John Wooden... a legend for a reason...

     When I heard that legendary basketball coach John Wooden passed away... the radio host I was listening to was comparing different media accounts of a little slip of paper that Coach Wooden had kept in his wallet, and had treasured for nearly his entire life. Words to live by. A perpetual to-do list that his father had given him when he was just a boy. 
     This passage comes from ESPN...

Even with his staggering accomplishments, he remained humble and gracious. He said he tried to live by advice from his father: "Be true to yourself, help others, make each day your masterpiece, make friendship a fine art, drink deeply from good books -- especially the Bible, build a shelter against a rainy day, give thanks for your blessings and pray for guidance every day."

     ESPN had printed the list in its entirety, but the New York Times had edited out all references to God, prayer, and the Bible...     

“Be true to yourself. Make each day a masterpiece. Help others. Drink deeply from good books. Make friendship a fine art. Build a shelter against a rainy day.”

     As I did my research, I found that many other media outlets had also taken out any references to Wooden's needing anyone but himself.
     I'll admit that while I was focusing on the negative of a God-less media that tries so desperately to further a culture incapable of embracing God in ordinary life... I suddenly was surprised at my real discovery. A story so touching... of a man whose life was grace-filled and lived simply... full of devotion for his wife, and for the Lord.
     Legendary basketball coach, and devout Christian, John Wooden. Successful. Devoted. Grateful. He knew which words to live by.
     Read this touching overview of his life, from Christianity Today.