Lakewood Church
Since this is my blog, I can write about stuff that happens in my life. Let me tell you today I made one of the best decisions of my life to wake up at 7:00 on a game day to go to the Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, home of Joel Osteen.
I roll with Bob Medina and Kaleb Canales, two guys that work for the Blazers and that are good friends. I have never in my life and would bet that 99% of the people in this country -- maybe around the world -- have been to a church of this magnitude. I was taken back by its sheer size, beauty, yet it was very humble. I can't explain other than to say I never felt like I was more focused on what was around me rather than what was going on in front of me.
I'm gonna step out and say Joel Osteen might be one of the greatest speakers of our time. I've been to church; many churches; different types of churches. I would, if I lived in Houston, never miss a service; literally I would pay to be a part of that each week, he is that good.
From the time you walk in it stops being about the world outside. The problems, frustrations, any negativity, and it focuses on your relationship with yourself and your relationship with God. I called my parents afterward and said that before the beginning of the summer I was going to fly them out and let them experience that because it is truly amazing.
As I look around 10 thousand deep, yes, 10 thousand people deep, I feel the stadium shaking because of everyone jumping up 'n down with joy, with praise, and there is not one person other than me sitting, writing this blog entry. I can only tap my feet, smile, and really just enjoy myself.
Suits, jeans, biker outfits, WWF WrestleMania shirts, it didn’t matter. People are hugging each other. There's no sense of judging at all, which I've felt in some churches.
Look, I think everyone tries to be the best they can be every day. I know I do. Today, I really knew I was supposed to be there. I won't tell you what he talked about, but I can tell you that I felt throughout the fastest 1:30 in my life, that it was really him talking directly to me.
I came away with this: when you see me smiling, being positive about anything that happens with basketball, know that I'm just thinking to myself that I've already won. I am going to come out on top. It's not gonna be easy. I'm gonna go through some rough patches, but in the end I'm definitely going to be an example of someone who stuck through it. Someone who, when they say my name, people will say, great guy. He had a great attitude, great player. Went through some stuff. Kept his head up, worked his butt off, and look at him now just living the dream.
If that sounds cocky you didn’t read it right and that’s not the point. I just wanted to speak my mind, my thoughts, and maybe for you some positive thoughts would move you towards your goal, whatever it may be.
April 5th, 2009 - 18:58
Channing, you are such a great person. I’m glad that you could experience that today. I know I’m not the only one that can say people like you make me proud to be a Blazer fan!
I was just watching the game against the Rockets a few minutes ago. I saw you sitting next to Sergio on the bench and I was like “CHANNING FRYE!!!!!!!! HE’S AWESOME!!!!!!!” ^_^
April 5th, 2009 - 20:51
I don’t think you came across as cocky at all. And I know I for one always think those things when I see you at a game. I think you’re a great guy, great player, and have a great attitude. Keep your head up, we love having you in Portland. I enjoyed meeting you last week, thanks for always being friendly.
April 5th, 2009 - 23:32
Speaking as a Houston native that grew up in that armpit of a town…megachurches make lots of people feel real good without really putting a whole lot behind their message. Until Osteen decides to come out against those that hate on equal rights I’m not cool with it and I lump him in with all the others like Jerry Falwell who Win Butler so poetically dedicated Antichrist Television Blues to, “Wherever the f**k he is.” Fitting…
April 6th, 2009 - 00:12
Thank you for sharing Channing. I hope that your experience will live through your everyday life. You live a story with a special stage. Being in the public eye can be scary yet it can also be a blessing to many people. Be strong and courageous in all you do. Oh…and win some games for this lifetime Blazer fan. Have a blessed day!
April 6th, 2009 - 08:55
Hey Channing – Thanks so much for sharing this. I’m sure there’s a lot of pressure on you guys from all sorts of directions, making a life of faith a challenge. I appreciate what I’ve seen of your attitude both on and off the court. Thanks for your hard work!
April 6th, 2009 - 10:51
Cousin!!
I LOVE Joel Olsteen… so proud of you for going to church on a game day. I went to 8am service in Harlem & swore the pastor was speaking directly to me as well.
Umm…is it sunny & green in portland yet? Ready for visit #2.
Love ya,
Kim
April 6th, 2009 - 11:31
You might like his book, “Your Best Life Now.” It’s pretty encouraging, though there’s not a lot of Biblical basis for some of the points he makes, and it tends to lean towards “everyone DESERVES to be rich” rhetoric.
April 6th, 2009 - 12:57
CHANNING,
THIS IS WHY I TOLD KIMMY YOU WERE COOL AS SOON AA WE LEFT PORTLAND. I WATCH JOEL OSTEEN EVERY SUNDAY B4 HEADIN GTO MY REGULAR WORSHIP SERVICE. HE IS TRULY THE BOMB. ITS ALWAYS MOTIVATIONAL AND UPLIFTING. IF I WAS A HOUSTON RESIDENT I WOULD BE THERE FAITHFULLY AS WELL AND I DONT USUALLY FEEL THE MEGA CHURCHES B/C IT SOMETIME SEEMS FOR SHOW, BUT JOEL IS THE MAN:)
ANIKA-(KIMMY’S HOME GIRL)
April 6th, 2009 - 16:31
What an inspiration for all! Portlaand loves YOU!!
April 6th, 2009 - 20:36
What a great and inspiring post. Thank you.
April 7th, 2009 - 21:57
Joel O is special but you are the real deal! Good luck in the playoffs!!
April 8th, 2009 - 08:33
Portland (the city, not just the team) is so lucky to have you. I left a link for a church you might check out in Beaverton. Not a megachurch, but young minister and a very positive, reflective message. The music rocks the house every week and everyone is very enthusiastic. Enjoy your journey, wherever you go!
April 8th, 2009 - 20:31
Channing, thanks for having the courage to share about the spiritual side of your life. Like I told you when I bowled next to you at Big Al’s, YOU ARE DEEP!! And you are a great role model, and you’re still my favorite!! All the stuff you have been through this year has only made you deeper and better. I love your positive attitude!!
April 8th, 2009 - 22:56
Hey Channing,
). I’m sure it can get very difficult especially with all the travel and such, but to see that you take the effort even away from your comfort zone is great. Constantly hearing and reading about you and seeing you on TV always being the awesome and positive person you are, it just made sense there’s more! Keep it up, my man, and push hard in the playoffs!! You’ll be in my prayers, brother.
what an inspiration you are! I can’t imagine some of the pressure or circumstances that come in the NBA that would tempt you to not be as faithful as it seems you are (though, I’m sure being with the Blazers and our “culture” helps
April 9th, 2009 - 12:55
Channing – you are a great inspiration for the city. I also believe that you take a real chance as an athlete to say what you think – especially with how judgmental some people can me. Thank you for doing so and please don’t stop.
With that said, do churches of that size scare you? When I think of mega churches, I think of political gain to spread their message of conservatism. It’s been happening since Jimmy Charter ran for president. Do you think people can think independently within a church of 10K without there being an inner church culture that spreads a bad message? Just curious – not sure if you’re willing to put that sort of opinion up here but I thought I would ask.
Thanks again, I love your openness to engage the community!
April 12th, 2009 - 23:35
Channing,
I think you are an awesome person and it takes a lot to share this side to the world – especially in a very liberal and very non-religious city. Personally, I think Osteen has good intentions and is a great speaker. But the fact that he believes homosexuals shouldn’t be allowed to legally marry or that they shouldn’t have children, he’s not the type of person I would morally follow. To each his own!
April 13th, 2009 - 21:55
you must subscribe to his “word of the day” emails. I get them and they are such a great way to start the day!!
April 15th, 2009 - 21:55
Channing,
I myself am a Christian and come from a long line of texans(i live in ohio)…so we are fans of the Olsteens. What you had to say was awesome. You break the stereotype so many athletes have by writing such things.
My girlfriends and I were at your Cavs game 3/19…you guys were great. We’re rooting for you in the play offs…and I admit I’ll definitely check out your blog again. And maybe I’ll find you on facebook if you’re there.
Great game tonight!!
Rachelle
April 17th, 2009 - 23:43
Being able to go to a church where you are recieved with open arms is such a blessing
June 16th, 2009 - 22:40
Do they teach forgiveness at these “MEGAchurches”???
April 26th, 2010 - 21:15
Hey Channing, I was impressed by your response during the halftime interview on TNT at tonight’s playoff game against the blazers. You reflected on seeing soldiers getting on a plane in portland, and that God gave you an epiphany on how blessed you are to have basketball as a job. So I went on the internet to see if I could find anything about your beliefs. I found this, it’s encouraging to see a professional athlete seeing their need for God and telling the public and me that it’s not really all about fame and money. Anyways, thanks. You should check out some of the solid big churches in the Valley, such as Calvary Community Church off I17 and CCV up in Glendale/Peoria. I think you’d really enjoy them if you liked Lakewood. Kurt Warner was just at CCV last weekend.
Best Wishes to you for your career and family,
Jeff