Integrity by Vic Dove

For those of you that have not read the Thursday, March 5th edition of the Lanier County News, I have placed Vic Doves' article below.

“He who walks with integrity walks securely. But he who perverts his ways will become known.” Proverbs 10:9

"As religion and faith are being driven out of the public square, the Judeo-Christian ethical foundations that have sustained our country since its beginning, are being lost and are being replaced with a humanistic amorality, a self-centered, pragmatic indifference that will ensure that our moral compasses will fail to point us in the right direction in the future."
— Archie B. Carroll Professor of Management, Terry College of Business, UGA.

I was recently saddened when I was informed that Brother Daniel McFather, Head Football Coach of the Lanier County Bulldogs will not be returning next year. It was also brought to my attention that Brother David Parker the Defensive Coordinator of the Lanier County Bulldogs will not be returning next year, as well. I mention these two men for a reason, not to be political, or to use this article for a personal commentary, but to mention these two men of God in the same sentence with the word integrity.

The word integrity is defined by Webster as an adherence to a code of values; incorrupt; soundness; completeness.

These two men will not be returning to coach at Lanier County next year probably because someone or some committee gauges the success of a football team by wins and losses. And to a certain point I agree that wins and losses should be used to make these kinds of decisions, but the caveat is at what expense?

Do you give up moral fiber, Men of God, Warriors of the Word, who first teach young men about Jesus, who teach young men how to be responsible husbands, true and faithful mates to their spouses, how to not just be a father to a child, but how to be a dad? Men who have a passion and a deep desire for the young men they coach to develop a strong character so they will grow to be good citizens.

Please believe me when I say I like winning as much as the next guy. As a matter of fact I hate to lose at anything. But, I am not willing to compromise my witness for the Lord, nor am I willing to compromise the lives of young people in order to put more wins in the W column.

Brother Daniel McFather and Brother David Parker and their families will be greatly missed on the sidelines in the fall of 2009 and beyond. But, the real void will be felt in our community and in our local body of believers.

I began this article with a quote by Professor Archie B. Carroll of the University of Georgia. Professor Carroll mentions our moral compasses. I want thank these men and their families for helping keep this small community’s moral compass pointed in the right direction.

May God Bless You and Your family,
Bro Vic