6 BOCNEWS.com JANUARY 2018 For Those of us Who Didn’t Make it to the Pros Someone would always ask me, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Of course I was programmed to say or at least hope – a professional football player or an athlete. As a kid I saw guys with muscles, money, girls, championship rings, trophies and fame. So I began a journey of lifting weights, working out, running, carrying a ball around and even sleeping with it. I took vitamins, followed a diet with lots of protein and drank milk by the gallons. I played ball all the time and anywhere I could. I read about the best athletes and studied various sports. The same can be true for any childhood dream or profession. Some people really worked to become exactly what they want- ed to be from the very begin- ning while others fell right into a wonderful life without much effort. Some become mothers, fathers, pastors, police, soldiers and take jobs to make the world go round. Some work every day, during evenings or on swing shifts and overseas. There are people that work full- time, over-time and part-time while some don’t work at all. I don’t believe the push- ups, sprinting and the many hours of practice were wasted. I met people along the way that inspired me. I encouraged young and old, won games, loss games and even accepted ties. I endured injuries and pain and overcame obstacles. I pushed myself to develop a strong body and mind. I learned discipline and how to work hard. I experi- enced teamwork and strife. I witnessed the best and worst in myself as well as others. It’s devastating to be turned away because you’re too small, too slow, too late or in some cases too heavy, not to mention the wrong color. How do you make it when no one is there to guide you or give you a chance? Unfortunately, some find alcohol, crime, drugs and unhappiness. But when you have to take that detour from your dream, you may end up discovering your real destiny. What happened to your dream to make pro? Did you make a smooth transition and what are you doing now? Are you making a difference or did you give up? The truth is - God doesn’t need your success; He wants you to surrender. God has a uniform for you with your name and number on it. He made you for a special pur- pose. Let Him put you where He needs you. You have skills and talents He can use for His glory. Our achievements are empty without Him anyway. Although I don’t have any Super Bowl rings nor have I traveled around the world or made millions of dollars God has done great things around, for, in and through me. I have learned to define success as –doing what God would have me do, when and where He says to do it. He knows what He made me for and He guides my footsteps. He’s the “Real Deal”, my coach, trainer and manager. When I please Him, I win. Therefore I am a Pro and you can be one too. Dwayne Burris The truth is - God doesn’t need your success; He wants you to surrender. God has a uniform for you with your name and number on it. TESTIMONY By Dwayne Burris