Win “4” Eternity
Win “4” Eternity | Lake City Football
by Deacon Jim Siler, IPS MDiv student
“4” the Lake City Football program, winning has become so much more than just winning football games and winning the Highland Conference and State Championship. When one looks deeply in the eyes of these young men and the coaching staff “4” the weeks following the loss of their teammate it is to truly witness a spirit that goes beyond their physical presence and makes any and all of these team goals a real and optimistic reality. The tragic loss of teammate and friend Zach Peery #”4” on the morning of July 13th has “4” ever changed the purpose, drive and motivation of the football program, the entire Lake City School student body, faculty, staff, the community of Lake City and beyond.
At Zach’s funeral in my message I said, “The pathway of faith has divine purpose, and we’re to obey, no matter what. But even when God’s direction is perplexing, we can count on the fact that if God allows something to happen he will make good come from it. Walking obediently with Christ doesn’t guarantee an easy life, which is obvious when we consider what we are facing today.” One reality has already taken place in the Lake City Football Program. I have had the opportunity to experience first hand “4” the last few weeks the fire of the Holy Spirit in Coach Peterson, his coaching staff and the entire squad from the “4” year seniors down to the first year freshmen. They have given a new meaning to the reality of hard work and determination in the face of such real and painful circumstances.
I shared with the team after their final two a day practice sessions my appreciation to them by their example “4” helping me to strengthen the resolve of this entire community to live the “Gospel.” This is truly the purpose of our being created and the reality of how Zach Peery lived in his short but fruitful life. Like the principles in winning at football we must fight the good fight, keep running the race and never give up! We must daily pick up our cross, put on the armor of Christ and finish the race despite the pain and agony!
In today’s society and culture the gospel message of living “4” and in the true Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit is being replaced by living in the false trinity of me, myself, and I. This football program has been embraced by the love of Christ and in the true spirit of thanksgiving “4” the Creator God creating and sharing Zach Peery’s #”4” ‘s life with them, they have turned their focus from asking why? To how can God make good come from this? The entire community of Lake City must come together and support this team by moving forward in the realization that Zach’s life was created “4” and will “4” all eternity be the perfect gift of a loving God.
At Zach’s funeral vigil I challenged Zach’s family, friends, the coaching staff, team and the entire community to be “4” ever transformed and changed by the reality of what a true gift this young man was and will “4” ever be to this community. Zach Peery lives eternally in the hearts, minds and souls of this team and beyond. Today our reality, following the example of this football program, is to move forward in the sure and certain hope of our faith and trust in God, not self. We must continue to come together as a community and support Lake City’s football team in their quest for a conference and state championship by winning football games!
Zach will lead this team to many victories and championships but “4” sure the gift of his life must transform the hearts and minds of this entire community to live the “Gospel” and then we will all Win “4” Eternity!