A Spirit-led Encounter and a Message of God's Grace for Alex Rodriguez

Aimee Herd-Commentary : Aug 7, 2013
Gari Meacham – Charisma News

"Without God, you'll struggle to make it." -Bobby Meacham to Alex Rodriguez

Plagued by injuries, and investigations of alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs, Alex Rodriguez, third baseman for the NY Yankees, has seen his personal and his professional life become the subject of many ridiculing blogs.

But it's just like God to reach out in His great love to one who is thought to be too full of himself to consider anyone else, let alone his need for the Lord.

Christian speaker, author and teacher, Gari Meacham shares about a special encounter her husband, Bobby—a minor league baseball coach—experienced recently between the embattled Rodriguez and the Holy Spirit.

Bobby Meacham and Alex Rodriguez were not strangers, in fact back in 2009, Bobby was the Yankees third-base coach. That was until Rodriguez had complained that he felt "uncomfortable" with Bobby as a coach, which led to him being fired, according to Gari.

It wasn't clear to the couple whether it was because of their prayers for the players and their families that they had been let go, or that Rodriguez was actually made uncomfortable by the holy Presence of God in contrast to his lifestyle; but Bobby and Gari were left seeking employment apart from the baseball organization they'd loved being a part of. (Photo: Gari and Bobby Meacham)

In her Charisma News article, Gari shares how God sometimes brings things "full circle," and it was no different in the case of Alex Rodriguez.
Gari describes the "chance" encounter with Alex when, a few weeks ago, the minor league team her husband Bobby is currently managing for the Toronto Blue Jays had a double header with a minor league team of the Yankees.

Playing on the Yankees' minor league affiliate as part of his rehabilitation from injuries was Alex Rodriguez.

Says Gari, "It was a 'full circle' encounter if there ever was one. Alex's eyes locked on Bobby as he moved toward the coach's box next to third base. As Bobby thrust his hand out to shake, Alex lunged forward into an awkward hug—the kind of hug that lasts a bit longer and holds a bit tighter than usual."

It was then that Bobby, realizing the opportunity God had given him to speak into the player's controversial life, gave Alex a message of love from the Lord.

"All the things you're going through right now [a drug investigation by Major League Baseball and the threat of a lifetime ban from baseball]—it's too much for you to handle on your own," Bobby had said to Alex, according to Gari.

"I want you to know that you're not alone," Bobby told him. "The Lord is with you, and He won't fail you. No matter what you've done or what lies ahead, He loves you." (Photo: ESPN)

Gari says Alex listened to what Bobby said, and then replied, "I guess I'm learning what's really important."

It's easy to jump on the railing bandwagon, mocking Alex Rodriguez, who for years has been known as "the highest paid player in baseball," as his notorious career seems to come crashing down because of choices he may have made.

But the fact is, none of us are infallible this side of Heaven—but for the Grace of God. And His grace extends to each one of us, as it also does to Alex Rodriguez, no matter what he's done or hasn't done.

Thank you Gari Meacham, for that reminder.