On this blog I have not made it a habit to venture into the world of current affairs, but if you haven’t noticed Tiger Woods has been in the news quite a bit lately, and it’s not because he won another big tournament. In fact, he experienced the biggest loss of his career: his pristine reputation. On a deeper level, however, it’s more than a loss of his reputation; it’s an utter failure to live his marriage vows and to be the father and man he’s supposed to be.
Admittedly, I’ve always been a huge Tiger fan. I greatly admire his talent and—until last week—always respected the way he carried himself.
My point here is not to offer a TMZ-type analysis of this story. Nor am I going to offer an excuse for Tiger (“he’s just a guy”). The thought that this sad story has prompted me to ponder more deeply is what Rahim Kahn told Amir in the opening chapter of that phenomenal novel about redemption, The Kite Runner: “There’s a way to be good again.”
People are understandably angry at Tiger. We feel deeply sorry for his wife and children. But let’s ask a bold question: Can Tiger be good again? Not good on the golf course, but good in life. In other words, is redemption possible? As Christians, we should answer with a resounding “Yes!”
True, Tiger has sinned in a big way. I don’t pretend to know what will happen to their marriage, and here I don’t intend to offer any insights about how the marriage can be healed. Anyone of us can understand the hurt and betrayal that Elin must be feeling. But I do know that redemption is possible for every person. Christ died for us to reconcile us to the Father. No sin is greater than God’s mercy and love. We, however, must be willing to open ourselves to receive his mercy and to begin again.
How does this whole Tiger situation apply to our lives? Well, maybe it’s prompted us to ask that bold question about our own lives: Can I be good again? Maybe we’ve had a big fall in our lives. Maybe we’ve believed that redemption is not possible for us. Maybe we feel like our current situation or our past sins are just too big for the Lord to handle. But that’s simply not true. Look at the crucifix and know in the depth of your heart that you are loved that much. If we are willing to ask Him, the Lord will forgive us. It is possible for each one of us to be good again. And, yes, it is possible for Tiger to be good again.
Tiger has learned a good lesson in life. What he did i cannot condemn, after all, he is just a human being. Nor I will judge if he did right or wrong. I am full of flaws myself.
God favors the sinners, because they have experienced what it was like to have sinned. It is also the reason why He have chosen them as messengers.
Walter,
It’s true, we are all sinners and the Lord has compassion on us. However, we do need to ask for his mercy and be open to change. That should be our prayer for Tiger…and for each one of us as well.
Peace!
This situation carries a profound potential for grace. Unfortunately, we usually only get to bear witness to the sordid portion.
Kelly,
True on both counts! Let’s pray that grace wins out in the end.
Peace!
A great spiritual insight from the life of a man whom I only heard about two weeks ago. Gazing on the crucifix is a powerful grace. He did this for us. He thirsts for us. so we can begin again. What a gift.
very inspirational and hope for us all.
God Bless All