Sitting in the showroom at the Gold Coast Casino after the first performance of the National Finals Rodeo, I noticed a 20-something, clean-cut cowboy and his wife walk past where we were sitting several times as he made his way to and from the VIP area in the front of the room. He had a platter-sized belt buckle, so I figured he was “someone.” I asked Greg if he knew who the guy was. He didn’t.
No Fame
Such is the life of a bullfighter, in this case, Cory Wall, the 2009 PRCA bullfighter of the Year. The bullfighters don’t earn the fame or fortune of the bullriders they protect. They should, in my book. Anyone who taunts bulls to chase them instead of a cowboy ought to get paid a handsome sum.
The Interview
Cory was the first guest at National Finals Tonight, a live interview show hosted by former World Champions Donny Gay (bullriding) and Joe Beaver (calf roping). The cowboys and his peers in the PRCA chose him as the best bullfighter for 2009. The interview began as you might expect. He was honored for receiving the award. He appreciated the recognition for doing his job. And then it took a surprising turn. Cory said that he was justing living out the plan God had for his life. He proceeded to give God credit for his success.
How Would You Respond?
I was impressed. He didn’t have to profess his faith to the live and cable TV audience. He used the limelight to tell others about his source of guidance and strength. How many of us, if we were in a similar situation, would simply respond to the questions with a “safe” answer? Would we defer our recognition and fame to God? Playing it safe may mean we fit in with the crowd today, but what will it mean for eternity?
Matthew 10:32-33 (NLT): “Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.”
Matthew 7:21 (NLT): “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.”
