The Unhearlded Seahawks
As a Seattleite and part of 12th Man Mania, my wife and family were “all in” pulling for the Super Bowl Seahawks. People at church today were wearing the numbers of their favorite players not to mention store managers, baristas, waiters and waitresses and even little kids. Who do the numbers represent? If you asked a majority of fans they could say No.3 is QB Wilson, No.25 is Sherman (the vociferous one), No. 24 is Lynch (in Beast Mode), No. 81 Tate (the Golden One) and Chancellor (the enforcer), No.31. But wait a minute, who are the guys who protect No. 3 so he can give the ball to 24, or throw a bullet to 81 or lineman who challenge the “bad guys’” QB so 31 and 25 can create havoc for the offensive team.
I can’t remember seeing one jersey in Seattle with: Guard No. 64 Sweezy; tackle No. 68 Giacomini or center, No. 60 Unger… or No. 53, Malcolm Smith, the MVP winner. I am sure their mothers and other family members are wearing their numbers. But if these guys don’t leave it all on the field, regardless of fanfare, there is little chance of winning.
I am just reading a powerful book, When People are Big and God is Small by Edward Welch. A key theme: when you or I do not feel respected or appreciated, we let others control our thinking and emotions and a host of negative things can happen: anger, despair, depression, low self-worth. As a counselor and mentor I have seen fall out from such emotions. That other person looms large in our life. Their inattention or disrespect can lead to our tension and in turn to dissention and then suspension of our trust in God. God has become small.
What we must realize is that God is bigger than other people, circumstances and our emotions. We are to recognize that He never leaves nor forsakes us; He brings peace not as the world brings. We have inherent value, no matter our role in life. We are created in God’s image and we are on God’s team. We have a playbook (Bible) in which we are instructed to recognize God’s power and love for us, to help us forgive or love others, overlook a slight, or just play through situations. God is bigger!
If the linemen were to begin expressing feelings around the inattention related to the “recognized and famous” backfield and receiving corps, tension will lead to dissention which will lead to suspension of team cohesiveness and focus on mutual goals and success. Regardless of the praise of fans or media, I know this year’s Seahawk linemen know their value and appreciate their contribution to a bigger picture of team work and team success. They recognize that in doing their best, giving their all to their talents and following the playbook makes them a winner regardless of ESPN recognition.
Is there a person bigger than God in your life? You might reread this piece and then be in prayer with the Coach of the Universe to determine who needs to be bigger in your life.
