Former Panthers and Saints linebacker, Sam Mills, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this past weekend. His incredible NFL journey included Pro Bowls and All-Pro honors and he only missed 11 games in his 12 NFL seasons. The 5' 9” undrafted linebacker out of Montclair State (where he began as a walk-on) overcame the odds, was highly respected, and finished strong on and off the field. During his final NFL season in 1996, Mills helped lead the Panthers to the NFC Championship game (in just their second season as a franchise) at 37 years old. Sadly, he died at the age of 45 (in 2005), and while his football career was honored and recognized in Canton, it’s his character and inspiration that are truly remembered. His widow, Melanie, gave the induction speech during the enshrinement ceremony on Saturday and said, "He was a father, a friend, a husband, and a leader who always kept pounding, no matter the odds." Mills was known as a player and a man who never gave up, didn’t complain or make excuses, and his attitude and mindset continue to inspire us to overcome, have courage, and “keep pounding.” This mantra of “keep pounding” is credited to Mills and has been adopted by the Carolina Panthers organization and the entire fan base. In the summer of 2003, Sam Mills was an assistant coach with the Carolina Panthers and was diagnosed with an aggressive form of intestinal cancer and given only a few months to live. However, he continued coaching, and on January 2nd, 2004 the day before the Panthers hosted a playoff game against the Cowboys, Mills was asked to speak to the team after practice. According to Darin Gantt's article on Panthers.com, “The Day Keep Pounding Was Born,” Mills' teammates remember him saying, "When I found out I had cancer, there were two things I could do: quit or keep pounding. I'm a fighter. I kept pounding. You're fighters, too. Keep pounding!" That memorable speech and phrase, “keep pounding,” not only contributed to the team beating the Cowboys 29-10 the following night but provided inspiration all the way to the Super Bowl. Now, many years later, the saying is sewn into the inside collars of Panthers jerseys, an honorary drummer hits the “keep pounding” drum before each home game, and the phrase is interwoven into the fabric of the city. As a Panthers fan, I’m proud that Sam Mills is a Hall of Famer and I believe the “keep pounding” approach can be implemented in all of our lives…even Cowboys fans. We all encounter daily challenges, seasonal trials, and lifelong obstacles, and there are countless situations where we choose to “keep pounding” or give up. We choose to either keep fighting, persevere, endure or quit. As followers of Jesus, we have an enemy that wants us to lose hope, be discouraged, be overcome with worry and doubts, and give up our faith. However, we must “keep pounding!” In the Bible, Paul gives Timothy a similar plea: “But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses” (1 Timothy 6:11-12; NLT). No matter what we face, we cling to Jesus, relying on His strength to help us fight the good fight of faith as we place our hope in His promises and the eternal life we have in Him. As long as God still has us here, we finish strong while we persevere with faith and inspire others to do the same. Today let’s be encouraged to keep praying, keep trusting, keep obeying, keep seeking Him first, and "keep pounding" as we yield to the power of the Holy Spirit within us. As, Ephesians 6:18 (AMP) says, “With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, stay alert with all perseverance and petition for all God’s people.” I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, there are days I want to give up and I don’t know how I can keep going, but I know You are with me and You love me. I need You and I need Your strength and power within me to help me persevere. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen. Discussion Questions for PACKS:
In what ways are you trusting God to "keep pounding" and keep persevering?
If you're honest, what causes you to want to give up?
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