Offseason
Offseason video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D09_GgjG5bY
Season 2 is finished. While the job isn't complete in totality, we are moving into a season for reflection and growth. Something that sports and life mirror very-well. To me it's evidence of God's work in every facet of life. Throughout The Bible there is a constant pattern of God calling his people into action, using the gifts he's given them to Glorify his name, preceded and followed by a more isolated season, or a season of fast. This is important to remember because as much as God wants us to be out, glorifying him, we as human's have limitations. We grow tired and weary, and the Lord is not blind to this. So he gives us periods for us to be more intimate in our walk with him. In a way bring us back to basics, reminding us he is our strength and purpose.
Malachi 3:2-3 says "...He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver,.."
Maybe to you this means nothing. I know for a long time it meant nothing to me. This however is a very powerful piece of scripture, because it reveals to us how God works during trials. During the refinement of silver a silversmith has to sit and watch carefully. He can not take his eye off of the silver in the fire because if it is left in the fire a second too long it will be destroyed rather than purified. No matter how much fire we feel we are under God is always there, and he will pull us out at the perfect time. To take this a step further, how does a silversmith know when the silver is purified? When he can see his reflection in it. Just like the silversmith, God holds us in the fire until he see's his reflection in us. As with everything I read in scripture, this blew me away when I learned it. God's wisdom is so infinitely good. My hope to you is that this can be a great reminder that when things get hard or feel overwhelming, do not give up, know God is with you, and he will pull you out of the fire and into the next season at the perfect time.
With no games to preview or talk about, this felt like a good time to reflect. So I had chat gpt put together a Psalms style poem, reflecting on the growth of the Sonoma State Football program, while also highlighting the remaining climb ahead. I hope you enjoy everyone. God bless.
A Psalm of the Seawolves
For Victory, for Growth, for the Glory of the Lord
1 O Lord, from the dust of the valley You lifted us,
From fields of silence You called forth a roar.
2 A people without power, a name scarcely known—
Yet You set Your hand upon us, and we rose.
3 In the days of trial, when defeat shadowed the land,
You planted in us the seed of belief.
4 You anointed a leader with vision and fire,
A shepherd for warriors, steady and bold.
5 The giants of the land mocked us from their thrones,
But You did not abandon the humble.
6 With grit You clothed us, with wisdom You armed us,
And with unity, You forged our strength.
7 Through battle we walked, storm and struggle,
And You were our fortress, our coach on high.
8 The playbook of man failed us at times,
But Your plan endured every down and distance.
9 From the shadowed hash You led us to light,
From late-game doubt to triple-overtime triumph.
10 In Orlando, You crowned our rise with joy,
And before the mighty, we stood unshaken.
11 The faithful gathered—student, parent, stranger alike—
They believed not just in a team, but in a promise.
12 For You stirred in them a purpose greater than scoreboard,
A hope born of sweat, tears, and praise.
13 Now the Seawolf howls not in wilderness,
But in stadiums where dreams awaken.
14 For You have made us more than underdogs—
You have made us a beacon.
15 Let the future fear not its own weight,
For You are already there, calling us forward.
16 Our foundation is built not on wins alone,
But on the Rock that never crumbles.
17 O Lord, let this program be a testimony,
A light to the young, a rally for the weary.
18 Let every play be worship, every effort praise,
And every victory a glimpse of Your glory.
19 From Rohnert Park to the nations beyond,
Make our name known not for pride—but for purpose.
20 For Sonoma State belongs not to man alone,
But to the God who makes small things mighty.
Amen.