#123 - Old Self, New Self {Reflections}

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A playoff roar at Mile High flipped a switch I thought I’d retired. One moment I was soaking up the energy, the next I felt the old tribal surge—defend the colors, clap back at the chirps, claim the space as “ours.” Nothing exploded on the outside, but inside I could feel a younger version of me take the wheel. That jolt became a mirror: how quickly identity can hitch itself to a jersey, a chant, or a crowd and forget the person across the aisle.

I share the backstory of my trash-talking athlete days and how that same wiring, redirected, became a gift for encouragement and pastoring. Then we dig into the deeper layer: Paul’s language about the old self and the new self, and why the “jacket” of former habits still feels so easy to slip on when emotions run hot. The game becomes a case study in how belonging, rivalry, and pride activate scripts we no longer want to live by. We walk through practical tools to interrupt the slide—name the urge without shame, confess it to a friend, invite the Spirit to steady your heart, and choose a small replacement action that honors the person in front of you.

If crowds and timelines reward heat, we can choose a better kind of strength. We talk about what it means to cheer hard without dehumanizing, to hold firm identity without needing an enemy, and to let love, patience, and self-control set the tone even when adrenaline spikes. This is about more than sports. It touches family arguments, online debates, and everyday moments where the old self grabs for the controls. Listen for honest reflection, practical steps, and a reminder that growth is real, even when the past knocks loud.

If this resonates, share it with a friend, subscribe for more weekly reflections, and leave a review with the moment that stood out most to you. What helps you switch from the old self to the new when the crowd gets loud?

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