Mickey Mantle, an almost mythical baseball star who feared he had failed to fulfill career expectations because of alcohol abuse and whose last years were haunted by self-recrimination, died of cancer in 1995. He was 63. The former New York Yankees center fielder and a member of baseball’s Hall of Fame, just before his death, said at a news conference that he had squandered a gifted life and warned admirers he was no role model. “God gave me the ability to play baseball. God gave me everything,” he said. “For the kids out there, don’t be like me.”

Can you imagine? A name that was legendary long before he passed away and he felt shame. Why? Because he took the gifts he was given and he threw them in God's face. Do you recognize your gifts and are you using them for the glory of God? Mickey Mantle would want you to. I want you to. And those around you who love you...I know they've encouraged you...some of them may have even begged you to, sometimes with strong words. Why don't you do it now?