Take a Knee

I was attending a college football game recently when I noticed that just before the game, the entire team was taking a knee. These young athletes were about to play a game in front of almost 90,000 people. They were going to perform on national TV, and the media was covering the game in droves. The players were on center stage and were being seen by millions of people. What did these men of the gridiron choose to do? They knelt. Only, they were not kneeling in protest or to receive attention. As one unit, they were giving honor to the Maker of the universe. They knelt in prayer. I thought about the message these men were sending to the young students who were watching. I thought about how parents could be grateful for the positive example that was being displayed before their families. The act was a blatant show of respect. It carried a message that we all need the protection of an almighty God. That while we are imperfect, we can pause to give honor to the perfect One. Call me old fashioned, narrow-minded, or just plain ignorant, but I know the effect that prayer has on individuals, teams, communities, and our nation. In a day where we are constantly bombarded by the narcissistic craving for attention, it is refreshing and hopeful to see student athletes who understand the principle that leadership is not self-centered. The message conveyed each time they take the field will go a long way toward influencing our culture in a positive direction. In my opinion, we need more kneeling in prayer instead of in protest. When that happens, we will make a difference!

Dr. Larry Little, CEO