It has been an emotional week for the Penn State community. The Sandusky scandal was brought to light, followed by the firing of multiple school administrators and coaches, including the beloved head football coach, Joe Paterno. These events brought out mixed reactions from students and fans, from anger to grief. Students expressed their emotions strongly, from a riot in anger over JoePa's firing, to a sorrowful candlelight vigil for the victims of the scandal. Sadly the topic that most people have been discussing was how much did Paterno really know and should he have been fired. Yet the victims of Sandusky's horrific crimes have not been forgotten. They are remembered with remorse and sadness, especially by students.
In the midst of feeling betrayed by some of their own coaching staff, past and present Penn State football players came together on the field to show solidarity in their program at the Penn State-Nebraska game this past Saturday. The former players lined up and welcomed current players onto the field.
When the current Penn State team went on the field to pray, something remarkable happened. From across the field, the Nebraska team made their way over to pray with Penn State. The stadium erupted with applause and a Nebraska assistant coach led the players in prayer. Now I have never witnessed two college teams pray together before a game, so what happened next I certainly had never seen. The stadium was silent...God moved in the SILENCE. What a great moment for this community after such a week of struggle. Although it is only a moment, sometimes that is all our God needs to bring healing. I know there will still be grief and anger, and this uphill journey is just beginning for those involved. Yet silence is such a powerful reminder that God is indeed present and with us.
I invite you to keep the victims and the Penn State community in your prayers. Pray that they may be moved to find God in both the chaos, and the silence.
Click on the Picture to watch Penn State-Nebraska
Prayer from a fan's view:
Click on the picture to watch the prayer on the field:
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