Okay, ladies and gents. I have little time for today's installment, but it is a topic that I want to weigh in on. Before I begin, I want to give a shout out to my one follower, Gabby. Thank you. Your support means the world, but even if no one read this at all I'd continue doing it as an outlet to my thoughts. Which are usually complicated.
Now, today, I want to talk about Tim Tebow. Yeah yeah, I know, you're all sick and tired of hearing about him. He's a topic as polarizing as any I can come up with at the current time. But I'm going to address it anyway. Today, his Denver Broncos take on the New England Patriots. I am quite excited for this game, and I would love to see Denver win. Many people would. But there are just as many people that want to see Denver lose. I have a few theories why.
1) Many people grow to dislike names they hear over, and over, and over. Like the San Francisco 49ers in the 90s, or the Dallas Cowboys. The New York Yankees, Ohio State University (although that one is understandable and perfectly acceptable to dislike), the Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant, Tom Brady (he isn't exempt), Peyton Manning, the list goes on forever. Tebow gets so much media attention, he has accidentally been tossed into this category. The fact is, even as successful of a football player as he was at the University of Florida, I am willing to make the bold assertion that if he wasn't so outspoken about his faith, he wouldn't receive as much attention. There are two thoughts on that. One is that people that are outspoken about their faith are a novelty in American society now. The other is that famous people that are outspoken about ANYTHING draw incredible amounts of media attention.
2) Another thought as to why people dislike Tebow is simply the faith factor. If he were outspoken about ANY faith, I think that people would be hostile towards him. If he were an outspoken Muslim, I think his life would be in danger. But Christianity is more acceptable here. But apparently, only being a closet Christian is acceptable. When your life becomes about your religion, you're bordering on extreme and offensive. Give me a break. Most people in America are more religious about their favorite sports than their faith, and from time to time, I'm guilty of it too. So they hear what Tebow has to say, and some inner guilt trip makes them uncomfortable, and they decide that they don't like it. They don't want an example of how they should live, because it reminds them that there is someone they have to answer to for the things they say and do in this life.
3) I think another reason is fear. Fear that Tebow's winning streak is proof that God does exist, and that he actually cares about things like football, and will aid those who call on him in all circumstances. And if God exists, then what I mentioned at the end of reason #2 applies even more. Now, I want to state that I really don't know if God is helping Tim Tebow win football games. I know God cares about things of that nature. He is present in all things, no matter how insignificant they may seem in the human scope of things. Americans pay so much attention to sports, and as I said, almost worship them, that God changing the course of professional football through Tim Tebow is not all that ridiculous of a concept. Everywhere else God's people went in history, they did their best to destroy the idolatry that existed before the Holy Presence entered a place. Perhaps God is asserting his authority over American idols. Or simply using it to gain attention.
Now, if New England loses, people are still going to try to cut Tim Tebow down due to the fact that this game, unless I am mistaken, is being played in Denver. Even if it isn't, they'll make some excuse for the Patriots' loss. If the Patriots win, they'll be cutting Tim Tebow down, again. But you know what? Even if he loses, he will conduct himself in a more gracious manner than any other professional athlete on the face of this planet. He will continue to give his utmost for this team, for his faith. He will not question God as to why he lost this game. He will accept that God knows why. It could be as simple as the fact that America needs to learn how to lose gracefully. Or to see what grace under fire looks like, as Tim Tebow will remain strong and upright under the barrage of hurtful comments that will come from EVERYONE if Denver loses this game. That being said, I really want Denver to win, and to never lose as long as Tebow is at the helm. God could make that happen if he wanted to, but like I said, Americans need to learn how to take the bad along with the good, and that's what Tebow will be able to show them.
One last thought. While it must be flattering to have the terms "tebowing" and "tebow" coined and used in urban dictionary and pop culture, I must state that Tim most likely doesn't want that glory to fall on him. "Tebowing" is defined by Urban Dictionary as dropping to one knee and praying even when everyone around you is doing something completely different. I think Tim would agree that this should simply be called "praying." Or even "supplication," or "dialoguing with the Almighty," if you like. "Tebow" is used to describe someone that is honored, respected, or amazing. That one might be more acceptable. But I think "good dude" works just as well.
Carry on my friends. God bless.
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