The word "awesome" is used to describe so much in sports today. "Did you see that awesome catch?" "Did you see his awesome dunk?" "That home run was awesome!" And let's not forget the words of the modern-day philosopher Tommy Boy, "That was awesome." I looked this word up in the Urban Dictionary. It defines awesome as being "totally cool." It is what is called a "sticking plaster" word, which is something used by Americans to cover over the huge gaps in our vocabulary. It is one of the three words that make up most American sentences. And in sports today, that is definitely the case. Everything great is awesome.

 

All competitors face pressure-packed situations, but often the difference between the good and the great is displayed in how one handles the pressure. University of Tennessee women's basketball star Candace Parker was voted the ESPN.com preseason player of the year partly because of her ability to thrive under pressure. "What impresses me is how well Parker handles pressure, seems unfazed by what's happening around her and wants the ball in key situations," said ESPN analyst Beth Mowins. Adds Parker's coach, the great Pat Summitt, "Candace Parker has a chance to be the best to ever play this game. And if she isn't, I'll be very disappointed." How's that for pressure?

 

Offensive lineman Olin Kreutz began his career with the Chicago Bears and now, thanks to a contract extension through 2010, will end it with them. Kreutz turned down an opportunity to make more money with the Miami Dolphins in 2002 to stay with the Bears. "Not only has he been a good football player, he's been a very loyal player, and I also told Olin this: 'Loyalty is a two-way street.' I wanted to make sure he saw that first hand from our perspective," said Chicago Bears general manager Jerry Angelo.

 

Recently, I was making an early morning drive to speak at a Huddle meeting. As I was driving along I realized that I was the only car going in my direction. Hundreds of cars were going the other way. Why was I the only one going my way? I knew the route, so I knew I was on the right road, so I couldn't help but wonder why no one else was traveling my direction.

 

In God's Word, we read many references to "the way." Isaiah wrote of such a road that is less traveled. It was the highway to holiness. Many were headed down the wrong path or way -- not so uncommon to our society today. In John 14, Thomas asked Jesus about the way to go with Him, but Christ answered simply, "I AM the way. . ."