Walking On Higher Ground and Awakening the Spirit Within

By Miguel Viera

This Christian autobiography talks about the dream of a small boy to follow in the footsteps of his childhood role model to earn a full scholarship in college football. Everyday children are influenced by athletes in high school, college and professional sports. This book offers insight into the world of a high school and college student athlete. It shows that it is possible to make the right decisions along the way and encourages student athletes to become the role models this society desperately needs. College is a time when many student athletes "soul search" to find that balance to juggle life's complex load involving serious questions about future aspirations. This spiritual journey addresses thought provoking questions involving Christianity that student athletes have been longing to have answered. It also talks about how to effectively play for Christ, while witnessing to others and giving all the glory to God.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Dec 28, 2014
• ISBN: 9781312768017

Book preview

Walking On Higher Ground and Awakening the Spirit Within

NATIONWIDE ACCLAIM

I feel that this is exactly what our young student athletes need in this day and time.  It provides natural and spiritual insight of what a high school football player deals with when making the transition from high school to the college level, not only on the field, but off the field as well.  This book should be required reading for all incoming freshmen football players on every college campus in the country.

-Johnny Shelton

Chaplain at Baltimore Ravens

Very seldom does a young man sit down to write such a compelling account of his Faith journey.  All student athletes, indeed all students will benefit from the candor and sincerity Miguel displays in this book.

-Bill Curry, Former Head Football Coach

University of Kentucky

Student athletes have long needed a book that speaks to the dynamics of their high school and pre-college experiences, one that can help them identify with the pressures and temptations of all sports.  Miguel Viera’s first person account of such a life has much to offer to those who are truly searching for purpose and direction in lives immersed within the world of student sports.

-Dr. Pat Cronin, Pastor

Friendly Avenue Baptist Church

Football is a growing up experience.  It’s all about dedication, cooperation and working as a team.  Higher Ground should be passed out to all student athletes right along with their equipment.

-Karen Dorr, Wife of the late Coach Ray Dorr

College Station, TX

Miguel Viera’s account of his athletic experience from childhood through becoming a young man truly is entertaining, educational and inspiring.  As I read Walking on Higher Ground and Awakening the Spirit Within, I found myself thinking about my spiritual journey and that of my children who are now beginning their college experiences.  Being from Kentucky and having graduated from the University of Louisville, the details of the football games and college campus environment brought me back to my college days and the temptations and rewards which are ever present on a college campus.  I believe this is must reading for all young adults, even if they are not pursuing a collegiate athletic career, as they move away from home and begin their life journey.

-Bryan Swerbinsky, VP & CFO

Deere-Hitachi Construction Machinery Corp.

If you want to experience major college Football, and Life, from an athlete’s perspective, and get the TOTAL picture, Miguel Viera delivers it.  This is a special young man, with a special message.  I highly recommend this book.

-Rob Oviatt, Former Assistant AD, Physical Development

Washington State University Athletics

Walking on Higher Ground and Awakening the Spirit Within was a terrific and enlightening story of a Christian student athlete’s life.  Each chapter built on each other like scenes from the movie Hoosiers.  I recommend this book to all families, especially those that have aspiring student athletes in their lives.

-Lee Pena Jr., International Treasury Manager

The Sherwin-Williams Company

On Higher Ground is a must read for any athlete being recruited to a Division 1 athletic program.  Miguel details the challenges, the hopes and dreams of prospective college athletes.  He presents this journey in the context of solidifying his own faith in the love of God and the power of the Holy Spirit.  His story of accomplishment, faith, perseverance, and courage will be inspiring to all.  With the strength of the Lord beside him and the power of hope and optimism, Miguel achieved his lifelong dream.  He details the challenges and excesses of big time college sports.  Others will find his story inspiring, filled with personal anecdotes and a message of what God’s love can provide for those seeking answers to life’s perplexing questions.  Miguel’s calling to enrich the lives of other people, young and old, by sharing can change your life forever.

-Bob Lake, Head Football Coach

Cloverleaf High School

WALKING ON HIGHER GROUND AND AWAKENING THE SPIRIT WITHIN

A Christian Student Athlete’s

Spiritual Journey

Through the Doors of College

and Beyond

MIGUEL R. VIERA

Copyright © 2014 by Miguel R. Viera

All rights reserved.  No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the author, except as provided by USA copyright law.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the New King James Version ®.  Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982, 1988 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.  Used by permission.  All rights reserved.

© 2005 Parade Publications.  All rights reserved

Churches, youth groups, and ministries please call

336-558-2063 for volume discounts and special sales information.

Designed by Miguel Viera

Edited by Dr. Doris Henderson

978-1-312-76801-7

PREFACE

It is hard to believe 10 years have passed since I first sat down to write about walking through the doors of college and becoming a Christian student athlete.  The good Lord has provided countless opportunities to share my personal testimony through the writing of this book.  It is only by His grace and love He could ever use someone like me.  The truth is I fall short everyday due to being born in a sinful world.  The good news is through receiving Jesus as my Lord and Savior, my sins are not only forgiven but I’m clothed in the righteousness of Christ.  This is a testament to the power of the cross.

During a recent morning devotion, I came across this verse in 2 Thessalonians 2:15, Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.  The importance of standing fast in this world is paramount.  It is a daily challenge only conquered by reading and living out His perfect Word.  In our culture it is progressively getting more difficult to be a shining light due to constant external pressures and temptations.

Thinking about the next generation of Christian student athletes has inspired me to write a second edition of this book.  I want to encourage Christian student athletes to stand fast in their faith in Christ while living a life that brings glory to God.  Holding fast to the written word of God and not compromising one’s values is not an easy task for any of us.  We need constant encouragement from other believers to stand strong.  Most importantly, we can’t forget that believers in Christ have the help of the Holy Spirit to overcome the world.

This second edition will have discussion questions listed after every chapter.  They can be used to encourage readers to use this book in small group studies to discuss the challenges associated with crossing through the doors of college and beyond.  May the power of Christ compel you to impact those in your circle of influence for His glory and honor!

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I’m most gracious to my Heavenly Father for not only inspiring me to write this book but also giving me the opportunity to spread the gospel.  It is an honor and privilege to have Jesus working in my life and continuing to develop my spiritual potential.  Without Him, I would be lost.

To my beautiful and caring wife, Tiffany, you have been my everything from day one and everyday just keeps getting better.  God has truly blessed me with an angel that I will cherish forever.  Your support and encouragement are second to none.  You are a wonderful mother and my best friend who without a doubt has the coldest hands and feet this side of the Mason-Dixie Line.   

To my children, Mason, Trevor and Marina, watching you grow up has been a blessing and has motivated me to make a difference for the younger generation.  Your constant energy, love and bright smiles remind me of how God wants us to come to Him with a childlike faith and excitement.  

To my mother and father, your strong support and encouragement throughout my high school and collegiate football career were a crucial element to my success.  I count myself very fortunate to have been raised in such a loving family. 

To my brother Ricardo and his wife Rachel, it was wonderful getting to grow up with a younger brother that I have always had a special relationship with throughout our upbringing.  I have always admired you for serving our country in the Army and loving the Lord in all you do.  Thank you Rachel for doing an incredible job with the cover image! 

To Ron and Sandy Milner, for giving me your daughter’s hand in marriage and welcoming me into your family with open arms.  Thanks for all your love and support.

To Coach Bob Lake, your love and enthusiasm for high school football was contagious.  Thank you for all the hard work you did sending out game film to colleges and giving me the best possible chance of getting a full scholarship in college football.

To the late Coach Ray Dorr, your constant encouragement and love for your recruits made committing to Kentucky a decision I have never regretted.  You will be missed but never forgotten.

To Coach Bill Curry, you taught me how to relate football to life, and it has helped mold me into the person I am today.  You were the wisest coach I have ever had and your commitment to academic excellence changed countless lives off the football field.

To Bob Bradley, you took me under your wing at Kentucky and made time in your hectic schedule to be my mentor.  I will always cherish the sit-down discussions we had about academics and finances in your office.

To Dr. Pat Cronin, you are certainly a person I aspire to be more like as I grow closer to God.  Your powerful sermons on God’s word inspire me every week to reach out farther to the lost world.  You are not only a good friend but also my spiritual mentor.

To Dr. Doris Henderson, the light of the Lord shines in all you do at Friendly Avenue Baptist Church.  You welcomed Tiffany and me with open arms when we first attended FABC, and five years later you are still a dear friend.  Thank you for doing a fantastic job editing my book.   

To Chris Williams, you inspired me to pursue a full scholarship in college football and took the time to be nice to a small child.  If there were more role models like you, this world would be a better place.

A special thanks to Bob Lake, Dr. Pat Cronin, Dr. Doris Henderson, Bill Curry, Johnny Shelton, Lee Pena Jr., Rob Oviatt, Joe Federspiel, Ed Welch, Jack Morris, Chris Williams, Tiffany Viera, Pamela Viera, Donna May, Sandy Milner, Mildred Cox, Karen Dorr and Bryan Swerbinsky for taking the time to review my book and providing me with your insight and knowledge.  You have all played an integral role in helping mold this book into a useful and life-changing story for student athletes, coaches and parents.

INTRODUCTION

As I watch my children grow, I can’t help but remember what it was like to be a child myself.  Being 38 years old, I would do just about anything to have a tenth of the energy they burn up throughout the day.  To think of the challenges and unlimited opportunities they will encounter as they grow into young teens made me realize the importance of writing this book.  Who will they view as role models as they get older?  It could be one of you reading this book right now.  There needs to be an awakening among student athletes that they are role models for our younger generation.  Whether you like it or not, the life of a student athlete is scrutinized more closely than that of a non-athletic student. 

My Pastor says, There comes a time in a person’s life where he or she wants to give something back to society instead of continuing to take for themselves.  As we move farther into the 21st century, high schools and colleges struggle with having real student athletes who achieve their potential and serve as good role models for the younger generation.  It seems that somewhere between the 1990’s and 2000’s, there was a disconnect between the student/athlete and teacher/coach relationship.  That ill-fated day at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, that claimed fifteen lives shows the significant importance of good role models in our society.  It seems that student athletes often forget that their teachers and coaches are there to help them achieve and succeed.

I find it ironic that the negative shift in this country’s role models coincides with our society continuing to find ways to take God out of the public schools, not to mention high school football.  They say it is being done so no one gets offended, but it is offensive to me that the minority of this country are making decisions for the majority.  The reason our country stands apart from any other place on this planet is because our founding fathers knew the importance of the central role that God should play in the United States of America.  I emphasize the words central role because as we move farther and farther into the 21st century, we have seen the Ten Commandments taken out of the public schools and Christmas in our country has suddenly turned into Happy Holidays. 

Did you know that on June 19, 2000, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of a vote of 6-3 to ban team prayers led by coaches before high school football games?  Some of my most memorable moments during high school football were during the Lord’s Prayer before our Friday night games.  It is a shame that high school football players across the country will never have the opportunity to be led in prayer by their respective coaches.  I highly encourage student athletes to initiate prayer in the locker room, which is not against the law.  The experience of witnessing the power and awe of God filling a locker room with His spirit, while His prayer is spoken with knees bent, heads bowed, and eyes shut is what made playing the game of football so special to me.   

When is enough going to be enough to where a voice is finally heard in our society for the majority who want God back in public schools and back in the government?  The student athletes of tomorrow need to rise above the decline of this country’s athletic role models and stand for what is right and just.  If we can work together to put God back into high school and college football, we will be a step closer to helping reform our country’s core values.   

This is a book not only for student athletes at the collegiate level but also for high school students who are involved in athletics and are  preparing to go to college.  Parents, teachers and coaches are also encouraged to read this book to better help understand the mind of an athletic teenager.  Life is too short for students to experience everything, so I’m hoping that through this book, you’ll be able to avoid the pitfalls of college and reap all the rewards that experience has to offer.  The student athlete life is very demanding, and there are strong pressures to take shortcuts to achieve optimal results.  I’ve seen too many athletes at the collegiate level take the road more traveled, which has resulted in their sitting in far too much traffic.  We’ll discuss how to overcome these pressures while achieving your maximum academic and athletic potential, while even more importantly, developing your spiritual life.  So sit back, kick off your shoes, and get ready for the ride of your life.  For some of you, I can guarantee that reading this book will be a life-changing experience.

1 - THE DREAM OF A YOUNG CHILD

Good thoughts are no better than good dreams, unless they are executed.

- RALPH WALDO EMERSON

Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men’s blood…Make big plans, aim high in hope and work.

- DANIEL BURNHAM

As a five-year-old boy, besides going to kindergarten, I had nothing to do but play with my brother, Ricardo, and our GI JOE and Star Wars toys all day.  Of course, mom would make us take breaks to nourish our little bodies with plenty of food and beverages.  I like to think of those as the good old days!  Those days were long before raising a family, working 40+ hours a week and paying what seems to be a continuous stream of bills.  Those were the days where a child could pretend to be whatever one’s wildest dreams would allow.  Maybe you were a cowboy in the Wild West, beating up your brother, the Indian.  Perhaps you would take an imaginary trip to the moon and back.  If you wanted, you could even pretend to be in the Army while rolling on the floor with your plastic gun and jumping on or over the couch.  The point is that nothing limited the dream of this little boy.

At an early age, I was fascinated with my father and his love for lifting weights.  There is something about big muscles that cry out masculinity to a little boy.  To me, the larger-than-life biceps of my father were the coolest things I had ever seen.  At the age of five, I started working out with my dad as often as I could.  I was not bench-pressing, power-lifting or dead-lifting, but if I had been you would have seen my picture in the Guinness Book of World Records for the youngest power-lifter in the world.  No, I was sticking to the basic exercises like pull-ups, push-ups and sit-ups.  Even at a young age, there was something about exercising and getting my body to grow that fascinated me.  Probably, an important reason for this was that it gave me more leverage against my brother when we got into altercations over who would get to shoot the first rubber band at the plastic army soldiers we set-up in the dining room.

Exercising as a young child quickly became as routine as brushing my teeth and roughing up my brother every chance I got.  I have to give my brother a lot of credit.  It could not have been easy having me as the older sibling.  I remember always completing his sentences as a small child and acting as the official baby gibberish interpreter for my mother.  My brother would say something to the effect of goo-goo ga-ga and I would interpret it as Ricardo says he wants me to finish off his macaroni and cheese!

A word of advice to older siblings that are reading this book: Be nice to your younger siblings, because once you are full grown, there is a good chance that they will be taller than you and probably able to kick your butt!  Now that my brother is over 6’3 and I am barely pushing 6’3 with my black alligator boots on, which offer some nice artificial elevation, I am nice to him all the time.  Regardless of who is taller or older, the reason I want to talk about my brother is because he played a key role in the development of my athletic career.  You cannot have a better supporting cast around you than your own family.

As I grew older and my body developed, something happened that has carried on to this day.  It was the ultimate discovery of a muscle that others kids and adults wanted to see.  All the pull-ups, push-ups and sit-ups started paying off in big dividends.  I was flexing my biceps for others just like my dad had flexed his biceps for me.  I remember going over my friend Frank’s house for sleepovers in the 2nd and 3rd grade.  As soon as we stepped into the house, he would say, Flex your muscles for my mom.  There is something special about being put on the spot as a little boy and being able to deliver the goods. 

It is funny what things children pick-up from their parents.  This goes to show how important it is to have a good influence