The LSU, Notre Dame Game:
An Example of Christ’s Love

This year’s Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl was a game truly for the ages. (And try saying that three time fast — Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl — wow.)

I could honestly say I got my money’s worth, and then some. I was graciously offered a media pass into the comfy press box at L.P. Field in Nashville, Tennessee, the home of my favorite — and reigning worst team — in the NFL, the Tennessee Titans. It was about 40 degrees outside, but with the wind-chill it felt more like the teens.

The Music City Bowl features one team from the SEC and one from the ACC. This year’s skirmish was between the LSU Tigers and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The game was a close battle with several records broken — a high-octane offensive glut for both teams.

It was a nail-biter too. It ended with Notre Dame’s game-winning field goal with five seconds left with a final score of 31-28. Both teams finished the season with an 8-5 record.

At the end of the game my friend Josh Roland and I were given field access. We shook hands with players and coaches, met former NBA champion and all-star David Robinson, and had the total bowl experience.

But what I enjoyed the most was watching how the players treated each other at the end of the game. There was mutual respect and courtesy. Both teams prayed together. I heard “God bless you” and “thank you” from almost every voice. Of course, I have come to expect that from my boys in the south. I knew LSU would deliver, but Notre Dame delivered too. I felt the power of Isaiah 11:6 — where former aggressors make peace with one another — in full effect that night. There was a somber peace in the air at game’s end — a genuine love and compassion for fellow man.

And, because of that, I can’t help but believe that God really does love football!

Isaiah 11:6: “The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them.”

And although I admire LSU, I will confess that I voted for Malik Ziare, the Notre Dame quarterback, to win game MVP, and he did. The facts, stats and records for the game can be all found at: http://www.musiccitybowl.com/

[Also a special thank you and a message of encouragement to my friend Josh Roland for attending the game and assisting me with the photography. He’s a great guy, an awesome father and role-model, and he has a great work ethic. Josh: it’s always inspiring to hang out with you, and I’m glad the game blessed you!]