The Flog – The Fabry Log

There are times in life when you feel like you’re thrashing in choppy water, just trying to breathe. There are other times when the waters are raging that you feel like you’re being buoyed by something greater than yourself.

I received an email and phone call earlier this year asking if I would be available to help write a memoir. I’m always open to writing projects, but at the time I was busy with radio and other writing duties. I try to leave room to say yes to such things. A mentor of mine, Jerry Jenkins, always said to work a little harder and get things done. You have no control over the projects that come your way or the timing of them.

As it turned out, the book was with Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints. The publisher was hammering out the details of the contract, but it would be a quick project. I had about a month to write it. Drew, Brittany, and his agent, Chris, chose Tyndale House. In a Sports Illustrated article I read yesterday, Peter King got it right. Here’s his quote from Brees:

"It's funny. When I was first approached about doing a book, I thought, 'I want to sell a million books.' You know, you become a competitor about it. Then I started thinking of it the way I thought of the draft. When you come out of college, you want to be drafted as high as possible. But after you get into it, you understand it's more important to go to the best team for you than how high you go. So now, I'm more concerned with how this book will affect people and maybe influencing people facing the same obstacles I had in my career."

Read more of the Peter King article here.

That’s exactly what I’m hoping this book does. Sure, it would be great to sell a boatload. But we’re hoping it gets in the hands of one person who feels like they can’t stand up another day and face life. I’m praying it finds its way not just to store shelves, but into the hearts of people who have been beaten down by the economy and life. It’s not just a book about football. It’s a story of someone who was willing to face challenges and go where he believed God was calling.

I don’t know about you, but I need to hear that kind of story. To me, this is Seabiscuit with a #9 on his jersey. It’s about the kid who was too small to succeed who couldn’t be stopped. A horrific injury should have ended his career in 2005, but he came back. A storm that swept over a city and devastated it should have signaled the end, but it didn’t. And now an oil spill threatens to do the same thing to a coastline.

Drew’s story shows we’re strongest when we realize our weaknesses. It describes the power of getting up after you’re knocked down. And when you get knocked down again, rising to your feet another time. If you’re down today, you’re in good company. A lot of people have their face on the canvas. The question is, will you be one of the few who will choose to stand? There is power in adversity. Will you let it help you become a better and more rounded person?