Quiet Strength

On my last day at the beach I read Quiet Strength the story of Tony Dungy, the former coach of the Indianapolis Colts, told in his own words with the help of co-writer Nathan Whitaker. It is a story of leadership and dependence on God.

From the Foreword, written by Paulette and Denzel Washington, you sense the book is going to be much more than a story of a football coach. One of the last lines of the Foreward sums up much of the book: “The reward of remaining patient and obedient to the will of God is that life becomes fulfilling and satisfying…complete.”

A huge influence on Dungy was his parents, who modeled a relationship with Christ, who stressed the importance of education and who insisted on excellence in every endeavor. Here are two quotes from Dungy’s mother that are passed along to us in the book:

“Its always easier to do things the wrong way, but it’s always best to do them the right way.”

“Excellence that feels it has to be proclaimed, by the mere fact of its proclamation admits the doubt of its existence.”

As the football stories are told, Dungy, unashamedly repeats often his reliance on God for the ‘quiet strength.’ He also speaks plainly that winning isn’t necessarily God’s idea of success.  Here is how Dungy states this:

“God’s definition of success is really one of significance – the significant difference our lives can make in the lives of others. This significance doesn’t show up in win-loss records, long resumes, or the trophies gathering dust on our mantels. It’s found in the hearts and lives of those we’ve come across who are in some way better because of the way we lived.”

It is refreshing to see someone who lives his life in professional sports circles so grounded as a follower of Christ, husband and family man.

Dungy concludes the book revealing to the readers his life goal: “My purpose in life is simply to glorify God.” It might only be stated near the end of the book; however, it is perfectly clear through every page.