Weird, strange people.

Just when you feel the cup of cynicism about to runneth over, you get slapped (refreshingly) in the face.

YMX Forum buddy Paul posted a link to this awesome story by ESPN the Magazine's Rick Reilly.

This was a very moving story; as a sports coach, it is always humbling to see parents who know what sports should really be about, and a coach and institution that has the integrity to create that environment.

Sometimes, it feels like we live in a world of absolutes. Mistakes change lives forever. Nothing is sweeter than seeing the same type of grace freely bestowed on us bestowed on others. And in this high school football matchup between Gainesville State School and Grapevine Faith Christian School, the participants showed that respect transcends end zones and sidelines.

It could quite easily have gone the other way. Why, these were criminals, right? Societal failures. Booster clubs and school administrators have had coronaries for much less.

But the folks at Grapevine Faith looked deeper. They looked at a team that consisted of boys who, despite being winless, had the courage and honor to suit up and play. They saw a bunch of boys that were probably not too different than their own.

They saw a team that was not blessed with an abundance, and gave.

Why? Why did GF's parents cheer the other team every down (by name)? Why did they give these boys bibles and food? Why did they decide to treat these boys with so much decency?

Simple. It was a symbolic statement to each player: "you are just as valuable as any other person on planet Earth."

Wow.

So, this atypical coach emailed his atypical parents, and the parents had the class to do the atypical thing. And, God was glorified.

You see... it ain't about the food. It was not about the bibles. It wasn't about the banner they made for the other team to burst through, or the 40-yd spirit line made for the opposing team.

It was about showing love. Showing regard and affection, even when some people may think you have good cause not too... when it goes against the grain.

Sounds familiar, right?

This is a huge shoutout to both coaches. I tip my hat to Mark Williams. That guy has to have a lot of heart for his 14 players to be able to get so much for him and still have enough to pump blood through his body. Kris Hogan is just as much a hero. Christian attitudes in christian schools are far from a given, and it warms the heart to see it overlowing at that school.

Huge salute to the GF parents.

My biggest round of applause goes to the kids... forgive me... young MEN. On both teams. It takes love to give, and an equal amount of graciousness to receive.

I pray that everyone I come in contact with can say what Isaiah said: "Lord, I don't know how this happened, so I don't know how to say thank You, but I never would've known there was so many people in the world that cared about us."

Amen.