Brenda’s Blog – January 24, 2023
“Damar Hamlin suffers cardiac arrest on field” scrolled across the bottom of the TV screen.
During the first quarter of the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals game the Bengals’ player collapsed.
His heart malfunctioned and fell to the field, unconscious. The ordinarily raucous stadium grew quiet.
Members of both teams gathered in prayer circles on the side of the field, lifting this young player to the Lord. The competition put on hold, the prayer and concern for this young man became critical.
Crowds who had just moments before yelled for the tackle now sought the Lord’s mercy for this player. This was no longer winner/loser but cheering for the recovery of an injured man.
This example of human concern speaks to all of us, doesn’t it? Proper priorities come to the surface in the face of crises. A football game which is crucial to many fades in importance during a life threatening event. We put down our team colors and lift up our hands in prayer.
As we follow Hamlin’s progress, and we pray for his full recovery let’s take away the illustration of these football players from both teams huddled together in prayer. They showed us what ultimately matters – they showed us the source of hope and help. May we never allow ourselves to become so partisan, so competitive, or “our team” focused that we can’t stop, join in prayer, and understand what really matters.
We come together partnering with both teams praying for his full recovery. We are grateful for this moment to stop and carefully consider what is important, asking for the wisdom to focus on the highest and best.