Lovie Smith Lovin' Jesus

It's hard to think about football in July.

Actually, that's not true. This is the best time to think about football. My team is undefeated. There's only one way to go once the season starts.

But again I find myself impressed by a rival coach.

Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith credits his success to his faith.

Smith spoke Saturday at Parkview Baptist Church in Monroe in support of Family Promise of Ouachita.

He said his belief in God guided him from his roots in eastern Texas to a football scholarship at Tulsa and now as a Super Bowl coach.

"Every decision I make, I consult Jesus Christ," Smith said.

Smith, who along with Tony Dungy became the first black coach to lead his team to a Super Bowl, said his faith grew enormously after attending a Fellowship of Christian Athletes camp while in high school. He said he started to believe that God has a "customized" plan for everyone.

After beginning his coaching career at his alma mater and eventually moving on to Ohio State and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he realized what plan was taking shape.

"Maybe God does have that (head coaching) in his plan for me," Smith said.

Smith was named head coach of the Bears in February 2004.

"It was a pipe dream," he said. "Now it's a dream come true."

Smith was asked by his sister-in-law, Robin Cardneaux, to speak at the fundraiser. Family Promise is gathering funds to help the homeless throughout Ouachita Parish.

Smith said he didn't hesitate to make the trip.

"There's not a lot of vacation time," he said, "but when she talked about the organization, how can you not come down and speak?"

Though a few Chicago Bears jerseys were scattered throughout the function, Smith acknowledged that he was speaking to a New Orleans Saints-partisan crowd.

Two ULM products — wide receiver Marty Booker and defensive back Kevin Payne — are on the Bears roster, and six total players who either hail from Louisiana or played their college football in the state are on the team.

"This is New Orleans Saints country," Smith said. "I understand that — I grew up a Cowboys fan. You can support more than one team. ... Believe me — you can feel good about supporting the Chicago Bears."

Smith said his Christian faith is reflected in his coaching style. He's not one to berate or demean his players. Like friend and mentor Tony Dungy, whose Indianapolis Colts beat the Bears 29-17 in Super Bowl XLI, he takes a calmer approach.

"You won't see me screaming and yelling, and you can't find a player that I ever cursed," Smith said.

The original article was posted here.

It may be awhile before I root for the Chicago Bears. A long while. But I will not hesitate to cheer for Lovie Smith. He is a man who has his priorities in place.