"Do not gather my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloodthirsty men, in whose hands is a
sinister scheme, and whose right hand is full of bribes. But as for me, I will walk in my integrity..."
(Psalm 26:9-11)
Reuben Gonzales was in the final match of a professional racquetball tournament. It was his first
shot at a victory on the pro circuit, and he was playing the perennial champion. In the fourth and
final game, at match point, Gonzales made a super "kill" shot into the front wall to win it all. The
referee called it good. One of the two linesmen affirmed that the shot was in. But Gonzales, after
a moment's hesitation, turned around, shook his opponent's hand, and declared that his shot had
hit the floor first. As a result, he lost the match. He walked off the court. Everybody was stunned.
Who could ever imagine it in any sport or endeavor? A player, with everything officially in his
favor, with victory in his hand, disqualified himself at match point and lost!
When asked why he did it, Reuben said, "It was the only thing I could do to maintain my integrity." Reuben Gonzales realized that he could always win another match, but he could never regain his lost integrity. (From J. Daniels)