Dealing with cancer can be one of the scariest battles anyone would ever have to endure. Famed sports broadcaster Dick Vitale, known for commentating on college basketball, was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2018 and has since taken a break from broadcasting. On top of his lymphoma, Vitale is also dealing with melanoma and issues with his vocal cords.<\/p>\n
Many players, coaches, and fans send Vitale their thought and prayers during that difficult time. However, one coach went the extra mile. Tennessee Volunteers basketball coach Rick Barnes sends prayer and Bible verses to Vitale every day. Recently, Vitale shared one of Barnes\u2019 daily prayers in a tweet, saying that he was grateful that Barnes took the time to encourage him.<\/p>\n
Vitale also noted that Barnes still sent a prayer after his team lost a game to the Texas Longhorns, a true sign of devotion to Vitale. In his tweet, Vitale called Barnes special. The prayer included a request for God to give Vitale strength and to help him face his cancer battle. It also referenced numerous Bible verses, including\u00a0Matthew 19:26 and Psalm 91:1.<\/p>\n
In his prayer, Barnes said, \u201cLord, we know that Dick has been through a lot,\u201d Barnes\u2019 prayer read, in part. \u201cPraying Father for you to give him rest for his mind, body, and spirit from the fatigue he is facing.\u201d Vitale said in a previous tweet that the texts from Barnes bring him to tears.<\/p>\n
As for why he takes the time to send the daily messages, Barnes touched on Vitale\u2019s work for cancer before he was diagnosed and his passion for basketball. He said, \u201cHis involvement and what he\u2019s done for cancer is remarkable. He\u2019s impacted so many lives. I think God is using him in a great way. From the time I started texting him a prayer every day, I said it has been good for me because it has given me a chance to spend even more alone time with the Lord.\u201d<\/p>\n
When dealing with cancer, it\u2019s nice to know that you have people on your side praying for your health and strength. Barnes taking the time out of his day to encourage Vitale says a lot about the kind of person he is and his character. One of the verses Barnes sent Vitale, Matthew 19:26, says, \u201cJesus looked at them and said, \u2018With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.\u201d This verse was likely meant to remind Vitale that he can recover from his illness as long as he believes that God will heal him.<\/p>\n
Psalm 91:1 tells us, \u201cWhoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.\u201d This verse reminds Vitale that he is covered as long as he lives in the shelter of the Most High. Hopefully, Vitale will be healed from his cancer soon. Until then, he can count on people like Rick Barnes encouraging him along the way. We should all hope to have someone like Rick Barnes in our lives.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\nDuring Texas game vs Vols I shared that \u2066@RickBarnesUT<\/a>\u2069 sends me a DAILY PRAYER to lift my spirits in my battles vs Melanoma,Lymphoma, & my vocal cord problem.I was shocked when he started doing this .This AM after a tough L at Texas he sends me this ??? Rick is special! pic.twitter.com\/CSW38zRQiB<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Dick Vitale (@DickieV) January 30, 2022<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n