Uncommon

Former Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy is concerned about men in our society who have lost their way, who have never learned what it means to be men. Working with young men in prison, Coach Dungy knows that men need biblically-based guidance and encouragement.

In his new book, Uncommon: Finding Your Path to Significance, Tony Dungy offers much needed guidance and encouragement. In short and easy-to-read chapters, Coach Dungy promotes values like honesty, humility, courage, respect for authority, sexual integrity, and faith in Christ. In other chapters, he offers wise advice on how to treat a woman, how to be a good father, friendship, education, alcohol and drugs, careers, and following your dreams.

In a section focusing on our influence in the lives of others, Mr. Dungy wrote,

"You have multiple platforms from which to impact the world...Growing up, I was mesmerized by the talk that went on inside my local barbershop. I usually went in on Fridays before my games, and in addition to listening to the other guys talk in the shop, I always enjoyed talking to my barber, Mr. Hampton. Mr. Hampton would always wish me well in that night's game and talk with me about school and girls and whatever else was going on in my life. He may not have called it a platform, but he certainly recognized the impact he could have on the men, especially the young men who came in thinking they were just getting a haircut. We always left with so much more.

"...Remember--you stand where no one else stands. Sometimes it's behind a barber's chair. Sometimes it's on the field. Sometimes it's across the dinner table. You may never know the impact you're having on someone who's looking up to you because of your character, your life's work, your family life, or maybe just because of your friendship. People respect you, believe in you, and trust you. In those cases, and others that will come, you have a platform of importance in the lives of those you touch--for their good. Use it wisely and in an uncommon way" (pp. 187, 190).

Uncommon is an excellent book for men. It would serve well as a book for guys to study at a men's group in church.