Is Tiger Woods Superman?
This fictitious character, superhero, was invincible…well almost. His only weakness was kryptonite. This substance was what his home was made of that had been destroyed when he was a child. When he entered earth’s atmosphere, he became a SUPER MAN; practically invincible. I love Superman even though my favorite superhero is Spiderman.
Tiger Woods, for the lack of a better word, is golf’s SUPER MAN. He can drive a golf ball 320 yards down a fairway that is the size of a 4 lane street. He can sink 30 yard putts to save par to go on and win a MAJOR tournament. He, again, leads the 2009 money list on the PGA Tour and will indubitably win Player of the Year again in his illustrious career. Or, will he?
What could sidetrack Tiger from becoming the best golfer of all times? Could another golfer take him down? Several have tried but to no avail: Phil Mickelson, Vijay Singh, Sergio Garcia, Adam Scott, the list could go on for days. Some have even suggested that marriage and kids would derail the Tiger Train…but Elin and the kids are good!! Even injury could not stop Tigermania. He won the US Open in 2008 with a broken leg. Go Tiger Go!!
So, what could bring this Tiger machine to its knees except Tiger himself. The Bible says, Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall (Proverbs 16:18, KJV). Tiger suffers from what most, well all of us, especially men, struggle with and that is PRIDE. Everyone of us have a kryptonic weakness and it has three dimensions: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (I John 2:16). Notice, the devil is not part of the kryptonic equation. When we decide to do “wrong”, it is our decision to make to delve into “transgressions” (as Tiger stated).
Well, what led Tiger down his road of “transgressions”? I think it is really simple (keep pride (EGO) in front of you as I paint this picture). On the golf course, Tiger is the man. On the commercials, Tiger can bounce a golf ball off a sand wedge and swing at the ball and hit it 100 yards. Everywhere he goes people are screaming his name and begging for his autograph. I was at The Tour Championship in 2000 in Atlanta, and I got his autograph.
BUT, when he crosses the threshold of his home in Windermere, FL a transformation occurs, he turns into Tiger “Clark Kent” Woods to his wife and kids. To Elin and Sam and Lil Charlie, he is simply a husband and a daddy. Diapers still need changing, kids still need to be fed, chores still have to be done, and his wife still needs pampering and comforted and all that other stuff us hubbys do 
. No amount of money can take the place of the mechanics of being a good husband and a good father. IT IS DEMANDING!!!!
When he supposedly told one of his estranged lady friends that marriage is not what’s its crack up to be…he told a half truth. Marriage takes work. A lot of us do not want to put the work in it that it requires. And it can be overwhelming. I am a witness. I had to be recalibrated several years ago and be reminded that it takes work to keep a family together. I am glad I have my family. Tiger needs his father more now than he ever did. He needs a man in his life to remind him, Take care of your family! It’s all we got. Commercials will fade, the lure of screaming fans are just waiting for the next big thing to come along, the golf ball will not go far one day, and what will remain standing? A wife, and how ever many kids Elin wants you two to have..(chuckle).
So, do I stop loving Tiger. Oh, definitely not. I am praying that him and his family endure this storm and end up closer together. He will bounce back…that’s what Tigger’s do!!
you have been Motivated.
Almost missed reading this Dr. Sims – mainly because I try not to follow media hype of celebs that have had a human moment and have erred in some way or other. I prefer that they are given privacy and dignity during these difficult times.
I pray that Tiger can make amends and work things out with his wife and keep the family intact. Not giving in to blood-sucking lawyers that wish to enrich themselves arguing who gets what asset a counselor or mentor could be found to mend things and let Mr. Woods re-learn to be the loving husband I am sure he can be.
Isn’t one of the key cornerstones the concept of forgiveness? Thank you for your thoughts Walter
By: Alexander on December 3, 2009
at 10:50 am
I love your analogy. I agree with your description of Tiger being Superman AND Clark Kent. As men, we need to understand that we can’t only focus on being Superman, but we also have to put just as much time into being Clark Kent for our wives, children, and friends. They depend on us to be super, even more than those outside our inner circle.
By: Paul Wilson Jr. on December 3, 2009
at 11:39 am
Preacherrr, your insights are so clear & powerful… thank you for shining your light for all of us to see.
Being grounded, and avoiding pride, is really a matter of loving ourselves for who we ARE… and not just what we DO. Our actions, which lead to our successes AND our failures, can be a weak foundation to build our self-esteem on, and can leave us looking for outside validation. When we truly see ourselves for our true nature & character, we can avoid the discouragement or pride that comes with each temporal failure or victory.
The greatest victory a man can have, is over himself. Thank you for being a gift to us all.
By: Joseph Ranseth on December 3, 2009
at 12:18 pm
“When he supposedly told one of his estranged lady friends that marriage is not what’s its crack up to be…he told a half truth. Marriage takes work. A lot of us do not want to put the work in it that it requires. And it can be overwhelming. I am a witness. I had to be recalibrated several years ago and be reminded that it takes work to keep a family together. I am glad I have my family. Tiger needs his father more now than he ever did. He needs a man in his life to remind him, Take care of your family! It’s all we got. Commercials will fade, the lure of screaming fans are just waiting for the next big thing to come along, the golf ball will not go far one day, and what will remain standing?”-I LOVE this, it’s so TRUE…Men should read your posts, and I totally agree with Joseph Ranseth, your insights are so clear and powerful! Excellent post!! Very well written!! x
By: Sheria Mwangala on December 3, 2009
at 4:30 pm
I hope that Superman is forgiven for being simply Clark Kent now and again.
Your insights are a gift to others Dr. Sims.
By: Dr. Jack on December 3, 2009
at 8:25 pm
BAM! The nail has been hit on the head.
Good post!
By: Chandra (@ShiftC) on December 4, 2009
at 4:31 am
Awesome article and words of wisdom for all of us as men. Family is definitely a struggle but it is doable and can be very enjoyable. Man was created to face difficulties and we will all be tested in some form or fashion. If you haven’t, just wait, your time will come. (smile)
Self-improvement is the basis for community development.
Thank you again for this blog.
–@BrotherJesse
By: Jesse Muhammad on December 4, 2009
at 7:45 am
Awesome article! You are always a blessing to me and my family.
By: Katrina Cooper on December 4, 2009
at 2:12 pm
so much to appreciate about this article, Clark Kent, pamper wife, recalibration, what remains and how Tiggers bounce back… you’re good!!
By: Rhonda Smolarek on December 5, 2009
at 11:22 am
Sorry it took me a minute to read and respond. That was as always another delivered STRONG Article. Thanks for sharing.
Always Shaune.
By: She Perfected It on December 5, 2009
at 3:58 pm
Well written article minister of motivation Dr. Walter Sims. You hit the problem on the head about Tiger’s situation. Pride is no respecter of person it seeks whom it can control. If you are not kept by the Holy Spirit any man can fall prey to its deceptive ways. Pride brings along its great friend and companion which is Lust which is stated in I John 2:16. They have you start believing you are invincible. There is no question Tiger was gifted by GOD with tremendous eye hand coordination
for golf which his father Earl Woods taught him since Tiger was a baby.
A superman you can say in the Golf World.
Tiger’s father has been gone all most two years now I believe. This surely would not have happen if Mr. Woods had been around. I feel Mr. Woods was Tiger’s sounding board for talk about men issues and life in general. As you stated in your post Tiger needs somebody as a father figure or friend to talk to. That person needs to be somebody that is not going to bow down to Tiger because of his status as a star. They need to tell and speak the truth to Tiger without worrying about if he is going to be upset with them or lose his friendship. Truth is of far greater importance.
If I was to meet Tiger as you stated all the accomplishments, fame, and fortune will not matter or bring peace and happiness to a home. I would speak truth and whatever the Holy Ghost, Jesus and GOD need for him to be truly saved and had laid on my heart for his benefit. Tiger are you listening? A man of God wants to speak to you!!!
By: Che'valier Paul on December 22, 2009
at 2:52 pm