Tim Brown’s new book “The Making of a Man:How Men and Boys Honor God and Live With Integrity” illustrates how a successful career in sports entertainment with the fame that can follow does not have to cost a Christian his integrity. In his talk, Brown expressed gratefulness that his raising in a Christian home and personal interest taken by Christian coaches and mentors along the way kept him from straying away from his walk. Following his keynote speech at the Fruit of the Spirit Awards Banquet on Saturday September 16, 2017, he sat down for a book signing. A long line of fans including youthful athletes were anxious to meet him and get an autographed book. Timothy Donnell Brown, a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School in Dallas and Notre Dame University went on to play for the Oakland Raiders for sixteen years of his professional career. He was awarded the Heisman Trophy in 1987 and was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2015. He is the only wide receiver in NFL history with both accomplishments. Today, he is on the faculty of Notre Dame, is a published author, host of a Sirius Radio show and a speaker at events across the country, as well as married to his wife Sherice since 1997 and father of their four children.
Pastor CJ Duffey of Colorblind Ministries along with Wildcat Athletic Director Greg Owens shared some opening remarks, and Kenya Duffey presented inspirational music. Then, award presentations of nine “fruit of the spirit” recognitions were made to deserving individuals who serve in our community, and a special Bobby McDonald Memorial Award presented to Kent Pate. A BBQ meal by Big Smith’s BBQ was enjoyed along with Christian Fellowship.
LOVE Willie Mae Harris
JOY Gary and Gena Jordan
PEACE Tom Sellers and Brandon Brewer
LONG SUFFERING Hopkins County JP’s Cummings and Teer
KINDNESS Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum
GOODNESS Della Abron Cleveland and Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jay Sanders
FAITHFULNESS Patti Sells and Ruby Hedgecoth, cancer survivors
GENTLENESS AND MEEKNESS Mrs. Catherine Palmer
SELF CONTROL SSISD Supt. Michael Lamb