Sunday, April 20, 2008

Are we all not brothers?




Friday evening was great for us. Zach hit his first home run of the season over the left field fence. It was awesome! Not sure how far it went, but it was a long ways. With the excitement of the day, there was a down side to a game that we came back from a 0-4 deficit to win 5-4.
Prejudice-1. a preconceived, usually unfavorable idea, 2. an opinion held in disregard of facts that contradict it, 3. intolerance or hatred of other races.
I know I have faced some prejudice in my life maybe over some minor things such as politics, preferred college team to follow or maybe even over religion. However, what I experienced on Friday evening was an experience I can honestly say I don't think I have ever felt. I feel that our team was being prejudice against due to the part of town our team is from and the major skin color of our team.
Our starting pitcher, who is normally on, was having an off day. During the 2nd inning he lost a little control and hit 2 batters with pitches. After the 2nd hit the opposing coach came out to the umpire to tell him if we hit another kid they were going to forfeit. Next came their fans with comments being yelled at our kids such as "We will never come over here and play again", "He is trying to hit our players", "We should have know it would be this way on this side of town". I was astonished and embarrassed by their behavior. Astonished that they would pick on 12-yr-old boys and embarrassed that these people are from my town. Granted, these individuals are from a much whiter, much wealthier side of town, but it just amazed me.
My husband had a long talk with the boys after the game. He commended them on maintaining their composure and ignoring the opposing fans and staying in their game and being able to come from behind and win the game. This team is getting better and better and now are 4-2. They are beginning to reveal the character of this team. They are sticking together and really bonding as brothers, because after all, is that not what we all are?
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9.