I know who wins the game

Two sports commentators from Chicago were talking this morning and one said, "Baseball may be America's pass time but football is America's passion." And the old time Baptist pastor would cry, "Amen??!!"

I am thankful for our two televisions at home. It allows me to go to the basement, lay on the couch, and lose myself in the American passion. My wife? Well, she is upstairs watching American Picker, or So You Think You Can Dance - whatever!

Today there is a strong controversy within the ranks of football. The walk out of the officials is taking its toll; adding pressure for the owners to settle. And the Chicago talk show host declared how the substitute refs were fired from officiating at the local lingerie football game while this morning the sporting news headlines read, Green Bay robbed by replacement refs. It's a mess. They estimated that 150 million dollars were lost to bookies last night because of the final call. Fans are enraged and Seahawk players know it was a steal.

The refs are doing their best but what do you do when the best is not good enough? What can the league say when the division standings may be altered and chances for a playoff game are changed? Can the city of Green Bay be happy that the judgment of their home town passion was cheated by inept judgment? Should Seattle really take joy in the "w" placed in the record books - should an asterisk be placed next to it?

Careers rise and fall on the established record books. Millions of dollars are inaccurately paid and withdrawals made from the wrong accounts. Blood pressure rises in the living rooms across America. The replacement ref's spouse becomes very aggressive in defense of their husband. The NFL refs may become more secure in their demands while the owners are trying to make back room deals.

I am thankful that one Judge will call the game of my life. Any penalty flags earned will be handled by the Son as He declares them forgiven. The record book will reveal only a winning season. Oh, my enemy may cry foul. He could throw a challenge flag but he will lose. The instant replay will only reveal the Son of God on the cross as He shed His blood for me. I'm proud to be on His team and I'm glad He is my Coach. Besides... I know who wins the game!

The Importance of 9-12

For the last eleven years our country has come together on 9-11. It has quickly become a national day of remembrance; a moment to envision America before and after; a time to reflect on the cruelty of our common enemy - the terrorist. This class of humans does not have respect for the innocent citizens they terrorize. Each one is committed to destroying as many unsuspecting as possible while they enter their eternity being greeted by 70 virgins. It is difficult for the civilized to comprehend that death, murder and hatred precedes and follows the terrorist.

But there is the morning after. The smoke still fills the skyline but hope is in the air. The unknown masses gather as one to search for the buried and to mourn the deceased. Personal cost is set aside. Whatever the inconvenience, the fact of unity pushes beneath the ruble to elevate life. In the moments of the day after, the hero's heart is revealed. An arm to hug, a finger to wipe the tear, a gathered throng in prayer, the droning of machinery though the destruction... they all give proof that it's the morning after.

It may be dark but we instinctively search for the sunrise. Something in the human soul tells us that tomorrow things will begin to mend. The gaping hole will find planners searching for ways to turn it into an eternal fountain and reflection pool - it's tomorrow. You made it through the dark night. The sun did come up as expected. Not everything of beauty was marred. Through the ashes comes a seed of hope. Evil did not succeed and our spirit remains.

So, when your 9-11 comes cast your hope for tomorrow. Your 9-12 will follow as surely as rain falls on the just and the unjust... as surely as death will be the birth of new life... as surely as there are sufficient planners for the victory garden... and one day, maybe even eleven years later, on the day after, you will know life goes on and God is still in control.

The boldness to boo

I am one of those fans who sits in the stands and loudly proclaims my opinion - more towards the referee than the players. I try to be creative so the stripes will take notice... I have been told that they have heard it all before - but they appreciate the unusual and creative voices. Not wanting to be ignored I think about my jeers before I tender my ticket for entrance. Imagine my pride when on a few occasions the ref looks in my direction, tips his head to acknowledge "Good one!" as she moves down the court ready to make another inept call.

I wonder... Does the Master Ref, the Ultimate Stripes, the Main Whistle, ever stop and hears the comments from the gallery? Does He pay attention to the jeers; the boos from the spectators? Is He ever stopped in His steps - does He ever ask Himself, "Did I really just hear that? Did that unskilled, unlearned, blind leader of the blind actually boo Me?"

What arrogance would allow the created to disdain his Creator? How foolish must one be to stand and boo the God of creation? Is there no fear, reverence, awe of the Holy and Righteous God? Have we become so astute that we dare to pass judgment on the Judge? Would the worm cry out to the Eagle to speak of its superior knowledge and beauty over the soaring winged hunter? Would any other creature stand and cry "Foul!" Or, would creation remain silent, supposing that even the lowly worm is worthy of its obvious stupidity?

Thanks for sitting in the corner with me.