Benjamin Watson, Tight End for the New Orleans Saints, has shared sweet photos of his son, Judah, to commemorate the 2 year old's birthday and reflect on God's faithfulness throughout his young life.
In a recent Facebook post, Watson posted a photo collage of his son, pictured at just a few weeks old.
"It's always fun and nostalgic to look back at baby pictures on our kid's birthdays," the NFL star wrote. "On March 19, 2013 we were blessed with our second baby boy. We named him Judah, which means "God be Praised". Every time I see or think about him I'm reminded that God deserves our praise in all circumstances. Even the tough ones. I can't believe our baby is turning two already. He's a strong boy, both physically and in spirit and I can't wait to see what God has planned for his life. Happy Birthday Son! Daddy loves you!"
In addition to Judah, Watson and his wife, Kirsten, also have three other young children who carry the Biblically-influenced names Grace, Naomi and Isaiah.
The 34 year old athlete has explained that he continually strives to apply his Christian faith not only to his personal life, but to his professional career as well.
"What I do is play football. What I do doesn't change who I am and who God sees me as," Watson during a speech at the Convocation for the Christian higher education institution Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia according to The Liberty Champion. "We are God's children. We are Christians first, and then what we do flows from that."
Watson also emphasized the importance of finding an identity in Jesus Christ.
"Make sure you know your identity is in Christ, so that when you get laid off from your job, or when you get a raise from your job, or when things don't go right, you're not up and down, up and down," Watson said. "If (your identity is) not grounded (in Christ), you're going to be all over the place. You're gonna be like a leaf blown by the wind."
Earlier in March, Watson made national headlines after he issued a powerful response to the persecution of Christians at the hands of the Islamic State, and around the world, arguing that all believers must be willing to face martyrdom for their faith.
"The images keep flooding our timelines and news feeds. Men being burned alive or beheaded by masked assassins. Stories of families on the run, fleeing their homes while they are pillaged and burned. Their testimonies hold a familiar chord. "Convert, Pay or Die!" he wrote in the viral Facebook post.
"As I sit here in a 21st century United States, I can't help but wonder when we too will face martyrdom for our faith. Rest assured, fellow Americans, if it hasn't already, our day WILL COME," he warned.
"My only hope in such trying times is the power of the Holy Spirit. He is the X factor," Watson writes. "He will give us the strength, words, and vision when our backs are against the wall. Jesus promised the believer many things. Eternal life, abundant life, peace, purpose and forgiveness to name a few. He also promises that they, like him, WILL be betrayed, hated and persecuted, even to death. (Luke 21:12-19).
