Two weeks ago, Nicey expressed that she was a big sports fan. I share that interest and am drawn-in by a good sports tale. Here is one sports tale and another that draws from the well of sacrifice.
Yesterday a young African-American woman named Erin Jackson won an Olympic Gold Medal for 500 meter speed skating. She is an incredible athlete, but her success is remarkable. She didn't step out on the ice until she was 24, 5 years ago. While she did practice online skating, most of those she competed against had been ice skating since they were small children. Her inexperience wasn't her only obstacle though. As she competed in the Olympic trials for the United States, Erin slipped, and failed to qualify for her only event. Enter Brittany Bowe, another American skater that did qualify for the 500 meter event. Brittany decided that her place in the event, the likelihood that she could win gold for the team, and her love for her friend caused her to make a decision. She gave up her spot so Erin could compete and chase her dream. It worked out pretty good for all, as Brittany Bowe saw her friend skate to 1st place, winning gold. It is a beautiful story!
But there is another February story, remembered by soldiers who understand the meaning of sacrifice. On February 3rd, 1943, the USAT Dorchester was torpedoed by a German U-Boat in the cold waters of the North Atlantic. About 900 people came to face the probability that they would die right there and then. But this isn't just another war story of a tragic loss of life, though many did die that day. With a shortage of readily-available life vests, frigid waters and the certainty that the Dorchester would surely sink, four chaplains rose to the occasion to practice what they preached. One Jew, one Catholic and 2 Protestants saw the hopeless situation and the confused people, immersed in the chaos of trying to find gloves and life vests. The four chaplains, by eyewitness accounts, began handing out life vests, finally parting with their own life vests, sending others to possible safety, in full knowledge that their sacrifice was a death-sentence. Despite the fact that such an event would almost surely kill all on board, 230 of the people on that fated ship did survive, and many told of the bravery and sacrifice of four chaplains. In 1944 all four chaplains were awarded the Purple Heart and Distinguished Service Cross. In 1948 there was a stamp minted in their honor and February 3 was designated Four Chaplain's Day. "Greater love has no one than this ... that one lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13)."
From a sports story, to a war story, to the greatest story ever told, we find a common theme ... love. Brittany Bowe loved her friend, and she loved her team, wanting to give all a chance to compete and possibly win. Four chaplains loved their people and their God enough that they witnessed His goodness, grace and love, by "preaching" with their lives ... lives that were temporary here but are eternal in glory. John 15 reminds us that we are branches of the "true vine" that (though hated by the world) expresses itself in love. Then, Jesus gives us a command (that is what Jesus calls it) ... "These things I command you, that you love one another (John 15:17)."
Maybe this is the reason I love events like the Olympics. As we see rule-breaking, judges making scoring mistakes, countries trying anything to get a leg-up on the competition, it really comes down to stories like this. I won't remember most of the winners of events in this playing of the Olympic games. I might remember some of the controversy, and even be tempted to become cynical. But I will ignore the politics, political correctness and scoffers, as I tip my hat to give respect for a young woman who gave up her place for another. It reminded me of a story from my friend Jay Eller who told me about four chaplains who loved God and people. Their love was so great that they valued that love more than life itself. Hundreds were saved! And it made me recall the greatest sacrifice of all ... Jesus, who gave His life so I could live eternally with the God who created love. That sacrifice saved a whole world! Amen!
No comments:
Post a Comment