have sweet, kind hearts, and I want to help them feel like they are loved and have a purpose.”

Decorative frog made by Donna Coke

Going home

The women in the ICF home are not all from the Lubbock area; some have family and friends that live hours away. During the weekends, the women are free to go home and visit their families. At least one woman goes home every weekend, but some never do. A few of the women either do not have family they wish to see, or their family does not wish to see them.

Although the job requires much patience and hard work, the Fulbright’s, their staff and volunteers are always happy about their decision to help the women in the ICF home.

“It has been challenging at times,” said Mike Fulbright. “But it is definitely worth it.”

Lubbock, Texas ICF/MR homes

Texas ICF/MR Directory