I don’t know about you, but I love underdogs. The 2006 NCAA tournament’s final four is made up of some underdogs. For the first time since 1980 (this is just the 2nd time in the history of the NCAA Tournament), none of the four top-seeded teams advanced to the final four. Instead, we have UCLA, LSU, Florida and George Mason competing for the championship.
Every year since 2004, our family has participated in the NCAA tournament bracket (believe it or not, Josiah has won the last two tournaments with his predictions). It has been a great way for our family to bond during this March Madness season. This year has been filled with buzzer-beaters to incredible upsets and everything else in between. Our family is enjoying every game.
One important lesson so far has been the importance of determination and having “the heart.” I was teaching the boys how it is easy to get over-confident because you are a high-ranked team. The reason why underdog teams win games is because they have nothing to lose – people do not expect them to win and they are overlooked. But it is because of these reasons why the underdog teams play with a greater determination. There is no hype… it is all heart!
In some ways, the underdogs reflect the Gospel message. No one expected Jesus to resurrect from the dead. No one expected Jesus to save the world by dying on the cross. But at the end, Jesus was victorious and everyone that trusts in Him will share in the victory. Moreover, when sinful people like us are used by God to do great things then it will be like the 11th seed George Mason winning the whole tournament – it will surely shake people’s heads in bewilderment.