Monday, February 16, 2009

Love, Hope, and Football


It is no secret around here that I looooove me some sports. (That would be my English degree talkin', folks.) Football, baseball, whatever, I love them all. I especially love a great sports story that is inspiring, a story that is really about the human condition and compassion.

This fits the bill perfectly.

You must go read about the Gainesville State vs. Grapevine Faith football game. It's ok. I'll wait.

Back? OK.

What those coaches, parents and players did is tremendous. Those boys from State will remember that love for the rest of their lives. Issiah really said it all when he prayed this prayer:

"Lord, I don't know how this happened, so I don't know how to say thank You, but I never would've known there was so many people in the world that cared about us."
That is the great commission. To love, to give hope. That is what Jesus would do. That is the definition of love.

Special thanks to Sophie for leading me to this link. AWE-SOME!
image courtesy google images and
www.art.com

Ironically, our pastor had a lot to say about this subject today, and I had to update this. Actually, it's not ironic at all but me really trying to listen to the Holy Spirit, and use this space for what He wants me to use it for.

What do you think you would have done if you'd have seen one of the kids from the above article walking down the street? You probably would have pulled your child closer, or held your purse a little tighter under your arm. Would you have gone up to them? Offered them food? Money? Your coat? What about asking that kid what you could pray for him? Would you pray a blessing right there, right then, for God to bless him? Richly, abundantly, above all? Are we really living what Jesus commissioned us, or have we fallen into the 'American' way? Living is more than just the Golden Rule, but it is really reaching out, helping, loving, lifting up, forgiving. If you don't believe me, believe the one who said it. Read Luke 6:27-38. We are commanded to give-our life, our money, our clothing, our hearts to those who are marginalized, help those around us, pray for them, do what we can to lift them up. That's when we get our reward.

Headless Mom

3 comments:

kyooty said...

I love this post. I find myself saying the golden rule a lot here lately. I'm trying to teach both my boys this lesson. We all need to think more. Love this post, it has to be said again.

Anonymous said...

Heavy stuff, Mrs. Headless, heavy stuff. That link was powerful. Your reminder after the link even more so. Point taken.

Anonymous said...

how on EARTH do you only have 2 comments on this post? I am in tears and totally taken off guard by this incredible story!! Thanks for sharing this Headless, I LOVED it and may even rank it as one of my most favorite of ALL time! love you!

K