Hard Fighting Soldier: Finding God in Trials, Tragedies, an Triumphs

by Chette Williams, Dick Parker

The power of God is dramatically changing lives through college football.

A wide receiver scores an 80-yard touchdown, and instead of celebrating, he drops to his knee in prayer. A defensive end relies on the prayers and support of teammates and fans when his family's home in New Orleans is washed away by Hurricane Katrina. An entire team locks arms and walks onto the football field and becomes "Hard fighting soldiers bringing souls to Jesus."

In Hard Fighting Soldier: Finding God in Trials, Tragedies, and Triumphs, Rev. Chette Williams, full-time chaplain of the Auburn University football team, tells how God transformed his life and how God continues to use him to influence football players at Auburn and beyond. As a player in the 1980s, some of Williams' Auburn teammates said he "wasn't worth praying for." He was a mean, bitter, angry young man, and when Coach Pat Dye kicked him off the team, nobody was surprised. With God's help, Williams turned his life around and he vowed to help others to do the same.

Throughout Auburn's perfect 13-0 season in 2004, Coach Tommy Tuberville gave Williams credit for leading the team through adversity to success. "He was the rock we held on to," Tuberville said. Hard Fighting Soldier reveals how God used those difficult times to transform players and coaches.

Genres: Sports

178 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2007

Reviews

[Adam Myer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was going to be more about the steps taken to lead the Auburn football team in their Spiritual journey, and it was more towards the end. I read it in less than 24 hours, which is pretty ridiculous if you know me. Once I picked it up I read 6 chapters (the chapters were very short, which helps me ALOT!) then I picked it up again and read the rest of it until 5 am. It was a great book about a man who had been through alot, some of it his own fault. When he was at his worst, he found God and truly commited his life to Him and has been leading other to Him ever since. I will be a fan of Auburn football as long as Chette Williams is the Chaplain and I will be a fan of Tommy Tuberville and his vision for leading young men out of the depths and into THE Life!

[Della Tingle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fabulous book!!!!!! I like both Alabama and Auburn football equally, so I did not read this book simply because of Auburn football. This story is moving no matter who you cheer for, whether you are a sweet home Alabama native or not. My eyes teared up several times, and I cannot wait to pass this on to my sister for her to read!

“At times in our lives, it seems, only God can straighten out the mess we’ve created” (29).

“You don’t have to be eloquent, or even educated, to be effective as long as you allow the Holy Spirit to use you” (63).

“Trained elephants, the strongest mammals on land…can be held in place by a small rope tied to their back leg and a stake in the ground. When the elephant is young…trainers use a heavy chain and a post to hold him, and no matter how hard he tries, he can’t pull away. After a while his resistance breaks; then for the rest of the elephant’s life, the trainer uses a small rope and a little stake. The elephant believes he can’t pull away, even though he could quite easily, and he just stands there. We can all be trapped by our beliefs, which grow from our experiences, and by the strongholds of the world…God wants us to cast off the ropes that limit us so we can becomes everything he has designed us to be” (98).

[Michael Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short biography of Rev Chette's life and more important his conversion and current day work with the Auburn U Football program and as director of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Growing up in Georgia with a both parents and five other older and younger brothers. Went through the lose of the family home by fire which separated members for a period of time. He talks about the struggles of life in that period (70's). Talks about older brothers being recruited and playing in the SEC for FB and the divorce of his parents while in HS. Talks about not being recruited due in part of his size but playing in the Georgia All-Star game and gaining two scholarships but instead accepting a walk on chance fro Pat Dye to Auburn. Being like some first and second year college kids went sort of wild doing things not conducive to success. He was introduced to FCA by a fellow teammate but blew it off.
Was kick off the team as a cancer went back to the teammate who listened and prayed with him. He apologized to Dye who allowed him back. But that started the spiritual growth and conversion and ultimately his journey back to Auburn. It's a good book and a fast read.

[Monique Bowman]

Shows the power of the Holy Spirit and that God will pursue those He loves. A good witness that needs to be in every school and university, but unfortunately often is only for a season.

[Ginny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had to read after his death - RIP to a hard fighting soldier and true Auburn man. Beautiful book about his life and the power of redemption in Jesus

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I've ever read. Perhaps it was good timing too. Chette Williams is so inspiring in this book with his account of his spiritual journey through Auburn University and Auburn football. Whether you're an Auburn fan or not, so much example and inspiration can be learned through the life events of Chette and those around him. Simple events where you see God. Everyone could enjoy this book, but if you are an Auburn graduate, student, or just a fan---you have GOT to read this for one of the greatest heart-warming stories ever.

[Kristin Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning more about the spiritual emphasis available to Auburn's football team....and reading about how God has used good and hard times to grow many men.