"God’s Hall of Fame"
John Robert Wooden, was an American basketball player and coach. He was nicknamed the "Wizard of Westwood." He won 10 National Collegiate Athletic Association national championships in a twelve year period as head coach for the UCLA Bruins, including seven in a row. No other team won more than four in a row in Division 1 college men's and women's basketball within this period. His teams won an NCAA men's basketball record with 88 consecutive games.
Wooden won the prestigious Henry Iba Award as National Coach of the Year a record 7 times and won the game AP award 5 times.
Wooden was the first player to be named Basketball All American 3 times.
The 1932 Purdue Team was retroactively recognized as the Pre- NCAA Tournament National Champion by the Helms Athletic Foundation and the Premo - Porretta Power Poll. Wooden was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame as a player in 1960 and as a coach in 1973, first person ever enshrined in both categories.
Wooden was a devout Christian. His beliefs were more important to him than basketball. "I've always tried to make it clear that basketball is not the ultimate. It is of small importance in comparison to the total life we live. There is only one kind of life that truly wins, and that is the one that places faith in the hands of the savior." Wooden's faith strongly influenced his life.
Wooden lectured, wrote poetry and many inspirational books. He quoted a poem he had written when he was inducted into the Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. That poem is as follows:
God’s Hall of Fame
By John Robert Wooden
Your name may not appear down here,
In this world’s hall of fame.
In fact you may be so unknown,
That no one knows your name!
The Oscars here may pass you by
And neon lights of blue,
But if you love and serve the Lord
Then I have news for you.
This hall of fame is only good
As long as time shall be
But keep in mind, God’s Hall of Fame,
Is for eternity!
To have your name inscribed up there
Is greater yet by far,
Than all the Halls of Fame down here
And every man-made star.
This crowd on earth may soon forget
The heroes of the past.
They cheer like mad until you fall
And that’s how long you last.
But God, He never does forget,
And in his Hall of Fame
By just believing in his Son
Inscribed you’ll find your name.
I tell you, friend, I wouldn’t trade
My name however small,
That’s written there beyond the stars
In that celestial hall.
For any famous name on earth
Or glory that they share;
I’d rather be unknown here
And have my name up there.
Please pray:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for placing us in your “Hall of Fame,” not for anything we have done, but because we recognize and place our faith in your Son, Jesus, for what he did for us, by giving his life in place of ours, for our sins, on the cross. Just like words in the song of Christian artist Francesca Battistelli:
“I don’t need my name in lights. I’m famous in my Father’s eyes.
I’m not living for applause, I’m already so adored. He knows my name.”
Thank you, God. Amen.
God Bless you,
Linda Shields