Freedom To Choose

Facts

The Freedom to Choose Project (FTC) is all about redemption and the power of second chances. We assist men and women in stepping free of past identifications as “criminals” and re-identifying themselves as valuable members of our society.

Illustration - Rockefeller Center Tree 2020 grafted in to make look better. OR real olive tree

The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling Depression

A person becomes depressed when he follows his feelings instead of his responsibilities.

300 Illustrations for Preachers The Pressure of A-Rod’s Big Contract

The Pressure of A-Rod’s Big Contract

Psalm 121:1; Matthew 14:30; Mark 14:36; Luke 22:42

Preaching Themes: Responsibility, Stress

In 2001 baseball superstar Alex Rodriguez signed what was at the time the largest contract for a pro athlete: $25 million per year for ten years to play shortstop for the Texas Rangers. A-Rod immediately felt the responsibility to live up to the gigantic contract. Some believe this pressure led to his use of anabolic steroids. Former teammate Bill Haselman said, “He felt it. He had the mentality of somebody trying to hit a three-run homer with nobody on base.”

When you feel the pressure to do the impossible, how do you respond? When expectations overwhelm you, where do you turn? When Peter faced the performance pressure while walking on the sea he cried out to the Lord, “Lord, save me!” When the Lord felt the pressure of the crucifixion in the garden, he cried out to the Father, “Take this cup from me.”

—Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell

Pslam 88 (FIND THE CONTEXT)

Soul Movie Analogy Timeline - 1:24:22-1:25:45 (Bumper for series)