2 Oct, 2009
A Game of Hope
Watch this video for an incredible example of showing others their worth and bringing a ray of hope ...
Click here to watch A Game of Hope on YouTube.
"Kids from two Texas high schools learn how football can impact life beyond the field, thanks to one game. Story and Coverage by Matt Barrie, NBC Sports, Dallas-Fortworth, TX."
Photo found at http://images.google.com
Matthew 25:34-40 (NLT)
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’
37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’
40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’
What does God's Story teach us about HOPE?
I have watched that video numerous times since it was first shared with me last spring. Every time it seems like I have to fight back tears. There are a few statments made in that video that seem to get me every time. Phrases like ...
- "Each week comes the constant reminder of who they are and what they've done."
- " ... they look at us like animals in a cage."
- " ... for the first time, the always on the road (Gainesville State) Tornadoes (0-8 in Texas High School Football) would feel as if they were at home, and as kick off approached it was obvious something was different ... "
- "... for the first time in a long time, someone was in their corner, and that alone was worth celebrating."
- "... while it didn't erase the mistakes they made, it showed 14 teenagers that regardless of the bad things they'd done in their past, there was reason to look ahead."
That video is a great example of how God's Story encourages us to treat others ... how to bring hope to the hopeless. Jesus says that when we do this to the "least of these," that we are doing it to him.
What is God pointing out in My Story Today?
Put yourself in the shoes (or cleats) of two people from Today's Story ...
- A Tornado Player - Is there something in your life that is a "constant reminder" of your past before you began following Jesus? God wants to help you look ahead, not behind. Ask Him for His help.
- A Faith Christian Fan - How would you respond if someone asked you to cheer for the other team? God is doing exactly that! Ask God to point out someone in your everyday life who needs God's love and forgiveness. Be ready to cross paths with them so that God's love can overflow from your life into theirs.
- Find someone who might be considered an outcast in your school or community and do something to encourage them. Even a simple "Hello" will go a long way! Encourage other followers of Jesus to do the same.
- Who has been in your corner when you were struggling? Call that person and thank them for bringing hope to your life.
- Do you know someone who has been inprisioned? Pray for them and talk to your church about ways you might work together to send Hope to the hopeless.
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