Monday, September 20, 2010

Yes, God Does Love (fill in the blank city)

This post has been sitting in my head for a while but I finally feel like I've got the momentum to actually write it.  Bill Simmons, columnist for ESPN.com and nicknamed "The Sports Guy", in the past several months has talked about different cities who have suffered losing teams and championships by saying that "God hates" that city.  An example would be Cleveland.  In an September 9th article in essence previewing the NFL season he said "The Browns finished 2009 strong and reek of sleeper potential, but we're eliminating them because God hates Cleveland."  He has also mentioned this about Seattle, (a city near and dear to my heart).

Now granted I know he is a columnist and sometimes columnists say things for show or to get reactions from readers.  But it does get one to think.  Does God really hate a city?  Because a city hasn't won a championship in 20, 30 or 50 or more years, does that mean God doesn't care about that city?

People who know me know I love sports.  I love the competition and I love to win.  I root on teams and hope they win.  But I also understand it's not the end of the world if my team loses.  I understand in perspective that it is just a game and there are bigger things out there.

But back to the question at hand, does God hate Cleveland or does God hate Seattle?  My answer is no.  God does not hate Cleveland or Seattle or New York or any city.  In fact God loves those cities.  I lived in Seattle for three years and I can attest that God loves that city.  You can see God's creation as you travel around the city.  It is simply awe inspiring.  But more importantly, God loves the people in the city.  How do I know this?  Because he sent Jesus his son to die for the people of Cleveland, Seattle, Boston, Kansas City and around the world.

I'm reminded of the story in the book of Jonah.  God tells Jonah to travel to the city of Nineveh to warn the people.  Why?  Because God wanted the people to repent.  Even though they were not Israelites, God loved them and wanted them to turn to Him.  And guess what?  Jonah went (reluctantly) and they did repent.  God loved the city of Nineveh and the people in it.

So yes, God loves (fill in the blank city).  And what's more amazing?  He loves you and me.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Random Sports Reflections

It was about time for another post and there are several things rummaging in my head so I figured why not get them down in a random post.

*This week Reggie Bush returned his Heisman Trophy that he won back in 2005.  This was the first time this had happened and he said "I just felt like it was the best thing to do, the most respectful thing to do because obviously I do respect the Heisman. I do respect all the things it stands for."  It stems from the controversy of his family receiving benefits while he was at USC.  He says that him returning the trophy is not an admission of guilt.  Personally I feel conflicted.  On the one hand, if he was innocent and everything then there's no reason to give up the trophy.  OJ Simpson never had to give up his trophy and look at the controversy he caused.  On the other hand, he shouldn't have the trophy to begin with (I would have said that back in 2005, Vince Young should have won it).  Regardless, the Heisman people now say that it is vacant.  However, just like the NCAA may take away tournaments and wins from people, we all know that Reggie Bush won the Heisman in 2005.  It seems Bush has learned his lesson and is trying to help youngsters not fall into the "alleged" trap that he and his family fell into.

*The NFL season is underway and I'm super excited.  Both the Titans and Seahawks won their season openers, which was the first time since 2007 (my last fall in Seattle).  Given how the two teams were last season, I'm cautiously optimistic they could do well and maybe even make the playoffs this year (again first time since 2007 both teams make the playoffs).

*I'm disappointed in how the baseball season turned out with the Royals and Mariners pretty much laying over and playing dead most of the year.  It is cool that the Cincinnati Reds are doing well and they're my team to root for come the playoffs.  As long as the Yankees don't win, I'll be happy.

Well that's all that's been rattling in my head.  It's great that it's fall with football here.  It's good times indeed.