Early this morning I saw on Facebook that someone had pointed out the numerical sequence of today’s date. This tidbit of information seemed to drift into oblivion as I watched the news covering the devastating effects of the typhoon in the Philippines. It is difficult to comprehend the magnitude of such a storm, and words seem to be inadequate to describe what the pictures revealed. Our thoughts, prayers, and support need to be given as generously as possible for those affected by this tragedy.
Everything else on the news paled in comparison to the typhoon pictures. As I scanned the headlines on the internet I saw stories about the continued difficulties of the “Affordable Care Act,” the bullying problem in the NFL, and the antics of the mayor of Toronto. There seems to be no shortage of issues to be debated among the “experts” about a whole range of problems besetting modern culture. It is both fascinating and frustrating to watch commentators attempt to spin the individual stories in a direction that suits their preference. It is evident at times that facts will simply not be allowed to get in the way of a good story. Unfortunately, we all suffer when there is a lack of journalistic integrity.
Of all the stories I skimmed this morning, the NFL bullying problem seemed to be the least important. However, it kept popping into my mind as the day went on. I think this is due in part because of all the issues surrounding bullying that I have dealt with as a teacher and as an administrator in both elementary and secondary schools. Children struggle when their environment is not safe and conducive to learning, but this particular issue was in an NFL setting. How could that kind of behavior be taking place in an “adult” world? Obviously, workplace harassment has the potential to occur anywhere and under a lot of different circumstances. The NFL is no exception.
Later in the day I happened to see on www.brainyhistory.com that on November 12, 1933 a Sunday football game was played for the first time in Philadelphia. Previously this had been illegal to do. Who would have ever imagined in 1933 that the future of professional football would be what it is today? It is definitely more than the bullying issue that crosses my mind as I reflect upon the history of professional football. The question that rumbles through my mind is this: “Have we lost our ability to keep holy the Lord’s Day because we have accepted a new religion on Sunday?” It has been 80 years since the first legal Sunday football game was played in Philadelphia. What have we gained by that transition, and more importantly, what have we lost?
Everything else on the news paled in comparison to the typhoon pictures. As I scanned the headlines on the internet I saw stories about the continued difficulties of the “Affordable Care Act,” the bullying problem in the NFL, and the antics of the mayor of Toronto. There seems to be no shortage of issues to be debated among the “experts” about a whole range of problems besetting modern culture. It is both fascinating and frustrating to watch commentators attempt to spin the individual stories in a direction that suits their preference. It is evident at times that facts will simply not be allowed to get in the way of a good story. Unfortunately, we all suffer when there is a lack of journalistic integrity.
Of all the stories I skimmed this morning, the NFL bullying problem seemed to be the least important. However, it kept popping into my mind as the day went on. I think this is due in part because of all the issues surrounding bullying that I have dealt with as a teacher and as an administrator in both elementary and secondary schools. Children struggle when their environment is not safe and conducive to learning, but this particular issue was in an NFL setting. How could that kind of behavior be taking place in an “adult” world? Obviously, workplace harassment has the potential to occur anywhere and under a lot of different circumstances. The NFL is no exception.
Later in the day I happened to see on www.brainyhistory.com that on November 12, 1933 a Sunday football game was played for the first time in Philadelphia. Previously this had been illegal to do. Who would have ever imagined in 1933 that the future of professional football would be what it is today? It is definitely more than the bullying issue that crosses my mind as I reflect upon the history of professional football. The question that rumbles through my mind is this: “Have we lost our ability to keep holy the Lord’s Day because we have accepted a new religion on Sunday?” It has been 80 years since the first legal Sunday football game was played in Philadelphia. What have we gained by that transition, and more importantly, what have we lost?
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