Arlen Harris

I thought I had it a...then almost lost it a...and discovered something even more.

I had a storybook football career in high school - breaking many records, winning the state championship, highly recruited, with a commitment to go to Florida. Instead of going to Florida, I ended up following my high school quarterback to the University of Virginia.

Despite my upbringing I started to stray in college. I wasn't doing well in school, and football had its highs and lows. I ended up transferring to Hofstra, a Division I-AA school so I wouldn't lose a year of eligibility.

I found out the hard way that I can't hide from my problems and outrun God's calling on my life. I sat out my whole senior year due to academic ineligibility. I was crushed. My college experience was not what I expected and I had no one to blame but myself. Ever since my freshman year I battled - injuries, depression, alcohol, getting my girlfriend pregnant, suicidal thoughts, and marriage. Through my own mistakes I learned that there was still hope and God will never leave me nor forsake me. Before I gave up my last hope on pursuing my football dreams, I received great news. Out of nowhere I was invited to play at Vegas in the Paradise Bowl, where I earned MVP honors. Because of my success, there were rumors of possibly getting picked up late in the draft. I ended up becoming a priority free agent, and signed with the St. Louis Rams. 

My dream had come true. After my first game, it took a couple weeks before it really hit me - I was in the NFL.

After three good years with the Rams, I went on to sign with the Lions. They released me the week after the final rosters were announced. I never saw it coming and wasn't given a reason.

Looking back on it, I'm glad it happened because I got to see how truly blessed I was. Sometimes God has to remove us from a situation for us to realize who is in control. Ironically, it made me a stronger person.

Eventually, I was brought back to re-sign with the Lions and finished out the year with them. I started a few games and went into the off-season healthy. But sitting out for four weeks was very humbling. I missed the game. I missed the guys. I missed the competition.

And I learned never to take the gifts God has given me for granted.

I feel blessed just to be in the NFL. And while there were times I took things for granted - I don't anymore. I know that every perfect gift is from above. Life is evidence of the grace of God, and every day is an opportunity to enjoy what God has given us.

Throughout my career so far, I had to learn that everything is in God's hands, and that means everything - good, bad or ugly - will work out for the good in His timing, not my own.

It took a while for me to accept these lessons. I had been raised in a Christian home, and my parents held me to a high standard. In fact, I was a bit resentful growing up - there were so many things I couldn't do. I was just mocking my parent's faith and not developing my own relationship with Christ. When I was young I memorized all the verses and popular bible stories and thought that was enough.

Then I got to college and no longer had my parents watching over me, and I tried to do things my way, and fell flat on my face.

My way wasn't working, so I decided to do it God's way - and do it all out. And that's when I started to grow for myself.

My wife, who was my childhood sweetheart, helped me realize that God has my best interest at heart. I learned that the Word of God is alive, not just a book to be read, and it contains a power that transformed me. I discovered that I can have a relationship with Jesus Christ, be cool, and have fun all at the same time.

No matter what happens, I can rely on Him.

He's given a promise to me - no matter how many times I fall, He will lift me up.

It's a dream to play in the NFL - no question about it. But there's something even more important that I have come to know, and that's the grace of God, and His power and strength in my life.

If you would like to know more about Jesus and what He can do for you, just click the button on the left side of your screen to change your life.