Acknowledging Greatness
IllustrationStory★★★★In 1994, Thurman Thomas, head bowed with his hands covering his face, sat on the Buffalo bench following his team’s fourth straight Super Bowl loss. His three fumbles had helped seal the Bills’ fate. Suddenly, standing before him was the Dallas Cowboys’ star running back, Emmitt Smith, who had just been named Most Valuable Player for Super Bowl XXVIII. Smith was carrying his young goddaughter. He looked down at her and said, “I want you to meet the greatest running back in the NFL—Thurman Thomas.”
Found in The Story File - 1001 Contemporary Illustrations · The Story File > Encouragement
The point
True greatness is demonstrated by publicly honoring a rival despite their failure, modeling grace and encouragement.
Scripture
1 Peter 3:8-9Proverbs 27:12
Audience
Adults
Tone
Inspiring · Gracious · Affirming
To tell aloud
under a minute · 85 words