Mike Tyson. Former heavyweight champion of the world. A legend in his own time. A hero to some, and a monster to many. He’s either on one end of the spectrum or the other, but he’s not in the center. He’s not your normal, everyday, run-of-the-mill, routine kind of guy. His fights in the boxing ring brought him great fame and fortune. His animal-like behavior outside the ring {well, inside too…I mean, there is the ear thing} brought him a ruined reputation and time behind bars. There’s a long list of crimes and bad behavior we can attribute to him.
In October of 1998, he revealed a glimpse into his mind: I know I’m going to blow one day. . . . My life is doomed the way it is. I have no future. I feel bad about my outlook, how I feel about people and society, and that I’ll never be part of society the way I should. (source: Fox Sports Community)
In that one quote was a cry for grace, love and acceptance. And isn’t that the longing of all our hearts? Another chance at life…to make right what’s wrong.
Just a few days ago, Mike Tyson’s Twitter feed read: People deserve more than 1 chance. Sometimes more than 2. Then, two days later: I love seeing people out there that take care of other people, selfless. They make me want to improve my life more as a family man & father.
What a drastic change from his mindset in 1998! And he’s right!
We all want second chances, third chances, never-ending chances to be accepted and loved. To improve our lives. To be the parent, the lover, the child, the friend God created us to be. To know that our screw-ups have not ruined God’s purposes for our lives. It seems as though Mike Tyson is taking hold of his second chances and making a go of it.
What do you think of his second chance?
This is part of the People of the Second Chance campaign, Never Beyond, that focuses on forgiveness, grace and second chances. There will be 25 posters representing well known historical, current and fictional characters who are believed to have harmed society.
