Sunday, July 22, 2012

The Dark Knight Rises, Sacrifice and Starting at ESPN


For many of you, this blog has become a path to my opinions in the world of sports and a gateway to my podcast, the Cincinnati Fast Break.  And while that experience has been a rewarding and necessary experience I always felt that I had more to give than just sports.  Let’s be honest: sports are great.  It can often be a good way to escape from the troubles of our modern society or can be something that brings unity and pride to a community and fan base.  But when you get down to brass tacks, there’s more to life than just sports.  My career has been focused around such enterprises; from ticket sales, to fan entertainment, and now, what I hope is the final frontier, the broadcasting of sports-based programming.  I love sports, even perhaps a bit too much at times, but there is more to life.  So as of now this blog is becoming a little more open to other topics.  Sports will still have their place, but I know that there are people who want to hear about my life here in Connecticut working for the Worldwide Leader, and I wish to have the ability to give opinions on other things, things that matter to me.  And if you don’t like it then spend your time online elsewhere.

As I write this particular entry, I’m about an hour removed from viewing the finale to Christopher Nolan’s take on the Batman franchise.  The Dark Knight Rises was nearly flawless in many regards.  From the script to the moving musical score to the brilliant acting performances from an all-star cast, TDKR delivers nothing short of a masterpiece that should be swimming in Oscar gold come February.  I’m not going to give away the plot but some of the themes presented in this film, and its two predecessors, are too often overlooked and overshadowed by the movie industry as a whole.  Despite his flaws, Bruce Wayne/Batman displays virtues that we all should be aspiring to: perseverance, dedication, and, most importantly, self-sacrifice for the well-being of others.  These days it’s rare to see someone sacrifice their own pleasure for the good of those around them, much less the ones they love.  I’m on record as saying that if everyone was a little less selfish and was a little more open to self-sacrifice, the world would be a better place.  Make no mistake, this is NOT a call to socialism or to live your life in squalor, but every now and then just think of someone else’s needs before your own.  Maybe be a little nicer to someone when it would be easier to become angry or have the courage to call out a friend or family member when they’re partaking in destructive behaviors.  I know the ability to sacrifice comes easier to me in certain situations than others, but I know that it can make life easier for me and those I surround myself with.

This concept of obedience and sacrifice is also one of the pillars of Christianity, one that too many of us choose to ignore far too often.  Times are tough and we’re all being forced to look out for our own interests more and more every day.  However, it’s times like these that we need to have the compassion of Christ even more, to help out our neighbors and to expect nothing in return.  As Fr. James Reutter, my pastor at Our Lady of Victory back in Cincinnati, would say, a little blind kindness makes the world a better place to see.  I understand the lack of desire to help those who may not bring anything to our lives, it’s only human nature, but it’s really necessary for our own personal growth and development.  Besides all that, it helps to bring us closer to Christ when we aren’t partaking in the sacraments.  One big disappointment I have about life here in Connecticut is the fact that only TWO parishes in the ENTIRE STATE offer adoration, and both are about an hour from where I live here in Bristol, soon to be New Britain.  So the needs to get additional graces are going to be at a premium since one of my favorite ways to interact with the Lord is not available to me.

Despite the flaws of the parishes here in central Connecticut, it has been the presence of so many Catholic parishes here that has kept me strong during this time of transition.  Moving up here hasn’t been as emotionally taxing as I would have originally thought; the love and support of my family and friends has been paramount in keeping me focused and calm.  It also helps that many of my new co-workers have been supremely welcoming and generous to help me learn the ins and outs of the ESPN culture.  It is a very different place when you set foot on the Mothership; there’s just an air of success that surrounds the place.  I’m very blessed to be working for such an accomplished company, the true leader when it comes to sports broadcasting.  Is it perfect?  Of course not.  But to deny ESPN the respect and credit they’re due is just ignorant.  I’ve had many misconceptions about the company dispelled here in my first two weeks of work, spare me your brain washing jokes, and I realize that it’s really about the talented and passionate people that work here that make ESPN so successful.  Most are so happy when they come to work on a daily basis and it all starts and ends with the way the company invests in people.  Disney, the parent company of ESPN, realizes that if you do the little things right and take care of your employees, they in turn will be happier and work harder as a result.

After all that I’ve been through in the past few years, one might think that I’m ready to settle in and enjoy the ride that I’ve chosen to experience.  But this is only the beginning.  I have a true hunger and desire to truly become the best person I can be; who God is calling me to truly be.  It’s a more holistic approach to life that I’m aspiring to these days: becoming healthier once and for all, to have success in my career, to find a wife and start a family, and, most importantly, to grow closer to and deeper in love with Jesus Christ.  I don’t believe this to be some pie in the sky notion, it’s what God is calling me to be, and hopefully I’m strong enough to be an example of His love through my words and actions.

Feel free to drop me a line on Facebook or Twitter (@Chuges); I’d love to hear from you.  If you have any suggestions or ideas for the future of this blog, please let me know.  I can’t improve unless I get some constructive criticism every now and then.  May God grant you His peace and His blessings.  Our Lady of Victory, pray for us!

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