UNPACK this…For Golf FansSample

"Tiger Woods and the Search"

ESPN.com published a fascinating article titled, The Secret History of Tiger Woods. The takeaway from the piece is that Tiger is a man just like you and me. He’s not the superhuman golf machine we made him out to be for so many years, but has issues, pain, brokenness, and real feelings like the rest of us. Tiger is someone who is on a pursuit for more than green jackets.

This in-depth article describes his longing for normalcy and companionship. It also explains his relationship with his dad (who passed away), his interest in the Navy SEALs, his extramarital affairs, and his distinctive personality. The one line that stands out most is a quote from Petty Officer John Brown when referencing Tiger’s training with the SEALs: “I definitely think he was searching for something…”

Kyle Porter, writer for CBSSPORTS.com, sums it up nicely in his blog: “Woods' story is not that much different than yours or mine, even if the parts surrounding it are glitzy and glamorous. His tale is one of the human condition. As it stands right now, it's a sad (but tried and true) story of not being able to find what in the world he's looking for.”

I firmly believe we have a God-size hole in our hearts that only Jesus can fill. We can chase everything else in the world, and search for answers in the wrong places, but ultimately we find rest, peace, and understanding by humbling ourselves and admitting our need for Jesus.

We can keep searching the world for answers and satisfaction, but the Bible tells us in 1 John 2:15 (ESV): “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.”

Life is hard, people are broken, and many are still searching for answers. However, when we know Jesus, our answers are found as we seek to better understand who He is and who we are in Him. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!