Yesterday two important transitions took place. First, Pope Francis arrives in the United States at 4:00 PM EST. Second, Yogi Berra leaves the United States (and the planet) on the exact same day. Wow. Can this be a coincidence?
Is there a common thread? How are these two famous people linked together? What is the mystery behind these two men sharing the headlines on the same day?
When some people talk about Yogi they point out he was one of the most beloved professional baseball players of all time.
He excelled at the game of baseball. Many say he is the greatest catcher to ever play the game. With the Yankees he won 10 world Series Championships. He achieved Hall of Fame status and won 3 MVP awards. He even served as manager of the Yankees.
But even people who do not follow baseball knew him for his sayings. He was quoted more often than Winston Churchill and most Presidents.
Here’s a few quotes attributed to him:
- “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.”
- “You can observe a lot by just watching.”
- “It ain’t over till it’s over.”
- “No one goes there nowadays, it’s too crowded.”
The world is going to miss Yogi.
When some people talk about Pope Francis they point out he is one of the most beloved Popes of all time.
Why is he so beloved? There are many reason but here’s a big one: he is humble and embraces those who are overlooked. For example, in the newspaper I read he plans to visit President Obama AND the homeless. He cares deeply about social justice. And not many Popes turn their back on a palace and choose to live in a guest house.
Here’s a few quotes from Pope Francis:
- “A little bit of mercy makes the world less cold and more just.”
- “Wretched are those who are vindictive and spiteful.”
- “Although the life of a person is in a land full of thorns and weeds, there is always a space in which the good seed can grow. You have to trust God.”
- “God is not a divine being or a magician, but the Creator who brought everything to life.”
The world is just getting to know Pope Francis.
So is it coincidence to find both of these great older men sharing headlines? No. This is not a coincidence. There is a reason these two men are linked. Here’s the important link:
Yogi Berra and Pope Francis won the admiration and respect of the masses by excelling in their profession and at the same time remaining humble. Here’s a great motto for you and I to live by: “Work hard. Stay humble.”
After examining the facts I see no conspiracy. Yogi just came to a fork in the road and took it. But if I find out he checked out yesterday at 4:00 PM EST I might change my mind.
Work hard. Stay humble.
Do you see any other connecting links between these two great men?
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