- SOUL FOOD BOOK REVIEW - by Carl W. Wade
I wrote this book review for a Bible class. I highly recommend this excellent book!
Title: Quiet Strength – The Principles, Practices, & Priorities of a Winning Life.
Author: Tony Dungy (with Nathan Whitaker); 301 pages
Available: Any bookstore. (BAM price appx $19)
Important facts:
- #1 on New York Times list (8/13);
- Dungy listed in “100 Most Influential People” in 2006, Time Mag;
- Cam Cameron, Coach of Miami Dolphins purchased 1,000 copies to distribute to coaches across the nation.
Observation: Leading the Indianapolis Colts to win the Super Bowl XLI, Tony Dungy made history as the first African American coach to take home the Super Bowl Trophy. He has overcome many obstacles, trials and challenges to achieve success in life, both on and off the football field. In his memoirs, Dungy shares the secrets to his unique leadership style and how his life remained focused on his faith in Jesus Christ in both losses and victories. This is book is NOT just about winning in football…it is the journey of a Godly man to achieve victory in a sport that is not known for Christian virtues or values!
Excerpts: “The competing views of success in our world often create an interesting tension. Society tends to define success in terms of accomplishments and awards, material possessions, and profit margins. In the football business, winning is the only thing at matters.”
“God’s Word, however, presents a different definition of success – one centered on a relationship with Jesus Christ and a love for God that allows us to love and serve others. ….If we get caught up in chasing what the world defines as success, we can use our time and talent to do some great things. We might even become famous. But in the end, what will mean?”
“God’s definition of success is really one of significance – the significant difference our lives can make in the lives of others….It’s found in the hearts and lives of those we’ve come across who are in some way better because of the way we lived.”
Upon winning the Super Bowl, Coach Dungy believed that he had been brought to that pinnacle of success to give God the glory! In the televised interview at the conclusion of the game he said to a worldwide audience, “…I think God orchestrated this in such a way that we can’t take credit for it. We just want to thank Him for giving us the strength to preserve.”
In his book he adds, “With the Lord beside me, I felt certain that whatever was suppose to happen was going to happen. He didn’t call me to be successful in the world’s eyes; He called me to be faithful!”
Whether you’re a sports fan, football fan or not. This is a meaningful book about how one of the most ’successful’ men in world achieved the pinnacle of his profession by maintaining a faithful focus on his Lord and Savior. Especially excellent for fathers and sons in a highly competive world – at school and on the job!
