The Pistol: The Birth of a Legend

Ro 5:3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;
Ro 5:4 perseverance, character; and character, hope

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www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSEMAL4OknM
I just watched this movie tonight on TBN. I had a conversation today with a friend of mine about how important encouragement can be to others. Pete Maravich would not have become the basketball player that he was, without the daily encouragement of his loving Dad. His Dad taught him to go for his dream, knowing that he would achieve it. At one point in this movie, his Mother wanted to pull him from the team, because the coach was not playing him, and the other kids on the team resented the fact that he was playing on a varsity team in the 8th grade. She was tired of seeing her son sit on the bench, and the pain that was in his heart. Instead of giving up, his Dad had a talk with the coach. Not only did he encourage him but he stood behind him. He went out of his way to do whatever he could to back his son. He looked at his son's dream as if he were a partner at making it happen. This movie is an excellent example of the encouragement and support that we need to give to each other. The way that we should stand by one another and offer that postive word. The extra push to help someone see their dreams come true. All too often, we stand by and become a willing participant in creating the perfect excuse with another, as to why they are unable to follow through on something they are trying to accomplish. I say, let's push them harder when they seem like they are going to fall, instead of protecting them out of fear. Stand behind them and cheer them on to victory! What a world with Faith would look like! Winning isn't everything, it is playing the game that counts.

Pete Maravich was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in May 1987. At age 39, he was one of the youngest players ever inducted.