As I watched Tiger Woods stand behind the podium on Saturday morning, delivering his “statement” to the general public, a few thoughts ran through my head.
- I know this is well-rehearsed and scripted, but is it sincere?
- Is there any way to know for sure?
- Even if I feel it is sincere, what are others thinking?
The only question I found a solid answer for was the first. I felt as I watched Tiger say the words “I’m so sorry…” that he actually meant them. I’m a Tiger Woods fan. I love watching him play golf and I was devastated on some deep level when I found out what he had been up to. Not that I felt he was perfect or above reproach, but I simply thought he had things together. No dirt was ever brought up on him. No bad press. No tabloid talk.
Nothing serious, anyway.
And as much as I never put him on a pedestal, I did think he kept his nose clean for the most part. Finding out that he had been involved in such a miserable and dirty scandal really tainted my view of Tiger. All of the sudden, he became absolutely human. Absolutely flawed. Absolutely just like me.
And even though he’s fallen down, I believe he’ll get up again. He’ll move on one way or another. He’ll return to golf and be the best or as a shadow of his former self. But what about me? How do I choose to see him now? How do I deal with a guy who’s life is so messy? How do I deal with being a fan of someone who’s done such aweful things off the course?
I suppose I absolutely must extend grace to him. I must forgive as I’ve been forgiven. I mustn’t hold judgement and condemnation over him because he has failed. Instead, because of those simple words “I’m sorry,” I have to hope for his restoration. I have to attempt, to the best of my ability, to forgive what he’s done. I must rely on a God who promises His power through the Holy Spirit to enable me to forgive him. How can I not? I’ve been forgiven of so much, how can I not extend that same grace?
So, in my mind, the answer to question #1 is a yes. But what about #2 and #3? I can’t answer those with any real assurance. I can only hope they are both yes. What do you think? What are your answers?
I’d love to dialogue with you about it just below!
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There is no way to know for sure. But Tiger Woods owes the world no apologies. The only person he needs to apologize to and work on his relationship with is his wife. I am glad he finally came out and admitted publicly he was wrong and he is sorry, but we live in a society that tuned in by the millions to listen to a man, a husband, and a human apologize for the same things thousands of other people are doing everyday. I don’t need Tiger’s apology to forgive and forget. That is something he will carry and pay for in regret. I just want to see him back on the golf course and a little more humble. But I am tired of the scrutiny he has taken for this. There are much worse things he could have done and have been done by athletes that are still playing their sport today.
Preach it, brotha’!
No, seriously though, I agree with you. I would love to see a humbled Tiger Woods go out and win about 10 more majors and dominate the sport as he’s always done. I’m glad he publicly admitted it and I wish everyone would just move on. He has tons of work to do on his marriage, but that’s not our business at all.
I do appreciate his courage in stepping up and saying “I was wrong” followed by “I’m making changes.” Those two statements, together, are very encouraging.
Can’t wait to see him on the tour again!