By: Curtis Schofield, Spiritual Insight

I had to change planes in Charlotte, N.C., as I stood in line to board the plane to Chatta-nooga, I discovered I was standing behind a giant of a man. He looked familiar. I thought, "I should know this man." Then I realized who he was. He was Reggie White from Chattanooga, known to most of us as the all American football player from the University of Tennessee. I had enjoyed seeing him play many times. He had become known as "minister of defense" when he played for the Green Bay Packers. He shared Christ with others everywhere he went.

Since then Reggie suffered an untimely death and has been honored by being voted into the Hall of Fame for professional football players.

As I stood behind him in line, I introduced myself, “Reggie, I am Curtis Schofield, a fan of yours. I want you to know there are many of us who appreciate your Christian witness and the role model you are for our children and our grandchildren.”

Reggie asked, "Curt, do you have grandchildren?" I was impressed that he changed the subject from my recognition of him to focus on Clara and my grandson. It was at that moment I realized the Spirit of God had given Reggie the gift of service to care for others (see Romans 12:7). He had changed the subject from my asking him about his greatness to encouraging me to share about my grandson. I gladly shared about Nathan, our new grandson. 

Then Reggie said, “I bet you have a picture of him.”

I responded, "I sure do!" I reached down into my travel case and pulled out a large picture of Nathan.  He smiled and bragged about Nathan's looks.

Then I asked him if he would sigh the picture. Reggie was pleased to do so. He did more than write his name.  He also wrote "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).

I took the picture home and gave it to our son, Philip, Nathan's dad.  Nathan now is 12–years–old. He often goes with his dad and me to see football games and other special events. We like to fish with Nathan and his brothers, Sam and Paul. 

Let us thank the Lord today for Christian men who will stop to share with a stranger.

Curtis Schofield is a retired minister residing on Sand Mountain. Contact him at (423) 413-5653.