TUPATALK: Encouraged by outlook of student-athletes

You know, its pretty easy to worry about the future when we see the actions and attitudes of some young people and adults as portrayed in the media.

But — even though I’m as much concerned as anyone about the eroding traditional moral, family and humanity values due to the rise of the tides of violence, sexual licentiousness, crudity, irreverence, anti-faith, selfishness, distrust, narcism and greed that have been engulfing us for many years in movies, music, television, books, business trends and politics — I’m still encouraged about the future.

I’m encouraged because I believe the rising generations include many outstanding young people who want to do the right things.

During many interviews this past year, I’ve been touched deeply by the desires of young student-athletes to want to be good people, good role models and positive leaders among their peers and families.

Almost everyone desires a happier, more peaceful, freer, more prosperous, more united and happier world. Even though my time to leave an impact is closer to the end than the beginning, I yearn for these things for those who are just beginning on the journey of their destiny.

Positive change is not brought around by a government program, by a guilty conscience, by fear, by criticism or by gestures.

Positive change is made by individuals making good choices, being good people and displaying kindness to others. The world is not changed in dramatic events that rattle humanity with emotional seismic upheavals. The world is changed one heart at a time.

That’s why I feel encouraged. I believe there are many student-athletes in Bartlesville, in Dewey, in Copan, Caney Valley and throughout the area that want to make the world better than they’ve found it.

A lot of that attitude needs to be credited to their parents, their guardians, their grandparents and other family members, their teachers, their preachers, their coaches, their friends and community or other leaders who set the right example.

I’m rooting for all young people from this area to enjoy success in life, whether it be in sports, college, jobs, families and the stability of good standards of living. I think many, many of those in the generations that have reached adulthood the past couple of decades, and those who are nearing that stage, are focused on being good people.

In the end, I believe the greatest tribute that can be said about anyone is they loved and were loved.

This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: TUPATALK: Encourage by the attitude of many student-athletes