I am positive that I was joined by millions of Americans who watched the Heisman Trophy ceremonies. And like a lot of moms whose sons played football in their younger days, we all wept at the humility of Tim Tebow, and his unabashed faith of God, not to mention his birth which defied terrible odds.
Tim Tebow has made the history books created by man because he is the first sophomore in the history of the award to receive it, and his achievement is remarkable to be sure.
But my view is that he has made another kind of history that will perhaps go unnoticed by the mainstream media … he is a survivor who is part of a very loving family that first and formost trusts in God and His providence.
Tim's mother, Pam, fell into a coma after contracting amoebic dysentary. This occurred just before she became pregnant with her fifth child, the now world-famous Tim.
As one news report tells the story,
During her recovery, she received a series of strong medications. And even though she discontinued the regimen when she discovered the pregnancy, doctors told Pam the fetus had been damaged.
Doctors later told Pam that her placenta had detached from the uterine wall, a condition known as placental abruption, which can deprive the fetus of oxygen and nutrients. Doctors expected a stillbirth, Pam said, and they encouraged her to terminate the pregnancy.
"They thought I should have an abortion to save my life from the beginning all the way through the seventh month," she recalled.
Pam said her decision to sustain the pregnancy was a simple one – because of her faith.
"We were grieved," she said. "And so my husband just prayed that if the Lord would give us a son, that he would let us raise him."
We all know that wonderful outcome now, and while the hoopla over Tim will continue, as well it should, many of us have a special bond with this young man and his family and thus a special reason to praise God for them. It is their love of the Lord, their trust in His will and their commitment to Him first and formost that makes the Tebow family winners in more ways than one.
America needs more Tim Tebows!