Alabama Devotions

“There are very few things that I am truly passionate about. As a Christian, my faith is at the top of that short list. As a Tuscaloosa native, Alabama football is naturally on that list. Del has done a tremendous job bringing those two things together for every Christian that knows on Saturday, ‘Roll Tide’ is used to say just about anything.”

—Dr. Matthew Dunaway, PraiseFest Ministries

“I moved to Alabama in the early 1980s, a Tennessee alum who grew up as a Georgia fan and have witnessed the intensity of the fans in the Alabama-Auburn rivalry. It is a source of identity for football fans throughout the state and beyond. But, while fans may identify with their favorite team, there is a higher identity, and that is a Christian’s identity in the Lord. Del Duduit takes memorable Crimson Tide moments and blends them together with truth from God’s Word in a guide that can help people think a bit deeper about lessons from the gridiron.”

—Bob Crittenden, host, The Meeting House, Faith Radio in Alabama

“This book is full of Alabama football history and thoughtful insight from Scripture. Bama fans will enjoy reading these excerpts from past games and the devotionals that follow. The rich history of what makes the Crimson Tide legendary is clearly seen here. I’ll be giving this book to my Bama friends and loved ones!”

—the Tibbs family, Hoover, Alabama

“Prepare to take a rich journey of the great moments in Alabama’s historical march in becoming a powerhouse in college football. Del uses those Tide moments to direct readers to biblical truths for fans of the game to provide life lessons that improve their playbook of spiritual success.”

—Ben Cooper, author and speaker

“So much history, so much winning. Author Del Duduit does a brilliant job of sharing both. Southern pride in Christ and Alabama football can be found throughout this devotional. A must-read for all Crimson Tide fans and for all followers of Christ.”

—Cary Knox, author, inspirational speaker, teacher, and coach

“Bama Believer is a go-to devotional for Bama fans of all ages. Del Duduit skillfully combines the Crimson Tide’s greatest gridiron moments with scores of practical life lessons.” —Doug Carter, professor and writer

Alabama Devotions

Inspirational Stories from T-Town

Del Duduit

Birmingham, Alabama

Alabama Devotions

Iron Stream Books

An imprint of Iron Stream Media 100 Missionary Ridge Birmingham, AL 35242 IronStreamMedia.com

Originally published as Bama Believer.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Iron Stream Media serves its authors as they express their views, which may not express the views of the publisher. Portions of the articles included in this book may have been previously published. The profiles included are chosen solely by the author.

Library of Congress Control Number: 2022939450

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are taken from The Holy Bible, King James Version.

ISBN: 978-1-56309-605-1 (paperback)

ISBN: 978-1-56309-607-5 (ebook)

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This book is dedicated to all Roll Tide fans and those who appreciate good football and faith.

Acknowledgments

Several people played key roles in making this book a reality. I would like to thank the following for their efforts in bringing Bama Believer: 40 Days of Devotions for the Roll Tide Faithful to you.

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My wife Angie for being the initial editor of this book and for her support.

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My agent Cyle Young for his work to get it in front of the right publisher.

Ÿ My publisher John Herring for his trust in me.

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My associated publisher Ramona Richards for her encouragement.

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My final editor Reagan Jackson for her wonderful eye and making this book better.

Ÿ My production crew and cheerleaders, Meredith Dunn and Tina Atchenson, at Iron Stream Media.

Ÿ My Lord and Savior for this exciting opportunity.

ix

Make a Good Impression

November 4, 1922: Alabama 9, Pennsylvania 7

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. —2 Timothy 3:16

Southern-style football was not respected in the early twentieth century. In fact, it was not considered serious competition by major college football powerhouses like Pennsylvania, Harvard, Yale, and other teams in the northeast.

Alabama started the season 2–2–1 while the Pennsylvania Quakers boasted an undefeated 5–0 mark at the time. The Crimson Tide rolled into Franklin Field in Philadelphia as the underdog, but the team was fresh off a big win over Navy. This was the second home game for Pennsylvania on its newly renovated field.

Sportswriter Grantland Rice predicted a 21–0 thumping of Alabama at the hands of Coach John Heisman’s squad. The Tide was not considered a worthy opponent and was not to be taken seriously.

The hype fueled the Crimson Tide as Coach Xen Scott’s team held its own throughout the game. Pennsylvania fans knew something was up when their team only led 7–3 going into halftime.

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Alabama quarterback Charles Bartlett orchestrated a drive that resulted in the game’s only touchdown in the third quarter and boosted his team’s lead to 9–7.

From there, the Tide defense rolled and controlled the Quaker offense.

Alabama stunned the football world and sent a message that Southern boys knew how to play football.

It didn’t take long for word to spread to Tuscaloosa where fans set bonfires to celebrate the upset win.

Bartlett later was named honorable mention as a Walter Camp All-American.

The next week, the Tide knocked off Louisiana State 47–3 and finished the season 6–3–1.

Alabama football was for real, and everyone was now aware.

That the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. —2 Timothy 3:17

Faith and Pride

You have a chance every day to make an initial and lasting impression. Whether you are at a job interview, your first day at work, or your fiftieth visit to your favorite coffee house, someone will meet you for the first time. What will they think of you? Will they see you being rude to a waitress? Will they observe you cut in line or watch you leave without paying your bill? Perhaps they might overhear you saying negative words on the phone or complaining about your spouse. No matter the situation, how you present yourself matters.

Alabama Devotions 2

And Roll Tide

No one is on their game every day. There might be times when someone might see you in anger or observe you in the heat of the moment that does not match up with your true person ality. It happens. This is why it’s so important for you to strive to demonstrate the kindness and gentleness you need to display as a believer. This does not mean you allow the world or people to walk over you. It does, however, suggest that you let your light shine to attract others to the joy you have in your heart. Here are some tips and suggestions to keep in mind on your daily journey after you break the huddle and head out the door:

Ÿ Smile: A grin can be contagious and a fantastic way to start a conversation. If you smile and demonstrate joy in your heart, others who may not have it might ask you why you do this all the time.When you smile—no matter the situation—mercy comes your way. “Make your face shine on your servant; save me in your steadfast love!” (Psalm 31:16).

Ÿ Dress Well:Your outward appearance may lead to certain perceptions and can impact your reputation. Most likely you try to look your best when you go to a job interview because you want to impress your potential employer. You should also care how you look when you meet people in your daily journey.You don’t have to wear your Sunday best on vacation or on the golf course, but you should try to have a clean and respectful appearance wherever you go if possible. There are circumstances in life that call for a relaxed appearance, but take pride in yourself. Avoid

Day 1 Make a Good Impression 3

going to Walmart in your pajamas. When you dress in a shabby fashion, people remember the clothes. When you make an effort to look presentable, they remember the person. Be memorable for the right reason.

Ÿ Show Gratitude: Say thank you with sincerity to the people you come in contact with every day. This might be a server, a cashier, or a bank teller. This piggybacks what I said earlier about smiling—show an attitude of gratitude. Be humble and grateful for your blessings, no matter the size. “You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God” (2 Corinthians 9:11).

Ÿ Listen: When you speak with people, make sure you pay attention to them and respect their time. If you go to lunch with a friend who has a problem, lend an ear and keep quiet. Let them know you care, and don’t try to top their stories.

Ÿ Be Genuine: No one likes a person who is fake. Greet people with a firm handshake and make eye contact. This lets them know you are for real and not just going through the motions. The secret to success is authen ticity. Be the same person in the gym who shows up in the boardroom or in the pew at church. “A wicked man puts on a bold face, but the upright gives thought to his ways” (Proverbs 21:29).

Alabama’s upset of Pennsylvania served notice that the team was to be taken seriously. From that moment forward, the Crimson Tide has earned respect from everyone in college

Alabama Devotions 4

Day 1 Make a Good Impression

football. Play by the rules and take steps to be a godly person to distinguish yourself as someone who is admired for your morality, character, and principles.

5

The Start of Something Great

January 1, 1926: Alabama 20, Washington 19

In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening do not withhold your hand; for you do not know which will prosper, either this or that, or whether both alike will be good. —Ecclesiastes 11:6 NKJV

The momentum was building, and the time was right. Alabama produced an undefeated regular season and was headed to face the mighty Washington Huskies in Pasadena for the Rose Bowl championship.

However, the matchup almost did not happen because the Rose Bowl committee sent out an initial invitation to Tulane University. The Green Wave declined the invite because they felt they would get wiped up by the bigger Washington squad. Bring on the Tide, who was not afraid but instead jumped at the chance to play for the title.

Washington put on a show in the first two quarters and led 12–0 at halftime.

But Alabama came out and fired on all cylinders, whipping off twenty points in the third quarter.

Fullback Pooley Hubert plunged into the end zone from one yard out for the first score. That was followed by a fifty-nine-yard touchdown catch by Johnny “Mack” Brown from Grant Gillis.

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Brown, who was named the Rose Bowl MVP, also hauled in a thirty-yard touchdown from Hubert to give the Crimson Tide a 20–12 lead. (He would later go on to achieve fame as an actor.)

Washington managed to score a touchdown in the final quarter, but the Bama defense sustained the lead through the end of the game, and the 1926 Rose Bowl jump-started the school’s championship run and football dominance.

Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise. —Proverbs 6:6 NKJV

Faith and Pride

Have you been sitting on the sidelines wanting a chance to do something big for God in your life? The responsibilities that come with maturity, such as landing a job or beginning a family, are tough challenges. Demands of the daily grind can dictate your time. Deep down, you may have a desire to be a produc tive member of the Lord’s team.You know you have talents and abilities, but restraints on your time can leave you exhausted at the end of the day. Where do you find time? How do you begin?

And Roll Tide

You have made the decision to answer God’s call and do more for Him. But you still have important obligations to your family, church, and employer. You don’t want to become so overwhelmed that you can’t get anything done. There are many ways to maintain balance in your life and serve your Heavenly Father. Here are some tips to help you break the huddle and do more for God:

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The Start of Something Great

Be Specific: When you pray, ask God for His will in your life. Thank Him for all He has done for you, and tell Him the desires of your heart. Ask Him to open doors and allow you to perform His work. This doesn’t mean to ask the Lord for the winning lottery ticket number. For example, I wanted to begin a writing ministry and asked God to lead me down the appropriate path. He connected me with the right people, and my dream happened because I was willing to sacrifice and do what He instructed. “You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasure” (James 4:3 NKJV).

Ÿ Be Excited: When you do something new, there is always a sense of excitement and curiosity. When you take a vacation, you explore and find out interesting things about your destination. Treat your newfound desire to serve Him in a different capacity with enthusiasm.

Ÿ Be Patient:When I begin to write a chapter in a new book,

I know it’s going to take time to complete it. I research and make sure my facts are right and allow the process to take shape. A friend of mine operates a ministry that hosts three events a year. This may seem small, but the work and the planning that goes into these three events is staggering. Be patient and keep moving forward.

Ÿ Be Thankful: Show gratitude for the blessings God has given you. Give Him praise and thank Him for His protection, mercy, and grace. We deserve none of it, but He is so good to love and care for His children no matter how big or small our problems may be.

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Ÿ Be Effective: Now get to work. When I was given some advice on how to begin my writing ministry, I got it done. Have the same attitude that Johnny “Mack” Brown had in the Rose Bowl game. He went out with his underdog team and won the game. The win won’t just fall in your lap, and there are always obstacles to overcome. But you have to get off the sidelines for it to happen. “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith” (1 John 5:4 NKJV).

When Tulane turned down the invitation to play Washington in the Rose Bowl, the door opened for Alabama, which exhibited a different attitude from the Green Wave. They viewed it as an opportunity to show the world what Crimson Tide football was all about. Today is your day to do the same.

Alabama Devotions 10

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Alabama Devotions

—Dr. Matthew Dunaway, PraiseFest Ministries

Alabama Devotions

Inspirational Stories from T-Town

Del Duduit

Alabama Devotions

Iron Stream Books

Contents

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments

Make a Good Impression

Faith and Pride

And Roll Tide

Day 1 Make a Good Impression

The Start of Something Great

Faith and Pride

And Roll Tide

The Start of Something Great