Thanks, Christmas wishes from CrescentCitySports.com

It has been a remarkable year, to say the least.

As we pause to spend time with family and for those of us of the Christian faith to celebrate the coming of our Savior, we give thanks for all that God has bestowed on us.

We wish blessings on all of our regular visitors of all faith backgrounds and from all walks of life. We have nothing but respect and appreciation for you and your families. If we truly embrace what we say we believe, we love the Lord and we love you, our neighbor, Matthew 22:37-39. In a volatile world of turmoil, vitriol, conflict and intolerance, it is a premise we should all embrace.

Your support is greatly appreciated.

Thanks as well to our sponsors, who honor us with their support to make what we do possible.

Having an unswerving faith provides the impetus to carry on, regardless of circumstances.

It is easy to have faith and proclaim it when things are going well. In sports vernacular, it is easy to be a gracious winner.

It is not quite as easy to remain calm, at peace and happy in tough times of trouble. Maintaining faith and persevering in such times are what define us as decent human beings, as persons of faith.

It is easy to say things, not quite as easy to do those things, thus the “easier said than done” phrase so frequently used.

There will be good times and there will be bad times.

In scripture, Jesus said as much but gave us hope for the future in John 16:33.

“These things, I have spoken unto you, that in me, you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

Troubles came in 2017.

From losing a primary sponsor to losing an affiliation, costing many their jobs, it was a year of trials and a significant jolt to the pocketbook.

Then, a disappointing diagnosis led to cancer surgery.

In the midst of it all, the presence of great faith, a great wife, children and family and great friends and supporters provided a path back to stability.

Having the great pleasure of walking our beautiful daughter down the aisle made the whole year worth living. Seeing our son in graduate school and working in his field and growing into a man is heartwarming. Having an amazing, loyal, supportive wife who loves, nurses, provides, endures and tolerates me is beyond description.

Through whatever difficulties endured, I am truly blessed.

Then, there is the matter of our friend and co-worker, Rick Gaille.

A man of faith, Rick is an inspiration to us all, with his dogged determination to beat a seemingly terminal illness, with his profusely positive attitude.

As Jesus said in Matthew 19:26, “With man, this is impossible but with God, all things are possible.”

Rick believes. So do we. Godspeed to Rick and Elaine as they meet the toughest defense they have ever opposed. Borrowing a word from Rick’s beloved coaching philosophy, may he grow wings to fly past his formidable opponent. He possesses all of the weapons necessary to fight it to a “T.”

The beauty of it all for us is that whatever the affliction, whatever malaise we find ourselves in, there is always a way out.

There is family. There is the family of close associates and friends. There is the family of believers, the hope for eternity through our faith from the greatest manifestation of love ever displayed, encapsulated in the coming of the One and Only on this great day for Christians worldwide.

In the final analysis, we are truly blessed to have been given so much. It is a tremendous blessing to have friends, peers and superb professionals in Jude Young and Lenny Vangilder to share all things CrescentCitySports with.

Merry Christmas from the team at CrescentCitySports.com. Here is a brief parting poem to capture the day, the moment.

In the beginning, there was Kenny

And in due time came Lenny

Of course, there was Jude

From the NewOrleans.com days

Then SportsNola was the rage

A success, as others would conclude

Then came a predictable tough time

And a huge mountain to climb

It would have been easy to brood

Unbridled determination led to CrescentCitySports

With Ed, Les, Rene, David, Rick, Al, Pat, Alan, Michelle and all sorts

Forging ahead with a wealth of fortitude

And we are with you now on this special day

Counting our blessings, giving thanks we pray

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good CrescentCity night! Enjoy the food!