Jackie Robinson became the first black professional baseball player, but according to Jackie’s widow, Rachel, that wouldn’t have happened had it not been for Reverend Karl Downs. In a Statesman.com article, Rachel shares how as a young pastor, Karl Downs encouraged young Jackie to leave a Pasadena gang and introduced him to Christ-like ways to handle racism.
Over the years, Downs was a pastor, friend, employer and mentor to Jackie. Rachel believed that Jackie would not have succeeded in baseball if Reverend Downs had not trained Jackie on how to handle racism with dignity.
Titus 2:6 teaches, “Encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good.”
Great leaders don’t always become famous, some play important supporting roles. Who are you encouraging?
