I have had a whirlwind of emotions during the last few months. I've experienced everything from excitement to apathy to embarrassment to elation. Why?
My torment has stemmed from the struggle between the schools of the Big XII and the surrounding sporting news.
Yes.
Shocking. I know.
My alma mater, Texas A&M decided to break a contract and leave the conference for the SEC. At first I was excited because we would be in a great conference playing against teams like Georgia, but as controversy exploded I became annoyed and decided not to care. I was then told by a friend that I should care because the destruction of the Big XII could have seriously negative repercussions on our city's economy. I saw his point and not long after heard some disturbing remarks made by the president of my beloved A&M. I found myself feeling embarrassed (repeatedly) by decisions and unprofessional-ism displayed by the leadership in College Station.
I found myself not simply slipping back into apathy toward the whole thing...I started despising the whole thing.
But then a bright spot.
My husband's school, Baylor University beat the University of Texas in a very exciting football game. This was followed by rumors of Robert Griffin III possibly being nominated for the Heisman Trophy. Soon, this was no longer a rumor but a fact. RG3 had been nominated for the renowned trophy.
Just like so many others in Waco, Wesley and I watched the awards ceremony on TV. We were so excited (but not surprised) to hear Robert Griffin's name announced. It was a thrilling moment for the Baylor community and I was so happy to be "married into the family".
Since then the city seems to have been painted in green and gold. The local paper and magazines have RG3 and his new award plastered all over. Restaurant signs congratulate the athlete and the university. Facebook, Twitter, and other social networking sites are full of excited fans exchanging comments about the news. Even the spires adorning most of Baylor's noble architecture seemed to stand a little bit taller. Needless to say, our town is ecstatic!
Although I love my Aggies and will always love them, I do have a very special place in my heart for Baylor. I grew up minutes from the campus. I went to sports camps there in the summers. In junior high and high school I spent countless hours cleaning the apartments my grandparents owned on campus, dreaming of the day I would be a Baylor Bear. As a teenager most of my spiritual mentors at church were Baylor students and I wanted to be just like them.
It literally took an act of God to change my heart to attend A&M because that was part of His wonderful plan for me. After marrying Wesley, we spent our first year of marriage living in the same apartments I had cleaned growing up...smack dab on Baylor's campus. In more recent years Wesley and I have been Bible study/Life Group leaders for Baylor students and have come to absolutely ADORE each and every one. I am up to my eyeballs in green and gold and I love it! So, I am very excited for Baylor's success in football and recognition they have received this year!
Our family attended the men's basketball game this past Wednesday when they presented RG3 and the Heisman to the community during half-time. All four of us (yes, me too) wore our Baylor shirts and were ready to see the new Baylor legend raise high his trophy.
The moment arrived. The press was lined up on the basketball court. A pedestal was placed upon the top of the 3-point line. The crowd stood and started chanting, "RG3! RG3!" He walked out and held the cast bronze man up in the air. Flashes and screams echoed through the Ferrell Center. My heart pounded. It was thrilling...
but...
I then understood first hand what I had read the day before in my Bible study. This is an excerpt from one girl's experience:
In that moment I understood the desire to worship statues and felt the urge to drop to my knees. She [the statue] was so tangible and beautiful and she made me feel small and less worthy. It was an odd feeling that scared me but also allowed me to understand some things more fully. I am not unlike the Israelites and have moments when I just want to worship something I can photograph. I also realize that if a statue built by humans can make me feel that way for even a second, I can't imagine what it will feel like to be in the full presence of the God who built creation. (From
No Other Gods by Kelly Minter, LifeWay Publishers)
Honestly the day I read this I didn't really "get it". I still thought the girl's experience with the statue she saw was a little strange, but I didn't want to judge her so I reminded myself I wasn't immune to those feelings and might relate someday. That someday came way sooner than I ever thought it would.
Let me say one more thing. I am not pointing fingers anywhere but toward myself. I am NOT saying RG3, nor anyone else for that matter, is "worshiping" the trophy. I am simply trying to be totally real with you by observing the feelings in my own heart and ask you to do the same--not to burst your bubble or steal the excitement you feel about this event or any other, but to protect your heart from the temptation of bowing down before a 25 pound piece of bronze.
I hope Baylor continues to do well and that RG3 is successful in which ever route he chooses to take. I pray that he and all of us who love Baylor will walk in humility before the Almighty God who is God alone and give Him all praise and honor in success or failure.
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