The news media is full of new reports of this woman, or that one, who is now connected to the negative behavior attributed to Tiger Woods. There are reports of sexual immorality such as porn stars, prostitutes and alledged long term extra marital affairs. Tiger has allegedly admitted to infidelity when he made a statement on his website: http://bit.ly/4VCBVi . He says he is taking an indefinite break from golf; I think that is important. He needs to channel his time and attention to correcting the things in his life that allowed him to be in this position, at this time in his life. If Tiger Woods is on a course to self-improvement, he will have to remove himself from the lifestyle that he has been living in, which allowed him to make choices that appear to have been so destructive.
Tiger says that he is aware of the hurt and damage that he has caused and that he is sorry; and, he is asking for forgiveness. He appears to be aware that his actions have impacted his sponsors, his family, friends, fans and the public in general in a tremendously negative way. At one point, in the last couple of weeks, he referred to his sins, and the fact that he wasn’t perfect. The effects of these poor choices are long reaching and potentially explosive.
His statement calls for the need for time, privacy and a safe haven that he and his family need for healing. News reports claim that Elin, his wife, has purchased a home on an island in Stockholm, Sweden. This after the New York Post has reported that Tiger is being accused of paying a large sum of money to former alleged madam Michelle Braun for the services of her escorts (and some say prostitutes). Ms. Braun allegedly claims that the services she provided through her escorts included more than just dates and sometimes included multiple girls at the same time. He could be in legal trouble there because prostitution is illegal; if that actually happened and it can be proven.
All of these allegations simply imply that Tiger was living a life that was wildly out of control on a personal level. The fact that people are making these claims and he is not denying them is horribly disappointing to many. Tiger had the public image of a stand up guy; a guy who became a positive inspiration to many. He had the image of a perfect family, a successful career, a role model to young people around the world…and wealth, fame and status that many only dream of achieving. However, most of us know that putting people on a pedestal is wrong, human beings can fail.
Tiger and his father set up his Tiger Wood’s Foundation to give back to society. When they began the organization it was intented to help young people discover who they are and what their skill sets are. There is the Tiger Woods Learning Center which has after school programs that help kids explore and prepare for careers that they are interested in pursuing. The foundation even offers scholarships to some. This is all worthwhile and admirable. However, it is hoped that these recent developments in Tiger’s life do not negatively impact the giving to the foundation or those who benefit from the foundation and it’s services; that would only hurt those who have come to depend on the opportunities that the foundation provides young people who are trying to reach for their dreams by achieving their goals.
Tiger’s father Earl was instrumental in inspiring him and helping Tiger to focus his attention on achieving his goals. When he lost his father, his Pop, you have to wonder if he lost his moral rudder. Some say that it is possible that Tigers recent car accident was caused by a possible addiction to pain medication. Tiger’s alledged participation with Ms. Braun’s escorts supposedly happened between 2006 and 2007.
Tiger Woods lost his father Earl in the Spring of 2006 and the birth of his first child, daughter Sam, was in early summer of 2007. Knee surgery combined with these other major life changes happening at the same time could have contributed to this situation; however, ultimately no one is responsible for Tiger’s choices but, he himself. The sad thing is that others will suffer consequences through no cause of their own. Tiger has recently said that, he needs to focus his attention on being a better husband, father and a person. It could be that he comes out of this whole debacle stronger, healthier and with more moral integrity than he was perceived to have had before he fell from grace.
By moving to this home on the island of Stockholm, Sweden, that is only accessible by boat, he increases his chances of doing exactly what he said he needs to do, to become a better husband, father and a person. They will need help as a couple to repair their marriage and they will need privacy…this home on the island should be helpful; as long as, they look at it, in that way and not as a means of running away.
There is going to be no easy fix. The thing is, if there was as much promiscuity as the newspapers claim, then there are health concerns as well for everyone involved. Testing should be manditory for each person who was sexually active with Tiger. This healing time will require open communication and honesty. It may include professional help. It should definately include a spiritual awakening, because that will help facilitate healing in all of the areas of his life. Tiger Woods is on a course to self-improvement…let’s wish him and his family well in their attempts to recover and heal from these difficult challenges.
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While it’s true that Tiger’s parents were immensely instrumental in his incredible stardom I never once heard any reference to Faith along his journey.
I hope he finds his truth soon so he can stand in it and live with True Purpose. Not having a good spiritual foundation may have been the missing element which drove him into the ditch.
When I was a little girl I remember hearing “The foolish man builds his house upon the sand; The wise man builds his house upon The Rock.”
Maybe Tiger will discover that truth now?
Connie Baum