The Bowden family: Tommy, Linda, Ryan, and Lauren
                                                                                        

      His day begins with an hour of Bible study and prayer, a testimony to his dedication to his Christian faith. 
      Sharing that faith is something Tommy Bowden welcomes, one on one or before large crowds, having spoken to church congregations, youth groups, and others over the past three decades. He believes, as he wrote in the poem A Simple Call as a teenager in 1973: Once you've got it, don't hide it, like the oyster does the pearl. Take it and share it with the rest of the world. 
      He often speaks on the important role men have in their families, and the importance of fathers' involvement in the growth of their children. 
      The biggest influence in his own life, he said, has been his father, as a coach and as a Christian. "I was lucky to have a father around the home who was a positive role model, spiritually and coaching wise," he said. "I'm fortunate in that regard. He has given me advice and wisdom in the coaching profession and spirtually. 
      "I was raised in a strong fundamental Christian home," he said. "To this day, I can visually remember going downstairs to breakfast and seeing my father read the Bible, as he does now. That's my impression of him. My father believes that the Bible is the inerrant, infallible Word of God, a literal interpretation, and that's what I believe." 
      Bowden's study Bible, a King James Version, Life Application Bible, sets upons his desk. He reads Scripture each morning, "before work starts, to get my mind right," he said. 
      "This book has all of the answers," he said. "If you want to know anything about life, it's in this Book. II Timothy 3:16 and II Peter 1:21 say that holy men wrote this Book, that they were inspired, were moved, and were breathed on by God Almighty, Himself. This is not the opinion of man. This is God speaking to us. The Bible is the gameplan for life. It will give you knowledge and wisdom." 
      His favorite Bible verses include: 
      II Chronicles 7:14: If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins, and will heal their land. 
      Matthew 7:13-14: Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 
      Philippians 4:6-7: Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ. 
      Hebrews 13:8: Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever. 
      Proverbs 22:6: Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. 
      Bowden was 12 years of age when he made a public profession of faith and was baptized. "It's a continual growth process," he said. "I continue to grow, and study, and try to do right." 
      Bowden relied on the faith of his church friends who prayed for him during the 2003 football season. Referring to the Tigers' turnaround in the game against Florida State after the loss to Wake Forest, he said, "In my opinion, it was divine intervention. A lot of people were praying for me. A lot of people understand what I try to stand for. Does God care about wins and losses? No, but I think He cares about His people. People prayed for me, and I believe my being here is an answer to prayer." 
      Bowden is respected not only for his ability as an outstanding football coach, but also for his unwavering commitment to the Christian principles he follows daily. A man of integrity and honor, a true Christian on and off the field, he believes in following the example of Christ for his family, his players, and the community. 
      "I have a big platform," he said of his position as Clemson University's Head Football Coach. "I think it's an opportunity I cannot afford to waste." Not to use his position to share his faith, he said, would be a disservice to God. "I think that, as a professing Christian coach, I will be held accountable to God for my actions," he said. "I really believe, with all of my heart, that, when I stand before God when I die, God will say, 'Did you ever mention my name? Did you tell others about me? Could they see me through you?'" 
      He lives a life of faith -- a faith he shares unashamedly -- because, long ago, he answered 'a simple call.' 



                                                              A Simple Call 
                                                 Written by Tommy Bowden 
                                                                    1973 

               Guide and strengthen us through each day, 
               to act and talk in a Christ-like way. 
               Though we are not worthy of His awesome power, 
               we need it to survive each and every hour. 
               Boy, is it great to have a God to love, 
               Who's always there, just right above. 
               A God so great, He gave His only Son, 
               Yes, for me, you, and everyone. 
               And in times of trouble and great despair, 
               there's never a moment He won't be there. 
               And the Spirit of God will guide you through life, 
               No matter how big the problem, the outcome is right. 
               You may ask yourself, "How can I have this all?" 
               A little faith and a prayer is the simple call. 
               But once you've got it, don't hide it, like the oyster does the pearl.
               Take it and share it with the rest of the world.



                                                      The Strength of the Family 
                                                        Writen by Tommy Bowden 

               We live in a world where values are lost, 
               Because we stress individual freedom at any cost. 
               Our society has tried to make each one the same, 
               And man destroys man, like an ordinary game. 

               At some point and time we must all realize 
               That the ultimate answer is up in the skies. 
               For in prisons and governments the battle won’t be won, 
               But Faith in the Father, Holy Spirit, and Son. 

               To bring back Godly wisdom, which is surely the key, 
               Must be done in the beginning, with a strong family. 
               But without Christ in the heart of the Mom and the Dad, 
               The job is too difficult and the outcome is sad. 

               So we try to find answers in everything but what’s right. 
               But only God can unveil darkness, with his Son who is the light. 
               So our children must start from the day they can learn 
               From the Mom and the Dad, with a hand that is firm. 

               So when our children are faced with peer pressure that is wrong,
               They need to stop and remember what God has said all along. 
               That the strength of the Family can only be in One 
               And our values and morals must be guided by the Son. 


                 



Click here to read: Bowden Breakfast--Tommy and Bobby Bowden Support FCA