Suffering Builds Character: Lessons from Tiger Woods

19Tiger Woods Ya’ll!I have to say, as a sport fan and a person who’s experienced suffering, this years Master was truly “unlike no other”.Many of us have followed this man since he was a boy. We watched in admiration as he dominated golf, pop culture and the news media. We also watched him fall and suffer...Some think this suffering was brought on by his own pride, maybe. But isn’t must of our problems, to some degree, products of our own pride and ego? I submit it is, mine has been. But Tiger’s story brought me to scripture;“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”Romans 5:3-5 ESVYou see God’s promise is not that we won’t be persecuted and have sufferings, but the promise of hope. And it’s that hope and a faith in something that keeps us enduring the suffering and the suffering is what makes us strong. And all of it builds great character! While I can’t speak to Tiger’s faith, I can speak to the inspiration story that his suffering has produced hope, just as your suffering will as well. I will also add, if you’ve followed him as long as most, I’m sure you’ve noticed his struggles have seemed to produce a stronger, gentler man. Dare I say a man of “character”?What a great way to start the week!Much love,