“You cannot be serious!”
If you grew up watching tennis in the late 70s or early 80s, you can probably hear those words in your head right now. They belong to the legendary John McEnroe, a man as famous for his temper as he was for his incredible touch at the net.
But while McEnroe was making headlines on the world stage, I was busy on the local circuit in San Bernardino, California. Back then, San Bernardino had an exceptional tennis scene. The sun was hot, the competition was fierce, and the lessons I learned on those hard courts stayed with me long after I hung up my racquet.
Today’s "Legacy Letter" is a bit personal. It’s about a specific match, a specific choice, and how we decide what kind of mark we leave on this world, not just when things are going our way, but when someone is actively trying to get under our skin.
The San Bernardino Baseline
During the late 1970s and early 1980s, I participated in numerous local tennis tournaments in San Bernardino. It was a community that lived and breathed the sport. One of my regular opponents was a man named Mike Duran.
Mike was a highly skilled player. We had met on the court before, and in our previous encounter, I had managed to defeat him. Despite the rivalry, I held great respect for Mike. I actually considered him a friend. We shared that mutual understanding that only athletes really get, the respect for the grind, the training, and the skill it takes to compete.
So, when we met again in a tournament, I expected a battle of skill. I didn't expect a battle of character.
When the Game Changes
In our match, things started off great for me. I won the first set and even had a break of serve in the second set. I was playing with confidence and felt in complete control of the match. I was in "the zone," as they say.
However, to my surprise, the atmosphere shifted. Mike suddenly started throwing his racquet in anger. He began uttering offensive words. I had never witnessed such behavior from him before. In all our previous interactions, he was always composed and never resorted to swearing.
It wasn't just the anger, though; it was the psychological warfare. He started criticizing my shots, loudly claiming they were just "lucky." He would even cover his eyes and hit a shadow stroke after I won a point, as if to say I wasn't even worth looking at.
His actions did exactly what they were intended to do: they disrupted my focus. I let his behavior get into my head just enough for him to make a comeback and win the second set. By the third set, his behavior became even more vulgar and disruptive. It was a complete breakdown of sportsmanship, and ultimately, it led to his victory.
Shaking Hands at the Net
As we walked toward the net to shake hands, the traditional sign of respect in tennis, he laughed.
He didn't apologize. He didn't say, "Sorry I lost my cool." Instead, he admitted that getting into my head was the only way he believed he could defeat me.
Although his actions were technically within the rules of the game (there’s no rule against being a jerk, unfortunately), I felt deeply hurt. I felt disrespected by the way he had treated me just to secure a win. In that moment, I faced a significant choice.
My initial instinct? I wanted to punch him in the face. My blood was boiling. I had played a fair, hard-fought game, and he had used manipulation and vulgarity to steal the momentum.
But as I stood there at the net, a different thought took hold. I had to choose: would I give in to that anger, or would I choose to exemplify my faith in Christ?
The Fragrant Offering
Jesus Christ demonstrated the ultimate act of love by sacrificing his life for us. It’s the ultimate legacy of gratitude. In the book of Ephesians, the Apostle Paul urges us to imitate God and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and offered himself as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (Ephesians 5:1–2).
Christ became like us so that we could become like him.
Paul also wrote about how the Ephesians came to know Christ and how, through that knowledge, they were transformed in their attitudes. They became new creations, reflecting the righteousness and holiness of God (Ephesians 4:20, 23–24).
When I stood at that net in San Bernardino, I realized that my legacy wasn't going to be defined by a trophy or a win-loss record in a local tournament. It was going to be defined by how I responded to disrespect. If I had resorted to violence or shouted back, I would have been no different from the man who had just insulted me.
By choosing peace, I was choosing a legacy of character.
What is Your Legacy?
Today, where is your focus? We all face "Mike Duran" moments. Maybe it’s a difficult boss, a stressful family situation, or a person who treats you unfairly in business. When you find yourself shaking hands at the net, what choice would you have made?
At Operation T.A.G. (Tangible Act of Gratitude), we believe that legacy is built through character and service. Our mission isn't just about real estate; it's about honoring those who have sacrificed for our country. We want to show the same kind of "fragrant offering" to our veterans and active-duty service members that Christ showed to us.
Turning Character Into Action
We don't just want to talk about gratitude; we want it to be tangible. That is why we created the Hometown Hero Credit.
If you are a military member, a veteran, or a Gold Star surviving spouse looking to buy or refinance a home in 2026, we want to help you build your legacy. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and partnered with the nation's 8th largest retail lender, Operation T.A.G. provides the Hometown Hero Credit, a benefit that offers up to 2% of the loan amount, capped at $21,000.
Because we are a non-profit, this isn't about our bottom line; it's about yours. Here is how you can use that 2% credit (up to $21,000):
- Closing Fees: Cover those pesky costs that pop up at the end of a transaction.
- Interest Rate Buydown: Lower your monthly payment for the life of the loan.
- Real Estate Agent Fees: Helping you work with the best professionals in the business.
- Debt Pay-Down: In some cases, we can help pay down existing debt to help you qualify for your VA loan.
It’s important to remember that this credit is calculated based on the loan amount, not the sales price. And since VA loans generally do not require a down payment, this credit can often mean the difference between struggling to get into a home and walking into your new front door with total security. (Please note: this credit cannot be used for down payments or non-loan purposes).
The Final Set
The match in San Bernardino ended decades ago. I don't think much about the score anymore, but I think a lot about the handshake. I think about the moment I decided that my character was worth more than a win.
As you enjoy this beautiful Sunday, I encourage you to think about the legacy you’re leaving behind. Are you acting with gratitude? Are you choosing love over retaliation?
If you’re a hero in our community: a veteran or service member: know that we are here to support you. We want to help you secure your "Red, White & Secure" future through the Hometown Hero Credit. Let’s build a legacy of gratitude together.
What choice will you make at the net today?
Brett Stacy
National Director & Founder of the Hometown Hero Credit
A program of Operation T.A.G. (Tangible Act of Gratitude)
A 501(c)(3) non-profit project of HDCF
Websites: www.OperationTAG.org and www.HometownHeroCredit.com
Phone: 760-456-8748 (24-hour Information Line)
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