Steve Alessi: Author of Alessi’s Angle, Pastor of Metro Life Church in Miami, Husband of World Renown Worship Leader Mary Alessi and Father of Four. 
Well, the sad reality is it's not going to be the year the Miami Dolphins make it to the Super Bowl. Instead, it's a year filled with foiled dreams and a boat load of frustration for every member of the Dolphins organization. And it's for that reason that I haplessly tune in to the games each week. Not because I don't support our guys when they're down, but because I just don't want to see the aqua and orange leave the field of play in total bewilderment and frustration. That look on Sparano's (my paisano) face as he stands at the podium of the press conference is just too painful to see. These guys are like our extended family, and to endure a season with a no win record thus far into the season isn't fun for anybody.
Yet, something definitely has caught my attention about this team. Since I follow a few of the players on Twitter, I'm amazed at the spirit of the players. Here's a recent tweet from QB killer, Cameron Wake (Kold91), "Fight to the death...never say die...Not built that way...#noquitinme." Listen to 6-6, 290 lb defensive-end, Kendall Langford (#70) "S/O (Shout Out) to God for blessing me with another day and all the small things we take for granted!!" How about Brandon Marshall (#19), who's one of the premier receivers in the NFL, "Just want to thank you Jesus. I'll praise you at 0-6 for giving me another opportunity to grow." And Davone Bess (#15). His daily tweet's begin with, "Thank u Lord for a new day! New opportunities!" And lastly, super star Reggie Bush after Sunday's loss to the Giants, "Tough loss today. Felt like we had that won. Gotta keep chopping away and stay the course! Have a good evening folks...:("
I understand this is not the stuff that is press worthy these days, but I'm learning something from these Miami Dolphins. They know what it is to have a winning spirit in the midst of a losing season, and that's why to me they're true Champions. Seemingly, these guys have learned a valuable lesson about life…"It's not what happens to you that defines you. It's your response to what happens to you that defines who and what you are." Some people will always define wins as just numbers up on the scoreboard, when in fact they're registered by the number of times you get up after you've been knocked down.
On this PrayDay, if you've suffered some losses in your life, it's time to get back in the game and keep playing. I'm asking God to help you up off the trainer’s table, tape up your sore ankles, put your pads back on and strap up your helmet, for it is game time and we still have the rest of the season ahead of us. And since we're all praying today, why not go ahead and pray for our Miami Dolphins. :)
Well said Pastor! I'm proud to have some of those guys you outlined above as Clients! I'd like to see Miami win several games for the benefit of these guys perseverance! (And selfishly so Indianapolis (my home town and favorite team) will get the first pick in the draft. "And the Colts select Andrew Luck from Stanford as the First Pick in the 2012 Draft" lol)
Thank you for your comments Jesse. I'm a huge Payton Manning fan. Actually, he's one of the guys I'd like to talk with over a cup of coffee. I hate to say it, but he would probably be a great mentor for Andrew Luck. So, let's agree to wish each other "good luck on Luck." Have a great day!
I love that Pastor Steve always sees the positive in every situation and never gives up on the underdog. Great blog!
Wow...that's something for all of us to "Chomp" at. How easily do we give up sometimes... Thanks for the encouragement Miami D's, thanks to you Pastor for the insight and thank you God for that always present second opportunity !!
Thank you Mory and Armando.
Pastor, this is so encouraging! And I agree with your quote "It's not what happens to you that defines you. It's your response to what happens to you that defines who and what you are" so true. I'm sure the Dolphin team will enjoy reading this one.
Love this, Dad. Who would've thought that your own daughter would enjoy this? Well, I did! :) It's perfect and inspiring for all ages :)
Well said. As a fan and in life it is best to cheer people on when they are down!
Just like my buddy Rocky Balboa said " ....You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't how hard you hit; it's about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. How much you can take, and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done......."
Thanks Pastor Steve! What a great reminder for looking at the Bigger Picture. It's hard to stay positive after a loss....but how much more for those guys with millions of people telling them they shouldnt be.
Not a HUGE fan of the Dolphins but I am HUGE fan of those that don't quit and roll over in life...that was GREAT insight to see that even after a loss and all was left on the field they still stated we are not rolling over and one of their tweets even states thankfulness...Good encouraging words Pastor Steve even though I felt that I had lost my way (A couple of weeks ago) with my son and his road to recovery I am back on my feet fighting the GOOD FIGHT!!! Thank God for u!!!
This message is so inspiring!! It got me thinking how sometimes I waste my time feeling down because of what I don't have, when I should just be grateful and joyful because in Jesus I have more than I ever even thought possible. Thank You Lord for making me new each day, and because in Your eyes we are winners!! Thank you Pastor Steve, for another bold and inspiring message!!
Wonderful message. Let's preach this to the "believers" Ten churches closing daily in USA. Why? Few players - evangelizers - plenty spectators. "Proclaim the Good News""Come follow Me & I will make you fishers of men" "He who does not gather with Me scatters" "He who is ashamed of Me before men I will be ashamed of them.... Leaders to equip the saints for the work of the ministry for the gorwth of the church. "You have been given the ministry of reconciliation"
If we can be of help we will happliy send 300 evangelistic verses free from soulwinning.net