I’m not a big golf fan but I have to say that besides Canadian Mike Weir, who won the Masters in Augusta, Georgia back in 2003, the golfer I would follow from a distance was Tiger Woods. Maybe because Tiger was not like any golfer before him, because he was a black golf Phenom, maybe because he had a swagger that was a winner take all mentality, but Tiger captivated the golf world.
Tiger also could be petulant, cranky, not a nice guy to be around and as we soon found out, had a dark side that eventually created a schism/a terminal break up of his family. Didn’t like that side very much but………….
He had become unbeknownst to most a serial cheater and because of stepping out of his vows, wrecked his marriage and family.
Tiger also suffered terribly with Back, Knee, Achilles issues that also derailed his career as much if not more than his infidelities.
Prognosticators, analysts were saying that 10 years since his last major win, did Tiger have it in him to win a big one again?
Prognosticators, analysts were saying that 10 years since his last major win, did Tiger have it in him to win a big one again?
Thankfully, his body mended and seemingly personal life in check and on a healthy road, Tiger showed what maturity and still some serious game can do and he won that coveted green jacket.
The crowds, family, friends were waiting to be part of a thunderous explosion of celebration so when he putted the last shot to claim victory, the explosion of elation for Tiger winning was off the charts.
Except…. During round 3, there was a picture of a young man who had on a t-shirt that a picture of Tiger’s infamous police mug shot. As Tiger was walking on to his next shot, there is this man staring at Tiger with a sneering smile with this shirt on.
Not sure what he was trying to do, maybe intimidate, remind Tiger of his past, not happy that Tiger was seemingly getting his life together, show himself to be morally superior but….. He says He's a loyal fan!!! hmmmmmm..
What is it about life that even when we are making strides to walk right, do right, be right, life, some people seem to want to jump up and say, “I remember you when!”
There’s a story about a man from the Good book and Moses is his name. Moses is as good as any story about comebacks.
Here a few highlights of Moses comeback story.
We see Moses, a man with an anger problem. One day, he witnesses an Egyptian beating a Hebrew slave. So he kills the Egyptian and buries him in the sand. Moses took matters into his own hands the only way he knew how. Yet a crime was still a crime, and because of that crime, Moses needed to leave Pharaoh’s house, where he’d grown up.
Moses took off to the wilderness, where all he did for years was look after sheep. But then, at a time when many would be thinking about their last chapters on this earth, God speaks to Moses and called him to a position of leadership. “I know it looks like life has passed you by but I’m going to use you to lead my people out of Egypt.”
“I know it looks like life has passed you by but I’m going to use you to lead my people out of Egypt.” Has anyone ever felt like they've had one of those moments where it feels like Life has slipped right out of our fingers and we seemingly can't catch up?
Moses had a great comeback story over his anger and failed opportunities. But he also had a speech impairment and lousy self-confidence. He didn’t think he could do anything useful. But along with his brother, Aaron, he went to Pharaoh and told him to let God’s people go. Eventually Pharaoh did that, and the whole nation had a comeback story.
Moses had relapses and was disobedient a few times after that but In the grace of God, there is a comeback for people who’ve already had a comeback and need another.
Everybody needs a comeback, and everybody is offered a comeback. No matter what our obstacles are, no matter what mistakes we’ve made, no matter if we’re in a place of wandering or darkness, God always has a purpose and plan for us.
Tiger Woods is just the latest in humanity’s stories of comebacks; his story is just another in the long line of those who, when seemingly down for the count, have a comeback for the ages. We don’t have to be a golfer on golf’s largest stage to experience a comeback.
It could be a broken family/marriage that is mended, jobless to having one, sickness to health, depression/anxiety/suicidal to life with joy, addicted to freedom but we all can have a comeback stage if we find ourselves stuck.
Congratulations Tiger; it’s good to see a comeback!!!
Dave
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