The Watson Seven
Subscribe
Cover photo

Believer. Husband. Father. Justice Advocate.

Benjamin Watson

Sep 7, 2021
8

Words are powerful. Whether written or spoken, the words we say to each other carry the power of death and life. They can build others up or tear them down, bringing destruction no illness can achieve. Sometimes it is not an issue of what we say, but how we say it that invokes a forest fire of emotions. How we speak to each other matters. Today, the culture wars have risen to a fever pitch as tribes anchor in their trenches. Honestly, I am not above any of it. I am as quick to dismiss the perspective of a fellow human as my neighbor is, judging them by their worst instead of seeking and inspecting the totality of who and what they represent. Engaging with each other has become increasingly perilous, and at times I have found deliberate silence to be a haven from the storm. Who among us wants to be condemned, insulted, targeted, or “canceled”?

My name is Benjamin Watson.

I recently retired from a 16-year career in professional football, a lifelong ambition I am proud and blessed to have accomplished. Like so many professionals in other sectors, I have committed most of my life to refine my craft, the chase of perfection permeating and directing every area of my being. In truth, there is no other way to fulfill one’s potential other than total devotion to the arena of achievement. But many times, we confuse our pursuits with our personhood and our efforts with our identity. Though I played football at the highest level, that was never who I was. I am a father, a husband, a friend, a citizen, and a voice. Most importantly I am an image-bearer of my Creator and a child of the King. Success will never be a determinant of worth. Human dignity and inherent value transcend profession, class, and creed. They are endowed, not earned.

In my ear, society can sound like a cacophony of messaging and talking points as each day brings its most popular issue to light. Every day we are presented with the choice of intentional indifference or intentional engagement. And while there is a time and place for both, this publication, The Watson Seven, is a place for the latter. I desire to welcome a diverse community of thinkers who covet the courageous, complex conversations needed to address the myriad topics that impact our daily lives. Total agreement is not always an attainable goal, but basic respect for fellow humanity should always be expected. While forces incessantly drive us apart, I believe that understanding is possible, and unity should be esteemed. Every step toward that end has a cost, something or even someone that we must avoid or release to voyage onward.

Through the intersections of Culture, Faith, Justice, Marriage, Parenting, Philanthropy, and Race my ultimate purpose is to equip individuals, families, and communities to love well and live intentionally.

Journey with me.

Now is the time.

Subscribe for free to The Watson Seven
By subscribing, you agree to share your email address with Benjamin Watson to receive their original content, including promotions. Unsubscribe at any time. Meta will also use your information subject to the Bulletin Terms and Policies
8

More from The Watson Seven
See all

The Playbook Has The Answers. But Too Many Fail To Study

NFL games will not resume until August, but the season has already begun for players. Offseason workouts and practices are an essential piece of the puzzle, laying the foundation for regular season success. These pivotal weeks are an overload of terminology, physical training, and inundation into life as a professional for incoming rookies. For ...
Today

Conversations On Diversity Are Traumatic. But The Work Is Necessary.

I recently attended a panel discussion entitled "Belonging- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion". Joining me as panelists were a Korean American man and a black American woman. As we sat on the panel with the moderator, I gazed at the audience of nearly one hundred white men and women, leaders of well-known Christian nonprofits. A growing number o...
May 16
6
1

Sis, Take a Breath

How Kirsten Watson's New Book Breathes Hope Into The Chaos
Apr 30
1
2
Comments
Log in with Facebook to comment

8 Comments

  • Laurie Autry Hunter
    This is good reminder, not just for public or cultural issues, but for within the walls of our families as well. A reminder I need for today. Hurricane Ida did a number on my family's "culture" and the extent of the devastation can be worsened or heal…
    See more
    • 36w
  • Ruth Hostetter Nietz
    Very pleased to be a part of this conversation. I know good thoughts and wisdom will be shared, as we seek to remember our identity in Christ in all we think, say and do. God's richest Blessing on you!
    • 33w
  • Jason Sauls
    You are correct sir! I have often stated that our 'digital' means of conversation, whether it is texting, messaging, emailing or some form of social media, it is inherently difficult to show emotion. I am a firm believer that if you have a topic of s…
    See more
    • 36w
  • Vickie Chism Eddlemon
    “How we speak to each other matters.”
    YES!! Thank you for speaking with the LOVE of Jesus which stands on Biblical truth & respect for one another!
    • 36w
  • Top fan
    Barbara Louise Lund
    You Sir are truly blessed with the gift of words. I am looking forward you this bulletin!
    • 36w
  • Johnny Maust
    I’m looking forward to what you have to share. God bless you as you use your platform to speak to the hearts of people.
    • 36w
  • Pendy Cavaleri Bowers
    So glad you are doing this; your thoughts are inspiring.
    • 36w
  • Bubba Bailey
    Looking for to including this bulletin in my journey! Thanks Ben!
    • 36w
Share quoteSelect how you’d like to share below
Share on Facebook
Share to Twitter
Send in Whatsapp
Share on Linkedin
Privacy  ·  Terms  ·  Cookies  ·  © Meta 2022
Discover fresh voices. Tune into new conversations. Browse all publications