| Payne Stewart's graceful swing was legendary, and his charisma was contagious. With his trademark knickers, his tam o'shanter cap and his dashing smile, he ignited the golf world and captured the hearts of fans worldwide.
But that was not always so. The old Payne Stewart was rude, according to his mother. Arrogant, according to his wife. Impatient and not very self-confident, according to his caddie. And an all-round pain - according to the Stewart himself.
There was definitely something new about Stewart during his last few years that people had not seen before. He had conquered bad habits; smoking, dipping and complaining. He was more willing to talk to the press and to autograph seekers, whom Sports Illustrated reported, he "used to regard as lower life forms."
Looking back over Payne Stewart's final years, it's clear to see that he had become a new man. Jesus Christ had changed Stewart's life, and the greatest indicators of his newfound faith were his own words. At the U.S. Open he made it known to the world that God had done a work in his life. He said, "I've got to give thanks to the Lord for giving me the ability to believe in myself. Without that peace that I have in my heart, I wouldn't be sitting here right now."
Regarding that peace, he told Sports Illustrated, "There used to be a void in my life," adding, "The peace I have now is so wonderful. I don't understand how I lived so long without it." Another time he explained, through the tears, to a close friend, "I just want everybody to know...it's Jesus. It's Jesus that's done this for me, and that's changed my life."
Adapted from an article in New Man magazine (1-800-829-3346).
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