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Detroit Lions remembering LB, Jimmy Williams

“He has a nose for the ball,” that is a phrase that more times than not is associated with a linebacker. The Detroit Lions have had some solid linebackers over the years, Joe Schmidt, Ken Fantetti , Mike Cofer, Chris Spielman, George Jamison, are some of the more “household” names. I would like to submit a former linebacker that I believe has fallen through the cracks of time, Jimmy Williams.

Jimmy Williams had a very good college career at the University of Nebraska. In fact Williams was voted first team All-American in 1981 (Kodak,) Williams was voted second team All-American 1981 (AP,) also during the 1981 Cornhuskers season Jimmy Williams was voted three-time Nebraska Defensive Player-of-the-Week.

ANAHEIM, CA – OCTOBER 2: Jimmy Williams #59 and William Graham #33 of the Detroit Lions battle for possesion of the ball against Eric Dickerson of the Los Angeles Rams during a game at Anaheim Stadium on October 2, 1983 in Anaheim, California. The Rams won 21-10 (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)

Williams fantastic ’81 season lead to the Detroit Lions selecting him in the first round (15th overall) in the 1982 NFL draft. What followed was perhaps the most underrated Lions linebacker career, all Jimmy Williams did was make plays.

Jimmy Williams would play nine of his 11 NFL seasons in Motown. Where he would lead the Lions in tackles. Williams seemed to always be around the football, remember the “he has a nose for the ball” phrase? That was Jimmy Williams.

There have been fan viewed bigger names at the linebacker position for the Lions over the years. But those of us who saw Jimmy Williams play, remember just how solid and fluid he was.

PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 7: Wide receiver Jeff Chadwick #89 of the Detroit Lions looks on from the sideline during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium on December 7, 1986 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the Lions 27-17. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)

In his post playing days Williams has been in coaching. In fact he started coaching in 1994. Jimmy Williams is going to take part in former Detroit Lions wide receiver (not to mention former teammate) Jeff Chadwick‘s Legends Camp.

Imagine a child being taught the game of football by former NFL players and the knowledge they provide. Throw in someone like Jimmy Williams who not only played at the highest level in football but went on to coach. That is a lot of knowledge right there.

July 13 (ages 8-12) and July 14 (ages 13-18) 2022 are dates to keep in mind. For just $89 children can learn from former NFL players. The experience will be incredible the knowledge will last a lifetime.

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With the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship Game, Detroit Lions fans should be excited about the future

The 3-13-1 regular season record does not sound like a bright future is ahead for the Detroit Lions. What if I told you that given the state of the L.A. Rams, the Lions future has very good potential? This is not a “homer” or “drink the kool-aid” write up, so ditch that thought right now. This is what I see looking at both teams. One playing in the NFC Championship Game (Rams) and one trying to reverse it’s fortunes (Lions.)

General view of the Kool-Aid man in the Kool-Aid lounge during the after party for “Spy Kids: All The Time In The World 4D” Los Angeles premiere co-sponsored by Osh Kosh B-Gosh & Kool-Aid at the EPSN Zone at L.A. Live on July 31, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. *** Local Caption ***

The Los Angeles Rams are a very good football team and on on the cusp of grabbing a spot in Super Bowl LVI (56.) The Detroit Lions are rebuilding….. again. However this is where hope comes in, hope in the form of Lions general manager Brad Holmes.

Holmes you may recall spent 18 years working in the Rams organization.  You see Brad Holmes played a large role in the Rams roster building. Holmes is known for getting tremendous talent in the mid to late rounds of NFL Draft’s. Something he demonstrated with his first Detroit Lions draft class.

With seven draft picks in last years NFL Draft, six of Brad Holmes seven picks became starters during the 2021 Detroit Lions season. The seventh draft pick gained more playing time as the season moved along.

The Lions traded longtime starting quarterback Matthew Stafford to the Rams and cashed in. Holmes has two- first round draft picks, a second round draft pick and three third round draft picks as well as one each in rounds 4-7. One more draft tidbit of note the Lions have been awarded an NFL record three compensatory draft picks due to free agents who signed with other teams.

As if the plethora of draft picks was not enough the Lions will have $35 million in available salary cap space and will be able to bring in a few big name players to push the rebuild along. That is something Brad Holmes spoke about after the season.

ALLEN PARK, MICHIGAN – JULY 28: General Manager Brad Holmes of the Detroit Lions looks on during the Detroit Lions Training Camp on July 28, 2021 in Allen Park, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

Holmes told reporters that he now intends to add players, signaling that 2021 was a bottoming out season for the Lions. NFL rebuild are faster that other sports.

For Detroit Lions fans take a look at the L.A. Rams. If you like what you see and it is hard not to, imagine that coming to Motown.

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How COVID has shown why Martin Luther King Jr’s dream is still far off

“Now, I say to you today my friends, even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: – ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” Martin Luther King Jr.

Powerful words from a dynamic man. Martin Luther King Jr. fought for the equality of all men. Poor, Black, White, Hispanic all is a rather encompassing word.

Old Testament. Genesis (Photo by: Godong/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

The bible tells us in the Book of Genesis (1:27) “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” The good book goes on to tell us “then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.” That is also found in Genesis (2:7)

Political leaders have longed said they will and do fight for the same rights and values of Mr. King but do they? The COVID pandemic has uncovered a nasty secret. They really have little regard for those who are minorities.

The pandemic hit and the wealthy areas were the first to receive testing. In 2011 wealth gaps between White Americans and Black Americans as well as Hispanic Americas widened. It is sickening to think because of skin color as well as how much is in a bank account and the location of residence influences priorities still to this day.

That is not the dream Dr. King was brave enough to share with the world. In fact what the COVID pandemic has shown is that there is still a substantial gap between dream and reality.

With one single breath God started mankind which in that same one breath has lasted since the Garden of Eden and carries on today. Making man in His image that same image that no matter of skin color, residence or bank account or poverty we have stopped looking at.

ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND – AUGUST 05: Coronavirus test samples are processed by a Janus G3 automated workstation at Advagenix, a molecular diagnostics laboratory, on August 05, 2020 in Rockville, Maryland. An advanced genetics testing company, Advagenix has a contract with Montgomery County, Maryland, to test about 1 million people for COVID-19 over the next year. The company is expanding by moving into additional lab space and doubling the size of its workforce to around 30 people to handle the increased work. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The bible should be a mirror into our souls. In order to take a step in the fulfillment of Dr. King’s dream we need to get back to seeing our fellow man in God’s image.

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Star Wars and the Book of Ephesians

Star Wars is a fantastic movie franchise that is loved by people worldwide. The Book of Ephesians is the bible’s answer to how we must face trials, uncertainty and evil, something that Star Wars offers. So let’s take a look at how both can easily be intertwined as there truly is a connection between the two.

Bible opened to Ephesians 6:11

First off, I do not think nor believe George Lucas was thinking about The Book of Ephesians when he was writing the original screen play for what would become Star Wars.

Ephesians 6:10-17, 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

So in Star Wars, Luke Skywalker is trained to be strong in the Force, which is described as well the Holy Spirit, Obi-Wan Kenobi says “It’s an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us; it binds the galaxy together.” Much like Luke we need to daily become more aware of the Force (God’s Holy Spirit.)

Through the first three Star Wars films Luke realized his struggle was not against the flesh and blood of Darth Vader, But against spiritual forces of evil (Emperor Palpatine.)

Luke was basically taught to stand his ground for good. He did not want to fight his father, and was craving a peaceful resolution. Sometimes we need to fight for that in our own lives.

American actor Mark Hamill and British David Prowse on the set of Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi directed by Welsh Richard Marquand. (Photo by Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images)

Luke knew the truth, He stood up and for that truth even when facing evil. There is a lesson for us there. Sometimes we have a hard time identifying when evil is present. Yet, if we stand with the Helmet of Salvation on and are calm and lean into the Holy Spirit we will know.

Like Yoda told Luke, “You will know the good from the bad when you are calm, at peace, passive.” Now I leave you with this from the Book of Philippians, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Put your Armor on today.

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Holding the peace

This coming July my wife and I will be celebrating 27 years of marriage. That is something I am humbled by and yet proud of. That said I have a secret, a rather large secret when considering the years we have logged together. My secret is that my wife and I have never argued. Impossible, you say. It is the absolute truth, my wife will back me on. Heading into our 27th year and zero, zilch, nada an argument has been had between the two of us.

The main reason for our non- arguing marriage is that we talk about everything, there is no grey area. There are very clear words which helps keep things calm and not escalate. The other reason is that I find arguing an incredible waste of time and breathe. My opinion is simply not more important than the person’s that I love.

From the get go it seems like my beautiful wife and I had an unwritten agreement. We both just seemed to not want or choose to argue. The reality is that we never discussed arguing before we said our wedding vows. We talked about children, where we wanted to live, what side of the bed she likes to sleep on and just about everything else.

I like most people have been around others who look for any opportunity to argue. When I have been in those situations I walk away. Again, I do not argue. There are times I will present facts which is also effective in keeping an argument from erupting, after all it is difficult to argue with facts.

My wife and I are not special people or view ourselves greater than anyone else. We are just two people who are madly in love with each other and who talk about everything.

By the way talking helps tremendously as an instrument to hold the peace in our house. But that is the choice we daily make, listen, talk, love .

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The heart of a warrior

A warrior can be pretty much whatever we make it to be. A football player, cancer patient, the head of IT, the list goes on and on. Warrior is defined as such “a person who fights in battles and is known for having courage and skill.” A warrior is not typically what comes to mind when thinking about God. Perhaps you should change your perspective and begin to see God as a warrior.

“The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is his name.” Exodus 15:3, in this short yet powerful description God is called a warrior by Moses. It is the only place in the bible God is directly called a warrior. So is there truth to how Moses addresses God in this passage?

Bible and a Sword on a Dark Wooden Table

Many Christian’s understand God is righteous and just. That He loves and extends grace and mercy. But a warrior invokes a different view of The Almighty all together. But, God is indeed a warrior.

“The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” Exodus 14:14, for those in Christ we are allowed the freedom to walk through this life with the backing and security that God himself will intervene for us.

You say you do not fully buy into that concept. Alright try this on for size. “The Lord your God who goes before you will himself fight for you, just as he did for you in Egypt before your eyes,” Deuteronomy 1:30.

What is the point in all this you ask? Fair enough, my point is that far too many Christ followers are trying to fight a battle they have no business attempting to fight. Not sure who I just offended but I am sure I offended someone out there.

It is true. Ephesians 6: 10-18 blesses us with the Armor of God. That is to be put on daily. After it is put on there is one little request, stand firm. It does not get much more clear than that. Stand firm. Do not move. Stand firm.

Fanum Fortunae-Caesars’ Fano. Hypothetical reenactment of Greek, Gaul and Roman civil and military life between the 4th and the 1st Century BC. Fighting legionnaire from the Republican period. Fano (PU) 13th-14th July 2019 (Photo by Camillo Balossini/Archivio Camillo Balossini/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images)

God knew we would all need this reminder. It is our instinct when a conflict comes about to fight back. Do not do it! Stand firm. The battle belongs to the Lord. He has made things easy for us. Put armor on for protection as he fights for us.

Take heart in the fierceness of the Almighty warrior today. Give him your battle.

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“The devil made me do it” may be the worst excuse a person can use

You are better than this! No, really we all make mistakes and do things that can lead us to a place we regret later on. For a person to utter the age old phrase “the devil made me do it,” is  not entirely true simply put. Why? because at the end of the day there is free will and free choice. So instead of placing blame on someone else that can make the situation even worse while making ourselves appear shallow. Let’s look at a better approach.

“The thief (devil) comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10 .  I admit that the devil is many things, but know that he needs to have permission to attack according to the Book of Job.

The key word is attack. The devil can attack a persons thoughts. However, a  person still has a choice to make. Give into a thought, urge or action or that person can say no while taking that thought captive.

Yet when people do something wrong they act as though they had little choice and that the devil actually controlled their brains, arms and legs. That is not true and would constitute as a lie.

People need to get back to accepting blame for their own issues. Sure the devil may be able to initiate a thought like he did way back in the Garden of Eden when he asked Eve “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” Genesis 3:1

There is zero proof the devil can actually take over total control of a body. That is where free will and free choice come into play. The devil gives the thought that does not mean darkness has to win.

Scripture from St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians about putting on the armor of God.

What it means is that as a Christ follower we need to daily put on the Armor of God and take a stand. When we do we take full control of our thoughts, heart, path and can steer clear of making regrettable decisions.

The devil can only win if a person lets him. Press back and take a stand.

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Why do Christian’s struggle against spiritual attacks?

The way to defeat darkness has been given. Jesus gave the template on how His followers should confront dark days or spiritual attacks, yet many Christian’s fail to apply what the bible offers. Anyone who has walked this earth for any length of time know that bad days come. That is because the devil is an outlaw. Yet, there is hope.

Reading Holy Bible

As a Christ follower I do not pretend to have it all together or that I know more than anyone else. I do read the bible daily and read the entire Holy scriptures every year. All I can attempt to do is point the reader to the word and hope that the Holy Spirit will give breakthroughs that are needed.

Much like us, Jesus was tempted by the devil. He was fasting and the devil made his move. Satan attacks us but this was a different story this was actually Christ. After the devil gives his temptation Jesus utters three words. “It is written.”

Now being fully man and fully God, Jesus did not just leave it at “it is written” He gave some meat, meaning he used God’s word (the bible) against the greatest villain the world has known and will know.

What we find in the book of Job is that Satan though banished to the earth is in heaven, in fact he tells God he was roaming the earth. The point is that Satan had to get permission to attack Job. Why? Because Jesus said in Matthew 28:18 that “ALL authority has been given to me.” Satan has to check in and get permission.

God knew that Job would stand firm in his faith and allowed Job to be given a no good, very bad day. One that tested all of Job’s resolve. In the end Job was restored and blessed even more.

So as a Christ follower I need to ask, when the devil attacks can you fill in the blanks to “it is written?” Do you know God’s words that well? If not start. Begin to read the bible or listen and read along.

My wife and I were been given a Job like day a while back and sought our then pastor and it began a quest to know God better through reading His word. After many years we are much better equipped to tell the devil what God’s word says after “it is written.”

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Dealing with chronic pain

A breakthrough is coming. I know it is, I trust it is, I believe it is. With that said the struggle has been ongoing for years. I have chronic pain, arthritis, seized up muscles that go from my neck to my hips, yet I stand firm that a breakthrough is coming. Not because I am delusional or crazy ( at least I do not think I am.) Because chronic pain is not my identity.

A two car accident.

While I am not 100% sure what has caused chronic pain to invade my body I have some clues that at the very least did not help me out. Years of heavy work, a car accident and maybe a family curse of arthritis (I say that because I am adopted and have no way of knowing and simply do not trust the person I could possibly ask) may have all played a role in the pain that now ensnares my body.

It could be that all the events I listed have worked together for the great bad. The amount of times I say “Ouch!!” in a day boarders on ridiculous, I freely admit that. There was a time that “Ouch!!” would have been replaced by another word that was not meant for human or any ears to hear. So “Ouch!!” it is, because it does provide a little release.

The pain I feel is all day everyday. My body hurts the same there is no worse time of day. This is not a pity party and should in no way, shape, or form be taken or read as such. Why? Because I know where my help comes from. I just do not know when that help will come.

“My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth,” Psalm 121:2

A crucifix is seen on the wall during a Christmas mass at St. Patrick’s Church in Maiduguri on December 25, 2021. – Despite the security situation in Maiduguri, Christian devotees gather together to celebrate Christmas in various churches across the state. (Photo by Audu MARTE / AFP) (Photo by AUDU MARTE/AFP via Getty Images)

I absolutely believe this. That the God of the universe will come and heal me in His time. Until then I need to listen to the doctors he has given wisdom to and to take the medicine they prescribed. Even though medicine is a masking agent to dull the pain, God is the one true doctor.

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

So while some days are worse than others and I tend to mope around those days, I also know that God will not only deliver me from my pain in His time, but I will also fully understand the strength that comes only from Him that have gotten through this season of chronic pain.

If you are dealing with chronic pain or any pain for that matter, turn to God and trust in His time, by His grace freedom and healing will come.

 

 

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Changing churches is an interesting navigation

A few years ago My wife, children and I packed our bags and well everything inside of our home of 17 years and headed back to our old stomping grounds. This was not a knee jerk move, because the housing market was heating up and the time was right, but it was a God appointed move that He initiated during our yearly family fast.

17 years is a long time to live in one area. We enjoyed life in our former location and we really like the church we attended and volunteered at for nearly the same span of time. After we moved we continued to drive back and forth to the church it only took a half an hour one way.

We moved back to help with aging parents and the Lord showed us why as there were heath issues that lead to surgeries. We again sought God’s face and chose to step away from our what is now former church. It was not an easy choice to make, getting out of the boat and walking on water never is.

We then began to check out different church’s and finally landed on one. Again prayer is a great tool to lean on. So now we were at our new church and all was right with the world. Hold on, yeah about that, sorry wrong story.

The sermons and church leadership was good but my relationship with God was dulled by the shift in church’s. Just being honest. All the friends and relationships we had known for over a decade were harder to continue.

We needed to get plugged in and begin the painstaking task of finding new friends. There is no magic wand and God did not grab ahold of my wife and mine hands and walk us over to people. He did give us what we needed. My wife attended a small group and I did as well.

I had been spoiled. I had great time with my wife coaching small group leaders at the old church and now we were attending different groups at our new place of worship. God worked it out, He always does. We both met new people and got plugged in.

We have met others since that time and are now starting our own small group. We are trusting that God will grow the group according to who needs to be there and for others looking for relationships outside of their homes.

I am thankful for where God has lead us. He really does make all things new.