It is sad to hear the reports coming out of Indiana re: Colts owner Jim Irsay. A man who had seemingly beaten down his demons years ago, only to have them win this latest battle.
What really struck me in the reporting was the comment, “To those around him, this was not a great surprise.”
What?
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that his friends and inner circle had become increasingly concerned in recent months about Irsay’s behavior (Schefter even mentioned the escalating ‘weirdness’ of Irsay’s late-night tweets).
I have no idea if Irsay’s friends confronted him about his behavior, expressing their concern for his well-being. They very well may have, many times even. I don’t know.
What this whole episode brings to light is something we talked about this past Sunday…
If we don’t address the red flags we see in people’s lives, be prepared to see them raise the white flag of surrender.
If they don’t get the help they need, in a timely manner, they will give up. They’ll quit. They’ll surrender to their demons.
Again, Irsay’s friends, family and confidants may very well have been reaching out to him. I pray they were.
But how many people are out there waving a red flag of dire warning, and we ignore them?
Don’t be shocked when the white flag goes up.
We claim to be saddened. Heartbroken.
But are we heartbroken enough to ensure it doesn’t happen to the next person?
Or will we shake our heads dismissively next time and mutter, “I knew something like this was going to happen.”
We can be better than that. There is hope for everyone.
And please pray for Jim Irsay and his family.
*First written March 18, 2014.*
Pastor Greg Martin...Thoughts of a Nondenomepiscobaptiterian 