Religious freedom appears to be under assault. No doubt, people of faith should not force their beliefs upon others. But how often are we truly defending our freedom to believe, worship, and express our faith? Recently a teenager from Oneida, TN, had the opportunity to defend her faith at a local high school football game. For years the Friday night games at Asia Canada’s school had begun with a public prayer over the loudspeaker. However, the ACLU and Freedom From Religion Foundation pressured the school district to halt the practice.The district superintendent decided to suspend the public prayer and replace it with a moment of silence.

Significant silence

“During the moment of silence, all the cheerleaders [from both teams] came together and recited the Lord’s Prayer . . . We need prayer for so many reasons especially in our community now and the troubles we face every day.” Asia was the brave one to begin saying the prayer aloud. Apparently all those attending the game joined in—including the crowd, football players, coaches, and faculty. Kayla King, one of the cheerleaders, commented that “in that moment the atmosphere was kind of great because it was nothing but heads bowed, and you heard the Lord’s Prayer ring over the football field.” What an experience!

Significant stirring

Growing up we tend to think freedom means we can do or say whatever we want. Yet life teaches us that there are real consequences that go beyond civil liberty. Asia and Kayla felt led to do something. They took a chance in praying, and it stirred up something significant. Who knows where this will lead and how it will all turn out. But we can say with certainty that those present at the game felt more united and, quite possibly, their faith is more important to them than ever before.

Question of the Day: What does freedom mean to you?

Focal Scriptures: Exodus 3:7-10; Galatians 4:5; 1 Corinthians 10:23-25

For a complete lesson on this topic visit LinC.