The Fallen Athlete

Who would imagine that a football game could be a profound reminder of a need for prayer? On September 29th (2008) the New York Jets destroyed my Arizona Cardinals. But that’s not newsworthy. In fact, based on quite a bit of history, a Cardinals loss wasn’t terribly unexpected earlier this season.

The attention-getting play of the game happened with only 27 seconds remaining when Anquan Boldin tried to catch a pass from Kurt Warner in the end zone. He was hit hard from behind. Then, an instant later took a head-on, helmet-to-helmet hit from Jets’ safety Eric Smith. They both went down and while Smith was stunned, Boldin was unconscious.

The wonderful and amazing thing about watching this happen was the transformation of a crowd. They morphed from ardent fans of one team to concerned human beings for a fallen athlete. Everyone was on their feet and watching quietly to see if this man would get up — on the field, or ever again.

Even more astounding was the instant transformation of the players on both teams. Men who had been vigorously competing against each other only moments before were talking in hushed tones and embracing.

Then, as millions watched on TV, an enormous huddle formed and dozens of large, tough football players went down on their knees, an uneven integration of team colors. Warner, the Cardinals’ quarterback, was near the center leading this group of humble stars in a prayer for their injured brother. Team leadership was never more clearly demonstrated than in that instant.

1 Timothy 2:8 says,

“Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.” (NIV)

Warner clearly followed this principle and others followed as they put their competitive natures second to being unified in prayer.

Boldin has no long-term injuries. All’s well that end’s well, right?

Sure, but the outcome could have just as easily been much worse. Just another reminder of how tenuous life is ... for all of us, not just football players and fighter pilots.

I hope Boldin is deeply aware of this and lives the rest of his life with outward evidence of an attitude of gratitude. None of us fully knows how near we’ve been to life-altering circumstances and how many times we’ve been spared. Do you think about it? Are you grateful each day and express that to the One who protects, directs and adores you?

I also hope that Boldin (and his teammates) appreciate the strong, servant-leader they have at their helm. If I ever find myself knocked flat on my back, I know there are members of my team of loved ones who will ask everyone to huddle up, take a knee and do the only thing they can: pray. In front of God and everyone else watching.

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16 (NIV)

Are there people in your life praying for you each day? If not, seek them out. Don’t miss this “powerful and effective” blessing God has promised.

Copyright © 2008 Diane Markins. Used with permission.