Running With Jesus

As most NASCAR teams travel back and forth from their respective garages to that week’s race location, some are forced to go from track to track.  A simple lack of funding is to blame, although for the members of those crews, it has become a way of life.  Such is the case for long time driver, Morgan Shepherd, who currently participates in the Nationwide Series.  For most teams, sponsorships offer the opportunity to earn an exorbitant amount of money, which is then used for the research, development, and maintaining of vehicles.  While these sponsors are from all walks of life, for Morgan Shepherd, he follows the path of one man, Jesus.  “Racing with Jesus” has been his mantra for quite some time and has become synonymous with Shepherd himself.  

With his background in mind, it is ironic that Shepherd aided Las Vegas Police in apprehending a group of shoplifters.  Due to his obvious lack of funding, the 69 year-old Shepherd was forced to search for an oil drain pan at a nearby Walmart. As the 44-season veteran approached the entrance, three men came sprinting out, being chased by security.  Shepherd immediately joined in the chase and apprehended one of the suspects.  As he was sitting on top of the man, Shepherd was tossed a pair of handcuffs  by Police, which he then applied to the downed person.  While his cohorts were catching the other men, Shepherd used his time to empathize with the suspect and hoped that he would learn from the decisions he had made.  

For Morgan Shepherd, this was just another day in his will to do good.  In his lifelong devotion, he has given his time and efforts to the betterment of others.  Most recently, he donated the hoods of his cars to the Salvation Army and committed to helping spread the word about the services the nonprofit organization provides.  In a sports world consumed with money and greed, it is a breath of fresh air that someone not only shows the good in things, but lives that way.