Read an Excerpt

 This scripture shows us that it is possible to build a great house. What type of house are you building for your life? The verse also raises another important question: Do you want to be a vessel of gold and silver, or one of wood and clay? One for special purposes or for common use?

 Before we begin, we need to understand what God wants and how He sees us. Have you ever wondered if God has more for you in life? Perhaps you were created to be more. Perhaps your purpose is to make a difference. Every individual should work toward having the focus, determination, and the courage to be used by God in whatever way He chooses. There is nothing more purposeful than being molded and shaped by the creator of the universe.  There is no greater reward than to lead a life so well-lived that the God of Creation says:

“Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been
faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you
many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!”
- Matthew 25:23, NLT

 As our journey continues, we will share the stories of people who are, or were once, considered great. Although many of the people who are referenced have very public reputations, being great is not about being famous or being in the public eye. Being great is about being great regardless of whether you are in front of the camera or behind the scenes. You can be a great celebrity or entertainer just as well as you can be a great parent, mentor, family member, or a friend who walks someone through a challenging season.

 As you read through these pages, you will see greatness in Faith Hill’s adoptive father, Simone Biles’s grandparents, Dennis Rodman’s coach, Jack Hedden, Ronnie Lott’s wife, Karen, and his father who was a Master Sergeant in the USAF. You will see the character of Walter Payton who did not play high school football, wanting his brother to succeed and thus choosing to wait to play to avoid competing against his older brother for the same position.

It is my sincere desire to both inspire and challenge you because you, too, can be great before it’s too late!

Our first story is just as much about college and pro football star Deshaun Watson as it is about his courageous, faithful, and supportive mother, Deann.