I learned two things this week that I didn’t know before.  Even though I am not a sports fan I am aware that Jackie Robinson was the first African American to play professional baseball in the Major Leagues in the States.   And I even knew that before they started promoting the movie “42”.   What I didn’t know was that he played in Canada the year before without a problem or incident.  The fact that he was African American didn’t seem to be an issue. 

In 1946 Robinson played for the Montreal Royals, the affiliate team of the Brooklyn Dodgers, and Robinson said “The fans there were just fantastic and my wife and I have nothing but the greatest memories.” 

The other thing I discovered was that Robinson was not only hired by the Dodgers because of his skill on the field but because of his commitment to Christ. 

One biographer wrote “The reason, quite literally, (Branch) Rickey chose Jackie Robinson was his strong moral character and his Christian faith.”  Ricky knew if this was going to work they would have to have someone who would take the teaching of Christ about turning the other cheek seriously.  

 Kind of makes me proud to be a Christian and a Canadian.  Have a great week and remember: To see what is really possible, you will have to attempt the impossible.