I couldn’t believe it when Michael Phelps won the gold….over and over (he won a record of 8 gold medals) during the 2008 Olympic Games. I sat amazed, like most of the world at his incredible victories. It was a very exciting time for Americans! I felt so proud for him. What a great accomplishment. This would put Michael Phelps in the record books as being a 14 time gold medal winner. WOW!
I sat again in disbelief as I watched the news during dinner tonight. I’m behind on the “happenings” usually. I don’t watch very much tv. On Foxnews, the story was Michael Phelps pictured smoking pot!?! Huh? What in the world? Oh man! No way! What a total let-down! After doing a little reading on the superstar athlete, I found this wasn’t his first brush with a crime. He was arrested in 2004 at the age of 19 (ahem!) for drunk driving! Hello? Is anybody listening? This kid is not ok. He’s 23! What’s ahead?
I can’t help but feel disappointed. I’m a mom. I’ve worked daily to instill positive behavior into my kid’s lives. They’re teenagers….and people influence them. We all influence someone. It’s just how it goes. I’m angry that he would be so STUPID as to do this kind of thing. Obviously it’s in his lifestyle. He seems to have party type habits. I can’t help but think of all the times he wasn’t caught. Or why would he do this type of thing to his body? He’s making gazillions because of his physical abilities. What a dummy! What a sad fact that he is influencing young people all over this world to “PARTAY”!!!! Oh….and please…..don’t tell me he’s not. Read around. You’ll find witnesses describing him looking quite at home with the bong in South Carolina. Sad!
I’ve experienced let-down before over sin in someone’s life. This isn’t my first time. It just reminds me how we so easily put people on a pedestal. We put our faith in people….when we really need to focus in on God and follow only Him. If you’re a parent….and you’re hearing these stories about famous people doing crazy things, talk about it with your kids. Point out, mistakes….and regret. Everyone makes mistakes and everyone usually regrets them. Be sure you are teaching your kids WHO to follow. His name isn’t Michael Phelps…it’s JESUS! While it isn’t our job to beat up on Michael Phelps……it is our job to pray for him. I challenge you to do just that.
Galatians 5:4 “You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.”