Do You Believe in Miracles?

In the Bible, Jesus performs several miracles. His first was to turn water into wine while attending a wedding celebration. Later in his ministry, he fed a crowd of thousands by multiplying a boy’s lunch of just 5 barley loaves and 2 fish. The crowd ate until their navels poked out and couldn’t eat anymore, and the leftovers they gathered filled 12 baskets. Now, those are truly miracles.
In our own lives, we sometimes use the word “miracle” more casually. Back in 2011, when the LSU Tigers were ranked first in football and the Alabama Crimson Tide was ranked second, I made a trip to Tuscaloosa with my best friend, Michael Snipes. Michael and I had been attending Alabama home games for 25 years, and on this day the university was expecting more than 200,000 people for the showdown between 2 unbeaten teams. Parking was going to be a nightmare.
Somehow, we were able to find a spot very close to the stadium with an easy exit after the game. That might have felt like a miracle at the time, but it was just luck. The game definitely wasn’t miraculous, as Alabama lost, 9-6, in overtime.
During that 2011 season, South Alabama Electric Cooperative (SAEC) and PowerSouth Energy Cooperative made a donation to help construct something much more miraculous — the Miracle League Field at the Troy Recreation Center. For those who don’t know, the Troy Miracle League gives local children and adults with disabilities the chance to enjoy the game of baseball. Since concern for community is 1 of the 7 cooperative principles that guide everything we do, supporting the Miracle League Field was a fitting part of that mission.
Little did I know that my oldest grandson, Kristian, would later join the league himself. Kristian was born with impaired vision that kept him from playing traditional youth sports. But through the Miracle League, he has been able to actively enjoy America’s favorite pastime.
At his first game, I discovered that each Miracle League athlete has a sponsor who stands with them on the field. So, Kristian and his sponsor hit the field as the first batter came to the plate. But when I looked at the field, I saw that Kristian was busy talking with his sponsor and didn’t even have his glove on his hand.
Trying to help, I stood up and yelled, “Kristian, Look Alive and Get Ready!” When I sat back down, my wife, both of my daughters, and even my mom were giving me the skunk eye. That’s when I learned about the true miracle of the Miracle League. It wasn’t about the fielding, the ball, or scoring the most runs. It was about the athletes and even their sponsors experiencing the joy and excitement of a game they wouldn’t have been able to play without the Miracle League Field. Later, I asked Kristian, “What were you talking to that girl sponsor about?” He said, “Playing Mario.” I said, “Mario, there’s no place for Mario in a baseball game.” Then I saw the eyes start to turn my way again, so I just shut my mouth. I’m a slow learner!
This year, that field needs major repairs. It truly is not safe to play on in its current condition, and it would be a sad day if the Miracle League athletes lost such a wonderful place to enjoy the game of baseball. SAEC and PowerSouth have been honored to make another donation to help the Miracle League renovate the field.
My SAEC family also makes its own donation to the league every Christmas, in honor of my grandson. It’s 1 of the best gifts I receive from our wonderful employees each year and a true miracle. Later, in January 2012, Alabama got a rematch with LSU in the national championship game. LSU didn’t even cross the 50-yard line as Bama won, 21-0. It still wasn’t a miracle. If you’re able, please consider donating to the Miracle League. You can find the information you need below. Thank you.