Uncommon Sports Group seeks to connect, encourage, and equip Christians working throughout the college and professional sport industry. A large part of how USG seeks to accomplish this mission is through the USG Academy. For future leaders of the sports industry, USG designates multiple 8-week virtual training courses. Our Academies help participants grow in their love for God, grow in love for the people around them, and grow in a Christ-centered community in the sport industry. Aliyah Hill, Student-Athlete Development Coordinator/Athletic Academic Advisor at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, was one of the graduates for the most recent Academy team (45). Below is a testimony from Aliyah about her experience throughout the USG Academy. " When I discovered the Uncommon Sports Group Academy, I was in a major season of transition. I was new in my role, had recently moved to a new state, and was deeply longing for community and accountability. Spiritually, I felt like my Christian walk had grown cold. Entering the Academy, I didn’t fully know what to expect, but over the course of the 8 weeks, God met me right where I was. Through the weekly group calls, I experienced genuine community. I truly enjoyed discussing The Purpose Driven Life and diving into scripture from the playbook together. Hearing different perspectives challenged and encouraged me, and it reminded me that I wasn’t walking alone. The one-on-one calls with our Team 45 Academy Coaches, Karlie and Alyssa, were especially impactful. I could genuinely feel how much they cared about us as people, not just participants, and how deeply they desired to see us grow spiritually. Karlie taught me that I could be honest with God about where I currently am, reassuring me that different seasons with the Lord can reveal different aspects of who He is. Alyssa encouraged me to go deeper in my study of the Word, consistently bringing historical and cultural context to scripture during group discussions and challenging me to become a better, more intentional student of the Bible. Additionally, my one-on-one call with Etornam, our cohort shepherd, was incredibly meaningful. She allowed the Holy Spirit to guide the conversation as we walked through my testimony. She prayed for me, spoke encouragement into areas where I needed it most, and reminded me that even while carrying heavy responsibility, it is okay to rest and recharge. Her words affirmed that I am doing meaningful work in my current role at UAPB. Overall, I am so thankful I completed the Academy. I have a more positive and hopeful outlook than when I started, and I am deeply grateful for the community, growth, and renewed spiritual fire I gained through this experience. "- Aliyah Hill, Student-Athlete Development Coordinator/Athletic Academic Advisor Seeing the impact that the Lord brought about from this academy, both in Aliyah's life and throughout team 45, has been such an encouragement! The best is yet to come! If you're interested in joining or learning more about the USG Academy, click here ! If you are interested in learning more about becoming a part of USG's growing community of Christian sport industry professionals, click  here !

Busy. Busy. Busy. It seems like there's no escape, doesn't it? ​ Who else has felt overwhelmed by busyness? Romans 12:2 says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” ​ The Western world and college and professional athletics are busy. Anyone working in the industry knows games and events extend beyond nine-to-five, demanding unusual hours. How can we seek God's kingdom and live as Jesus calls us when our days fill with tasks: another email, game, post, sale, productive day, laundry, and more? ​ All to gain—what? ​ Our Master often withdrew to places like the Mount of Olives to connect with the Father, sometimes alone, sometimes with close friends among His disciples. This is the lifestyle to model—Jesus’ way, not the world’s, I urge you. ​ C.S. Lewis writes in The Screwtape Letters,” We can’t keep Christians from going to church.” ​ “We can’t keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth.” ​ “We can’t even keep them from forming an intimate relationship with their savior.” ​ “Once they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken.” ​ “So let them go to their churches; let them have their covered dish dinners, ​ BUT steal their time, so they don’t have time to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ.” ​ “This is what I want you to do,” said the devil: ​ “Distract them from gaining hold of their Savior and maintaining that vital connection throughout their day!” ​ “How shall we do this?” his demons shouted. ​ “Keep them busy in the nonessentials of life and invent innumerable schemes to occupy their minds,” he answered. ​ “Tempt them to spend, spend, spend, and borrow, borrow, borrow…” ​ “Keep them from spending time with their children.” ​ “As their families fragment, soon, their homes will offer no escape from the pressures of work!” ​ “Over-stimulate their minds so that they cannot hear that still, small voice.” ​ I cherish the still, small voice—how sacred, powerful, and lovely it is to commune continually with our Savior. Yet this awareness is so often under attack. How do we remain in these places of rest and intimacy with Jesus, even while walking out our divine callings in family, work, and community? ​ But how? ​ Here is a difficult truth: On your own, you cannot succeed at this. ​ Emphasis added to “you.” ​ But, please don’t stop reading. There’s Good News here. ​ In our carnal nature, apart from the Holy Spirit, we tend to fill our schedules with amusements or distractions, or, out of fear of stillness, we go, go, go. Our senses are trained to seek constant activity. We find fleeting happiness in "likes," comments, and approval, yet leave the true Treasure neglected. When was the last time you felt genuine joy simply at the THOUGHT of entering the Presence behind the veil? ​ There’s another category of people who the busyness of life simply happens to. I have so much empathy for people who find themselves in situations that seem impossible to be alone with God. I think of my friends with newborns who are not in control of their baby crying at one in the morning. Loved ones walking through tragedy and loss. Industry professionals who just entered the postseason saying “sayonara” to their comfortable beds at home. Possibly, game day for some is on Sunday (I’ve been there), and the one o'clock kick-off prevents you from joining in worship at your local church. Sound familiar? Of course, it’s vital to address the aspects of life that make it challenging to deeply connect with the Father and, as Hebrews chapter four says, to enter into the promised rest of God. The clothes won’t fold themselves. The bills won’t get paid without a job, ya know? But what’s even more vital is that after addressing, we move on to an even greater truth(s), listed below. Your impossibilities are God’s divine invitations. (It’s supernatural, indeed.) "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26 God is in control of your schedule. ( Yes, free will. But, isn’t genuine freedom found in submission?) "He does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth, and none can stay his hand or say to him, 'What have you done?'" Daniel 4:35 Jesus is Lord over all. (Including your two-year-old throwing a tantrum.) “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11 Your life is not your own. (Nor do you want it to be.) “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” Galatians 2:20 You do not operate in your own strength or power, but His. (Hallelujah!) “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you...” Acts 1:8 Following Jesus means surrendering all things. (Yep, all.) “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Matthew 16:24 You can trust Him. (Don’t be afraid, dear one. You really can!) “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.” Jeremiah 17:7 If you have, by the grace of God alone, given yourself wholly over to Him, surrendering your being to His, you are now walking in the fullness of Christ. The same Spirit that raised Jesus Christ from the dead is alive in you. Can we even begin to comprehend what that means? Yes, only by His Spirit. My friend, there is not a second, an hour of the day that you spend alone. Jesus said, “Guys, it’s better for me to go.” He has given us the Helper, the blessed Holy Spirit, Third Person of the Trinity, sent from Christ Himself to enable us to walk out this Christian life not perfectly, but in Oneness with God. Christ alone is perfect, and we get to taste that perfection when we lovingly submit to Him daily. So, back to the original question. How do we break free from the bondage of busyness and enter into a life spent in the delight of His presence? You can’t be on a solo mission, but Christ in you absolutely positively can! Very good news! JESUS SAVED YOU. YOU DIDN’T SAVE YOU. JESUS SAVED YOU. This is Jesus whom we’re talking about. God Himself humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross to take on the punishment of sin for all of humanity. He was the spotless Lamb, crucified for us, that we would be blameless in the Blood before God. He made us at peace with God through the finished work of His death, burial, and resurrection. This is Jesus, who is coming back for His bride, whom He paid for. As we wait on Him to return, He is sanctifying us and teaching us how to walk with Him, talk with Him, and live fully alive IN HIM. In His mercy, He died to save you, while you were yet a sinner. Church, we can do nothing good apart from Him. His life is our life. This reality must be spiritually discerned; so help us, Holy Spirit, to realize its truth. Now that we’ve laid the foundation for dependency rather than self-reliance, let’s chat about how we can shift from being productivity-driven to presence-driven. Remember that still small voice we mentioned earlier? Yes, let’s not forget that. Psalm 90 begins with, “Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” This journey we call life is not a sprint. It’s a day-by-day sojourn, locking arms with, clinging to the Holy Spirit. Sometimes it feels like an all-out dash to the finish line, and other days it’s a slow drip, learning to trust and surrender moment by moment. To number your day means not living in tomorrow, but accepting the daily grace that God provides for each breath you take on this planet. “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness,” says Apostle Paul to the church of Corinth. Each day upon waking, our role is to, “in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship,” according to Romans 12:1. The sacrifice doesn’t get off the altar. Time and time throughout a day, I sense that still small voice, the Holy Spirit bringing me back into oneness with Him, learning to live surrendered to His will and rhythm and cadence, not my own. Here's the invitation: Come to Him broken. Come to Him, needy. Come to Him, uncertain. Come to Him happy. Come to Him, sad. Come to Him, overwhelmed. Come to Him, joyful. No matter where you are in your walk with the Lord, He’s inviting you to return to your first love and come to Him. Come to Him like a child, for such is the Kingdom of heaven. This may look like waking up earlier to spend time in prayer. Or scheduling one less call per day to open up space to seek His face before seeking that of another. It may mean cutting out TV time to unwind with the Word rather than worldly entertainment after a long day. For parents, I honor you; it could look like clinging to the feet of Jesus by mentioning His name as often as you think of Him during the day. (And reach out to your single / newly married friends to intercede for you. Everything is for a season!) Maybe before hopping onto the next work call, you shut off the computer for five minutes to simply pause and turn your affection towards Jesus. I’ve been trying to comprehend what made the early church so radical and on fire to be filled with and follow the Holy Spirit. Could it have been their long work hours? Possibly, they spent some gruesome nights in prison. Could it have been the growing church? Perhaps, every beating gave them more boldness. I don’t know...I believe it was their vision of Jesus. 1 John 1:1 says, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.” The early church knew Him. They saw Him, heard Him, touched Him...and therefore, proclaimed Him. We are not a different church. The Holy Spirit came for John, and the Holy Spirit is here for you. The Spirit of the living God wants all of you. Will you let Him know you? Will you let Him usher you from glory to glory? What’s it going to take for you to forsake all and follow Him? To seek Him above all else? To wage this war on distraction and walk victorious in the light of His face? I’m starting in the mirror, asking this question. What’s it going to take, Karlie? The answer is, it takes Him. It takes this frame of dust returning to dust to rely fully on the mercy and love of Christ to first come to me. Dependency is a wonderful thing. Knowing that we cannot save ourselves, nor can we remove this heart of stone for a heart of flesh in our own doing. It must be God who makes the first move. We cannot dig ourselves out of the pit. This Holy God on the throne, who is surrounded by twenty-four elders, living creatures that worship Him day and night, myriads and myriads of angels, sent His Son to us. He made the first move. Jesus is the Lamb who was slain before the foundation of the world. In Philippians 2, we learn about the humility of Christ, who came to us. “Who, being in very nature God,  did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” He came to us in a lowly manger, through a humble virgin. He came to us from this... “And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne. Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. In front of the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God. Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal.” Revelation 4:3-6 That God sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. To take on the wrath of God for humanity’s sin, so that all those who declare, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in their heart that God raised him from the dead, will be saved. This is a God who is always with us, yet so set apart from us. We get to hold the mystery, the tension of both. By His Spirit, day by day, we become more and more awakened to the reality of His love, His presence, His holiness, and His majesty. It’s walking both in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit. The King came to us, and He’s coming back again. In the meantime, He’s prepared a table for us to enjoy fellowship with God. It’s wild, it’s wonderful, and it’s available to you by the blood of Christ. Do you believe this? So here’s our response... We're back at Romans 12, which again says to prepare our bodies as a living sacrifice to the Lord. Your bodies are now temples of the Holy Spirit. In 2 Chronicles, King Solomon, son of King David, built a temple for the Lord. To dedicate the temple, he prepared an altar and a sacrifice. After Solomon prayed, this happened. “As soon as Solomon finished his prayer, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. And the priests could not enter the house of the Lord, because the glory of the Lord filled the Lord's house. When all the people of Israel saw the fire come down and the glory of the Lord on the temple, they bowed down with their faces to the ground on the pavement and worshiped and gave thanks to the Lord, saying, “For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.” God has always desired to dwell with man. That’s not our idea, it’s God’s original design. Through Jesus Christ, God has made this happen. His glory now fills you as you present your body as a living sacrifice to Him. Psalm 5:3 says, “At each and every sunrise you will hear my voice as I prepare my sacrifice of prayer to you. Every morning I lay out the pieces of my life on the altar and wait for your fire to fall upon my heart.” Solomon’s Father, King David, got it. Every day, David, a man after God’s own heart, gave his life in surrender to God and waited for His presence to once again come and consume Him. He realized that this was the way of life, to wait upon the Lord and experientially be filled with His Spirit. We serve the same God of yesterday, today, and forever. We don’t have to be an Aaron or a Moses to enter into the Holy of Holies. We enter through the blood. This is worth waiting for. This is worth carving your day around to enter into His presence. This is worth pausing to thank Him and declare His goodness. The more we do this, the more we enjoy the bliss of belonging to God, being filled with His Spirit, and walking in relationship with our crucified and risen Lord. Present the altar (come before Him). Jesus is the sacrifice. He reveals Himself to us. Our worship ignites communion. His Spirit is the fire. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. The word “busy” doesn’t even belong here anymore. Focus on just this one thing, Jesus. Watch Him restructure and organize your day to be about the Father’s business and enjoy delighting in Him as He first delights in You. He is a God who speaks in the still small voice and the whirlwind. Job 28:1 says, “Then the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm.” Elijah on the mountain in 1 Kings did not hear God through the fire, the earthquake, or the wind, but in the whisper. We cannot constrain God to only communicating with us in our prayer closet. He’s longing to make Himself known in the worst, most chaotic moments and in the best, most peaceful moments. This is great news because, depending on the season of life or the day, you’re experiencing both. Whatever you’re walking through, cry out to Him to meet you in it. Ask Him for eyes to see and ears to hear what heaven is saying. This is the only remedy that will nourish and tend to your broken heart. He is the answer, always. I love Luke 10:38-24. “Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” Karlie, Karlie. Martha, Martha. Reader, reader. You are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed. Choose the good part. There is fullness of joy in His presence, and as Jesus said, that joy will not be taken away from you.  John 17:3 says,” Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” This is our purpose and the pursuit of life. To know Him! As you ask Him to help you know Him, you will come to witness this for yourself. We were made to live in the always-present communion between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This unity overflows to the relationships around us. If you desire greater oneness in your family, seek to know Him. If you hope for a better day on your job, seek to know Him. If you’re ready for five seconds of quiet in a household of children, seek to know Him. Let Him show you what is possible in Him, a God who is not restricted by our human ideas, thoughts, or limitations. Think about the impact of your life in 100 years. Generations will be changed and impacted by a person who is caught up in the love of Christ. Start afresh today and “Come to Him.” Depend on Him. Whenever He draws you, seek Him to find Him. It’s been a glorious wandering, but it’s time now to enter into the promised rest of His presence. We get to live here. By His Spirit, we need a maturing body of Christ to be on the same page and say, “Jesus, it’s all about you.” Only God can do this in us. Will you get on your knees before Him and invite Him into your life, to do this? It’s a narrow way that leads to life, and it is the only way. The Great Commission always starts at the table of fellowship with the Son. (See Mark 16) Before we “go,” we must “know.” A life burning for Jesus is rooted in the upper room. It begins and ends with His Spirit. It’s a saved, willing heart that hears the call and responds to, “Come to Me.” Prayer: Lord I surrender my schedule to you. Teach me how to abide, no matter what is happening. Open my eyes to see You. Open my ears to hear you. Reveal to me the joy of your presence. Show me your love. I'm praying Ephesians 1:15-23 over you... "Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all." God bless you! Thanks for reading the New Year's blog. If you're interested in learning more about Uncommon Sports Group or getting connected, click here . If you'd like to join a spring virtual Bible Study with USG, register here .

In this episode of the Uncommon Podcast, hosts Karlie Flowers and On-Air Personality Tamara Brown discuss Tamara's journey in sports reporting, emphasizing the importance of faith, perseverance, and community. They explore the challenges of career transitions, the significance of spiritual growth during difficult times, and the balance between faith and works. Tamara shares her experiences finding peace in uncertainty and the lessons she learned from various job changes, ultimately encouraging listeners to trust in God's plan, remain steadfast in their faith, and rely on God. Additionally, they explore the importance of seeking God first in all aspects of life, emphasizing the power of prayer, community, and the joy found in trials. They discuss how God comforts us in our afflictions and encourages us to share that comfort with others. The conversation highlights the significance of scripture in navigating life's trials and concludes with encouragement for those in a valley season, reminding listeners of God's faithfulness and the strength found in His joy. A new episode of the Uncommon Podcast is released every two weeks. You can find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, right here on our website, or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out this episode, and be sure to subscribe to our podcast to get alerts when new episodes are released!   Do you want to join our community of Christian leaders working in the college and pro sport industry? Learn how you can get involved with USG here . ⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of the Uncommon Podcast, host Noah Weiss interviews Troy Lydiate, the creative director of Apologetics Canada. Troy shares his journey from being adopted in Jamaica to growing up in a Christian family in Canada, and how his faith deepened through personal experiences and challenges. He discusses his transition into the field of apologetics, emphasizing the importance of making complex ideas accessible and the role of humility in ministry. Troy also reflects on the impact of apologetics on his personal faith and the lives of others, and explores his passion for Christian hip hop as a means of worship and expression. In this conversation, Troy Lydiate and Noah Weiss explore the intersection of faith and hip-hop, discussing the challenges of idolatry, the role of Christian hip-hop in spiritual expression, and the importance of community and character in the music industry. They emphasize the need for a firm foundation in Christ and the significance of the local church in nurturing faith, especially in a world that often prioritizes worldly success over spiritual growth. A new episode of the Uncommon Podcast is released every two weeks. You can find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, right here on our website, or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out this episode, and be sure to subscribe to our podcast to get alerts when new episodes are released!   Do you want to join our community of Christian leaders working in the college and pro sport industry? Learn how you can get involved with USG here . ⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of the Uncommon Podcast, Karlie Flowers interviews Mariah Fredericks, a Sport Ministry and Organizational Consultant and professional soccer player in Barcelona, Spain (La Tercera Nacional). Mariah shares her journey from coaching in the U.S. to using sports as a platform for ministry.   She discusses the importance of balancing competition with holiness, the transformative power of sports ministry, and the significance of rest and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Mariah also shares inspiring stories of encounters with Jesus and the impact of sports camps in communicating the gospel. The conversation emphasizes the need for encouragement, mentorship, and the creation of safe spaces for faith discussions in the competitive world of sports. A new episode of the Uncommon Podcast is released every two weeks. You can find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, right here on our website, or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out this episode, and be sure to subscribe to our podcast to get alerts when new episodes are released!   Do you want to join our community of Christian leaders working in the college and pro sport industry? Learn how you can get involved with USG here . ⁠⁠⁠

“But the angel said to them, ' Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10  Christmas is a special time of the year. As that one song says, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” But why is that? What makes Christmas so special and worthy of excitement and preparation? Some people would say that the weather is what makes it so memorable. Others argue that the decorations, the lights, and the music are what fill them with joy during this time of year. Meanwhile, others love Christmas because they are finally going to get that present they’ve been waiting all year for. While spending time with family, enjoying the lights and the decorations are good things, they often distract us from the true beauty and importance of the Christmas season, and that is remembering the birth of Jesus Christ.  While all these other things can be enjoyable and exciting, it is so important that we remain grounded and focused on the real purpose behind our celebration during this holiday season. In this season, we celebrate God sending His son to be present with us. Matthew 1:23 says: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which translated means God with us.” Christmas is not about the gifts that have been wrapped with fancy bows or festive wrapping paper; it is about the greatest gift we have already received: Jesus Christ, God with us. This is the reason for our joy and celebration; that we do not serve a distant God whom we need to impress or work to receive his approval, but a God who is present with us, and loves us enough to send his son to this earth to pay the price for our sins. 2 Corinthians 5:21 tells us that; “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” This is the free gift of God that is offered to you and I, salvation from our sins. It is a gift; therefore, it does not need to be earned or qualified for, it merely needs to be received. This Christmas, let us be reminded of why we celebrate Christmas, and be reminded of “the good news of great joy” that we have received! Whether this is a reminder or new information, do not let yourself fall back into the distractions the world throws at you, but allow the truth of Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection to transform the way you celebrate this Christmas. If this is new for you and you would like to learn more about the true meaning of Christmas and the gift that God is offering you today, please do not hesitate to reach out to the USG staff. We would love to connect with you and explain the reason for the hope and joy that we have.  Merry Christmas! Action Step: Spend a few minutes each day this week in prayer, asking God to help you focus your attention on Him this holiday season. Read Matthew 1 and Luke 2:1-38 on Christmas Day. Prayer: Lord, thank you for sending your son, Jesus Chris, to this earth, to live a perfect life, and to die a sinless death for me and my sins. Thank you that He rose to life after three days and defeated the grave and sin, and has offered me the gift of eternal life. May I be reminded of this truth repeatedly during this Christmas season. Lord, help me to avoid the many distractions all around me, but may my focus and my heart be set on you, Amen.

In this conversation, Karlie Flowers and Noah Weiss explore the theme of hope during the holiday season, emphasizing its biblical significance. They discuss the difference between worldly hope and biblical hope, the importance of scripture in understanding hope, and how hope can be present even in suffering. The conversation highlights the need for intimacy with Christ as the foundation of true hope, encouraging listeners to reflect on their relationship with God and the assurance that comes from faith. A new episode of the Uncommon Podcast is released every two weeks. You can find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, right here on our website, or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out this episode, and be sure to subscribe to our podcast to get alerts when new episodes are released!   Do you want to join our community of Christian leaders working in the college and pro sport industry? Learn how you can get involved with USG here . ⁠⁠⁠

"Moreover the Lord spoke again to Ahaz, saying, “Ask a sign for yourself from the Lord your God; ask it either in the depth or in the height above.” But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, nor will I test the Lord!” Then he said, “Hear now, O house of David! Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. " Isaiah 7:10-13 I adore studying the book of Isaiah, especially surrounding Christmas. This Old Testament book, credited to the major prophet, Isaiah, is FILLED with Messianic prophecy, foreshadowing the coming King, Savior, and humble Servant. Isaiah's name means "Yahweh is salvation," and, second to the Psalms, it is the book most quoted in the New Testament. As Jesus said in John 5:39-40, "You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life." The scriptures, including the book of Isaiah, speak of Jesus. In this particular scene in Isaiah 7, Isaiah is sent to King Ahaz of Judah to reassure him that he need not fear the oncoming threats from Syria and Israel. The Lord, in His mercy, allows Ahaz to find security in the Lord's Word (spoken by the prophet) by asking for a sign, but Ahaz rejects it. (Also, read 2 Kings 16 to read more about evil practices during Ahaz's reign.) In response to this, the Lord delivers a message, through Isaiah, to Judah, the "House of David," and says, "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel." King Ahaz is so fearful of the potential overthrow of his position and of threatening alliances that he refuses to turn to God and seek proof of his deliverance from none other than the Lord's hand. Yet, the Lord in His mercy still chooses to reveal Himself. “I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek me. To a nation that did not call on my name, I said, ‘Here am I, here am I.’ Isaiah 65:1 What is the sure sign of deliverance for Judah? The Son of Man, Jesus. Jesus, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. Likewise, what is the sure sign of deliverance for humanity? Jesus, the Root of David. In Isaiah 7, this gracious and zealous God we serve turns his attention towards a wicked generation and gives a similar message to that of His servant Moses, "I AM that I AM." (Exodus 3:14) Let's break this down even more...As King Ahaz was too caught up in fearing the opposition and practicing wickedness without a repentant heart, the Lord was relentlessly ready and waiting to reveal His plan to save His people. Even in darkness, God's light shines forth. The Savior (Sign) wasn't a horse, a chariot, or a strong militant officer. (Psalm 20:7) It was a child, born of a virgin . It was GOD himself, the Great I AM. This child would dwell on earth, fully God and fully man. This child would grow in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and man. This child would walk in obedience and purity, dying a criminal's death on a cross to offer up the perfect sacrifice, to bring about forgiveness of sins to all who believe in Him as Lord. This child would bring reconciliation, protection, healing, and deliverance to those who call upon His name. This child would atone for every spot and blemish in the life of a sinner turned saint. This child is the only sign needed, and the sign is God Himself. Since the fall, humanity has tried to cover up, heal, and conceal sin through human effort. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve hid themselves in an attempt to withdraw from God, in hopes that He might overlook their mishap. In Isaiah, King Ahaz relies on an Assyrian ally rather than trusting in God. In my life, time and time again, I've tried to scrub myself clean from the stain of sin, in hopes of performing my way into freedom. This is not the way. God makes it clear in Isaiah 7 that Immanuel, "God with us," is the only sign and remedy of deliverance. Are you seeking deliverance from fear? Are you longing for true peace and rest? Are you tired or frantic from the busyness of life? Do you find yourself in a helpless or broken state today, and are wearied from seeking answers from the world? Does oppression burden you, or what feels like an onslaught from the enemy? If you can even slighlty relate, the Lord has the remedy, the relief that you need. He promises you deliverance, freedom, healing, hope, joy, peace...TRUE LIFE. Do you know what sign He's given you to prove it? "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel." Your sign is Jesus. Your sign is the nail-pierced, Messiah. Your sign is God Himself. The prophecy in Isaiah was later fulfilled in Matthew 1:20-23, "But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). This Jesus, this child born of a virgin, WILL and HAS saved His people from their sins. This wasn't just a historical event; it was the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus that paved the way for you and me to step into a redeemed life. Jesus didn't just save your life; He became your life. Galatians 2:20 says, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." This means that all sin, destruction, and anything that would bring about death and darkness is now crucified on the tree, and you can partake in the freedom of true life that is found in none other than Jesus. Does this seem too good to be true? Don't believe my words, but seek this out for yourself! If you desire freedom, look at the blood-stained banner of the cross. If you need healing, look at what His wounds paid for. If you want security, lock eyes with this God-man. If you long for hope and peace and joy, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal Immanuel, "God with us", to you. If you're searching to destroy sin within you, look no further than the body and blood of Jesus. It's one thing to KNOW that this is true, and it's another to BELIEVE that this is true. Honestly, I am BEGGING for this belief, because life depends on it. The Lord doesn't want you to live a life of discouragement. He said, "In this world you will have trouble. But, take heart, I have overcome the world." John 16:33 Yes, we experience trouble. Sometimes we cause the trouble. Sometimes trouble happens to us. BUT, no matter what happens, the SIGN is the same. THIS CHILD HAS OVERCOME THE WORLD. Christ has overcome every power, every sin, every problem, every principality, and everything is subject to the power of Jesus. This winter, if you're frantically searching for the "peace, hope, and joy" the season apparently offers, look to the sign spoken of by the prophet Isaiah. Behold the Son. As you do, by His Spirit, every bit of opposition will fade (including fear) and all you'll be left to behold is Jesus. Remember, Christ died to free you from sin and make you alive with Him. He didn't come to alter your life, He came to BE your life. This Christmas, I'm writing to needy, poor-in-spirit souls who are thirsty for a touch from God. I'm writing to the ones who have heard the Lord say, "Come to me all who are weary and I will give you rest," and have set out on the pilgrimage of finding peace in His presence. I'm writing to the desperate heart that cannot be content with the world's status quo and longs for holiness and healing, for redemptive living back in the arms of the Good Shepherd. For some, the honest answer may be...Is this sign enough? Is staring at the face of Jesus, the coming of the Messiah, unity with the Creator, the power of His resurrection life in you, and the promise of His return...Is that enough? This is a question I cannot answer for you; it must be discovered. Discovering requires faith. It takes surrendering. It takes honesty. It takes coming to Him to learn that He will forever and always (whether we feel it or not) be more than enough. I've found that season after season, I come to understand and re-learn this truth: He is the one thing needed. (Luke 10:42) As we go about our daily activities, the ultimate goal of each day is to seek Him and find Him. To belong to Christ Jesus is your purpose. This is your purpose as you decorate the tree, shop for gifts, check your emails, cook a meal...It's to be one with Him and to allow His Spirit to live in you and through you. Here are some practical ways that you can invite the Lord into this pursuit: When you're hungry for Him, fast. When you're longing for His nearness, delight in taking communion with the body of believers. When you're desperate for a breakthrough, break through in prayer. When you've been fed lies, eat the truth (Word of God). More of Him is always what's needed! Remember, we serve a God who delights in giving good and perfect gifts (Matthew 7:11). The ultimate gift is the gift of Himself, Jesus. I'm telling you, you need Him. I need Him more than I've ever needed Him before. He's at the top of the Christmas list and will forever and always be the most sought-after prize. The Good News is He is waiting for you to ask for Him, that He may pour out His love upon you and leave you drenched in His Spirit, overflowing with hope, joy, and righteousness, by His power, His presence alive in you. Does this sound like the life you'd like to live this Christmas? Ask Him now to behold the promised sign, to behold the Son. Prayer: You are my Savior. I give my entire life to You. I lay every burden down at your feet. I receive the deliverance, the healing, the peace, the love that you paid for on Calvary. I trust you to be everything that's needed. Teach me to walk in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Blessed Holy Spirit, reveal Jesus to me. Teach me to turn to Him in every situation and to open me wide to receive the life of your Son, true deliverance in every situation. Show me the way of life found in intimacy with You. Take my attention off of self and onto the Son. Amen. Merry Christmas!

In this episode of the Uncommon Podcast, USG Board Members, Kelli Masters, NFL Agent, and Angela Marin, Athletic Director at UT Dallas, discuss the importance of hearing God's voice and building a relationship with Him through prayer and scripture. The conversation focuses on opportunities for the community offered by Uncommon Sports Group, finding value beyond titles, and the challenges of being a woman in the sports industry. A new episode of the Uncommon Podcast is released every two weeks. You can find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, right here on our website, or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out this episode, and be sure to subscribe to our podcast to get alerts when new episodes are released!   Do you want to join our community of Christian leaders working in the college and pro sport industry? Learn how you can get involved with USG here . ⁠⁠⁠

Uncommon Sports Group seeks to connect, encourage, and equip Christians working throughout the college and professional sport industry. A large part of how USG seeks to accomplish this mission is by funding its members to attend international mission trips that help equip them to live missional lives through their careers in sports. On June 19, USG traveled to Nairobi, Kenya, with a group of fourteen of its members and four staff for a two-week short-term trip. While in Kenya, USG served alongside local ministry partners in a variety of ways, as well as experiencing the local culture and scenery in Kenya. If you want to learn more about the trip to Kenya, you can read a detailed summary here . Anthony Wedel was one of the attendees on this summer's trip to Kenya. Anthony is a part of the USG community and has completed our Academy program, has attended an Impact Weekend, is involved in our Community Bible Studies, and recently was a winner of our scholarship. Currently, Anthony serves as a Ticket Office Associate with Liberty University Athletics. Below is a testimony from Anthony about his experience in Kenya and the impact the experience had on him. "Two years ago, if anyone would have told me I’d travel out of the country for the first time in my life, let alone on a mission trip, I would’ve called them crazy. Missions felt like something other people did, but not something I was capable of. But a few weeks before I even applied for the trip, I found myself praying a scary prayer: that the Lord would bring discomfort into my life to break the complacency I had slipped into. Not long after, the Lord challenged me directly, “ Go on a mission trip.”  I remember feeling unsure, unprepared, and honestly, afraid. Yet months later, there I was, boarding a plane to Nairobi, Kenya, completely unaware of how deeply God would use that step of obedience.  During my time in Kenya, God began reshaping parts of my faith that I didn’t even realize needed changing. I felt Him challenge the way I studied Scripture, pushing me to approach His Word with more depth and intentionality. He also stirred something new in my prayer life which was a desire to pray for others more consistently and compassionately. Before leaving, I had specifically prayed for two things: strength to share my testimony and unique, meaningful connections with the team. God answered both prayers abundantly. Not only did I share my testimony with the entire group, but I also formed deep, genuine relationships with every single person on the trip. In just two weeks, strangers became lifelong friends, and I experienced community in a way that I could have never imagined.  Coming home, I expected the usual “mission trip high,” but what I felt was much deeper. I experienced a spiritual hunger unlike anything I’d ever known. I found myself craving the presence of the Lord, wanting to worship, pray, and study with a sincerity and fire that felt completely new to me and my life. The trip had opened my eyes to what intentional, authentic community could look like, and it ignited a desire in me to love people more deeply and intentionally. One of the biggest things that stayed with me was the joy and love I witnessed in the people of Kenya. Their generosity, compassion, and unwavering devotion to the Lord left a permanent mark on my heart. Their joy wasn’t tied to circumstance; it was rooted in Christ. I came home praying that my life would reflect that same love and joy, and it has been my prayer every day for the past five months. Since returning, the Lord has continued to challenge me to remain in that place of holy discomfort, the same discomfort I prayed for before I ever boarded the plane. He’s been stretching me, inviting me into new opportunities, and reminding me that growth rarely comes from staying comfortable. This trip didn’t just change my faith for a moment; it shifted the direction of my walk with God. My trip to Kenya may have lasted only two weeks, but the impact has shaped every day since. I’m grateful for what the Lord started in me there, and I have been committed to continuing this journey of obedience, community, and deeper love to wherever he leads me next whether that be in my career or my personal life. "- Anthony Wedel, Ticket Office Associate with Liberty Athletics Seeing the impact that the Lord brought about from this trip, both in Anthony's life and in the individuals we served in Kenya, has been such an encouragement! We are grateful to have had the opportunity to serve the Lord in Kenya with this group of Christ-centered leaders of the sport industry. If you would like to learn more about the trip to Kenya, click here  to read a detailed summary. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a part of USG's growing community of Christian sport industry professionals, click  here !

In this episode of the Uncommon Podcast, host Noah Weiss interviews former NFL wide receiver Geremy Davis, who shares his journey from professional athlete to founder of the ministry Golf and Gospel. Geremy discusses his evolution of faith, the challenges of maintaining a Christian witness in the competitive sports world, and how he uses golf as a platform to share the gospel. He emphasizes the importance of community, accountability, and living out one's faith in everyday life, encouraging listeners to integrate their beliefs into all aspects of their lives. The conversation highlights the transformative power of faith and the unique opportunities that sports provide for ministry. A new episode of the Uncommon Podcast is released every two weeks. You can find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, right here on our website, or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out this episode, and be sure to subscribe to our podcast to get alerts when new episodes are released!   Do you want to join our community of Christian leaders working in the college and pro sport industry? Learn how you can get involved with USG here . ⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of the Uncommon podcast, host Karlie Flowers interviews Jaunelle White, VP of Athletics and Chief Student Development Officer at Point University. Jaunelle shares her inspiring faith journey, the influence of her family, and how she integrates her faith into her career in athletics. The conversation explores the significance of community service, navigating grief, and striking a balance between career and family life. Jaunelle emphasizes the power of prayer, trusting God's timing, and waiting on Him in transition. The hope is that, by listening to this episode, you will be drawn into a deeper, more intimate relationship with God and inspired to live out your faith in your family and workplace. A new episode of the Uncommon Podcast is released every two weeks. You can find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, right here on our website, or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out this episode, and be sure to subscribe to our podcast to get alerts when new episodes are released!   Do you want to join our community of Christian leaders working in the college and pro sport industry? Learn how you can get involved with USG here . ⁠⁠⁠