Former NFL star Tim Tebow can always be counted on to give an inspiring word or two. During the YMCA's 9th annual Prayer Breakfast held in Palm Beach on Dec. 11, Tebow encouraged the crowd not to get blindsided by their fame and success and to always be ready to offer help to those who need it the most.
Tebow, who won the Heisman Trophy several years ago, said it is quite easy to get distracted by the glitz and glamor of the sports industry, Palm Beach Post reported. But because of his faith, Tebow said he placed more value in doing charitable works and making God proud.
"It's so easy to get caught up in life. It's been 10 years since I won the Heisman Trophy. People want to make it about fame and prestige," he said. "But that's not what matters."
Tebow recalled the time he had his first mission work in the Philippines. There, he visited a boy called Sherwin whose legs were positioned backwards. Sherwin was actually told to stay away from Tebow because of his condition, as villagers believed he was cursed and "insignificant."
When Tebow heard about him, he decided to change their perception of the young boy. The Christian athlete spoke with Sherwin and carried him to his Jeep. "Once the village elders saw us, they began to slap Sherwin on the shoulder and congratulate him, as if to say, 'you're finally accepted,'" recalled Tebow. "It's amazing what worth can do in someone's life, when we treat people the way God looks at them every single day."
Tebow is the founder of the Tim Tebow Foundation, which seeks to "bring Faith, Hope and Love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need." The charitable organization helps build hospitals, children's playrooms in hospitals, and hosts the Night to Shine prom for special needs kids.
