I just watched the movie Invincible with Mark Wahlberg today for the first time. What a true inspiration this movie was, not unlike other great movies of the past Rocky, Rudy, and The Rookie. This movie was about a true underdog coming out on top. I loved it! This movie was based on a true story of former Philadelphia Eagle Vince Papale played by Mark Wahlberg. Vince was a bartender/part-time school teacher who had 1 year of high school football under his belt. When Dick Vermeil played by Greg Kinnear holds open tryouts to try and Save a miserable Eagle Football Team from another losing season, Vince reluctantly goes to give it a whirl. Out of 300 hopefuls Vince is the only one invited back to participate in The Eagles Training Camp. Vince not only makes it past the first cut, but in due time Dick Vermeil reluctantly against anyone else's wishes, but his wife's, decides to put Vince Papale in the Eagles line-up. Vince successfully made it through 3 ½ seasons with the Eagles, before having to retire at the age of 34 from injuries.

How could anyone ever predict the future? With talent drive and a little luck this story has happened over and over again in America. How did Vince make it? In the movie Dick's Character said that he had heart. None of the players liked him at first. His father was an underpaid factory worker, his most successful friend owned a bar, and his wife of 5 years left him because he couldn't amount to anything. One thing Vince did have going for him was he had determination and the willingness to not be afraid to step out there and take a risk. Had Vince never gone to the open tryout he would probably still be bartending somewhere in Philly? But since Vince gave it a chance and went to the tryout, he rose to the occasion to shine where he had been told to shine.

This story could apply to many who have risen above great odds to make it in America. Most recently, Carrie Underwood comes to mind. This young gal drove several hundred miles from her hometown in Oklahoma to try out for American Idol. Did you know that her album is the biggest selling album in country music since 1991? I actually put her song "Jesus Take the Wheel", on my ring-tone on my phone to remind me of 2 things: 1) that I am not in charge he is, and 2), that dreams belong to the few who dare to make them come true.

While you are beating yourself up this week and not feeling worthy, think of Papale, Rocky, or Underwood. Think of the underdog coming out on top. If you come from a poor family, or find yourself struggling in this thing called life, just remember that Rome wasn't built in a day, and that we were all designed for greatness. I think Zig Ziglar said it best when he stated, "You were designed for success. You were endowed with the seeds of greatness". If we are all are created equal and we all are great to begin with, how come only a few succeed? It's only because of 3 things lack of ambition, lack of belief, and lack of opportunity. I believe that we all start out as geniuses and over time life degenius' us. There is a reason that Jesus spoke so highly of children in the bible? Belief is instilled at an early age either good or bad. And if bad must be smashed. Opportunity and Ambition are born by just simply showing up and always giving it your best shot.

I stated to my wife recently, Wow it's amazing if I just get out of bed early in the morning, take a shower, and somehow start working, great things begin to happen. Not bad for a guy who was once a drug addict, would sleep in until 10 or 11, and could barely even hold down a job for any length of time. We may not all become household names like Carrie Underwood, or Vince Papale, but we certainly can arise to the occasion and become much greater if we just simply show up keep a positive attitude, most importantly give life our best shot.