Vic Beasley was a consensus all American linebacker at Clemson University in 2013, 2014. He was a the first round draft pick of the Atlanta Falcons in 2015. Expectations were sky high. His first year in the NFL? A disaster. Vic was vilified by the Atlanta press; the Falcons even considered letting him go at the end of the season.

Get the picture. Vic made no excuses. He’s a man of great Faith. But in truth he lost his older brother in ’14, his father in ’15. Could have played victim. He did not.

In 2016 Vic exploded. 18.5 sacks so far this year. Leading all Defensive Linemen in the League. Ok. What happened?

One play early in the 2016 season. A tremendous rush on the quarterback (don’t remember who). Sacked him. According to Atlanta head coach Dan Quinn, “That’s when Vic’s light went on.” Vic Beasley had arrived. In that moment he began believing he could do it, he believed in himself, he was passionate about his football. All that God given physicality. Now his Lord slipped in and gave him the confidence he could just do it! He was a different player, a different person. One play and “then the light went on.”

I had a similar experience in high school. No I wasn’t on my way to the NFL. But for me somewhat the same. A total bench warmer my entire junior year. Then one tackle, a screen pass, during a blowout game. You know, the final score not in doubt… let the scrubs play some. One tackle… that’s the moment when, “the light went on” for me. Senior year? All League… honored as All City in Philadelphia. Grades went up… had my first girl friend. Hmm…

Think back to a day a moment when you “got it.” A special friend or teacher’s encouragement. A parent who believed in you… maybe for the first time. The day you uncovered your passion. Did the light flash on for you as it did for Vic Beasley, me? Or was it more a slow burn. Hopefully you’ve had a God given point in time when confidence, maybe connected to passion… turned your light on.