Last night Janet and I went to the Bridgeport Little League Championship between the Cardinals and the Red Sox. We knew kids playing on both teams, so we’d go back and forth between dugouts/sides rooting for both teams. It turned out to be a classic championship game.
The Red Sox jumped out to an early lead and looked like they might dominate the game, but the Cardinals kept fighting back. Going into the final inning of play the score was Red Sox 7 – Cardinals 6. Ethan Herschler steps up to bat for the Cardinals; the bases loaded and they’re still trailing 7-6 with two outs. Before he bats, I see his mom and say: “This is what little boys live for!” She quickly replied: “Not moms!” Two classic statements; showcasing the differences in most men and women.
This conversation made me remember a classic book by David Murrow and is the real reason for this blog. Ladies, all I can say is I hope you’ll read it: “Why Men Hate Going To Church”. Our staff read it a year or so ago and now we are reading it again. If you’re not sure about it, ask a couple of our ladies on staff what they thought after reading it! I wish every Christian woman would read the book. If you’re reading this blog and you attend Grace Fellowship – I challenge you to read it!
We not only want to build a church that unchurched people love to attend, we want to build a church that men love to attend. It’s been working pretty well because we have a high percentage of men attending Grace – but we want that to increase. Again – read the book – you’ll understand why after you’ve read it.
You may be wondering what happened with the game. The pitcher works Ethan to a full count! Here it is: last inning * 2 outs * trailing 7-6 * full count * the excitement on both sides is at its peak * and Ethan hits an inside the park Grand Slam! The Cardinals hold off the Red Sox in the bottom of the 6th and go on to win 10-7. I felt sorry for our kids on the Red Sox Team, but they had a phenomenal season with this being their only loss. Of course the Cardinals were fired up, and that moment will be one Ethan remembers for the rest of his life . The only thing that could have made it better was if it happened in a Major League World Series. Little boys dream of such things!
BJ Rutledge 
Awesome insight BJ! Great experience for both teams.
The book “Why men hate going to Church” hits the mark for me.
I want to read the book, sounds really good! Have a blessed weekend! Thanks for sharing!
Seven years ago, it was the game that Paradise needed to win to become district champs. Jesse had cut his right hand just below his thumb (palm side) the week before and had seven stiches. Coach put him in on 1st base, which is where he played when he wasn’t pitching….the game got tight, runners on all the bases, pitcher was struggling, so Coach Mac went to his go-to guy – Jesse. Ripping the bandage of his hand as he ran from 1st base to the mound, Jesse was grinning from ear to ear – he LOVED to go in at times like this…he thrived on the pressure – Mom (which is me) could not watch and went behind the bleachers and peeked out through my fingers!!! He struck out the batter with three pitches and Paradise went on to win the game and District. Good times, good times. You are right, moms don’t always get it — that’s what we have you men for! I realize how important it is for men to be in our church…in every church…so I try to look at things through the blue lens. Sometimes you have to help us though!!!