Tim Tebow’s Hail Mary

 On Sunday night I always look forward to watching the iconic program “60 Minutes”. Part of the process of watching the show involves getting through the tail end of all the NFL’s football games which always run past the 7 pm start of the show. Last night was no exception.

 There they were, the Denver Broncos versus the Kansas City Chiefs in a 7-3 game.

News alert. This is a big, hairy deal. Tim Tebow is the much talked about quarterback for Denver. This God-loving man has put his team on the map for his pre-game, mid-game and his post game prayers. There has been a lot of noise about this man’s love of God and football, so I’m told.

 For the most part I’d been disregarding the entire Tim Tebow hoopla.

 Then it happened. The camera panned to the sidelines and zooms in on the kneeling Tim Tebow. His eyes are nearly closed and his mouth is moving fast. The quarterback is deep in reverent prayer. You see, Denver was down by four points and it was the two minute warning. Chances were slim at this point that Denver could pull out a win.

 Commence my knee-jerk reaction.

 I was dumbfounded. I immediately thought how frivolous it was that this person, of such celebrity, is praying for the result of a football game. How ludicrous. How could…oh. No.

 How could I?!

 How could I have missed it? As quickly as I began to judge Tim Tebow God gave me the answer. It sounded something like this: “This man is proud of his relationship with God. This man is seen by millions of people across the world. This man is respected and he respects God. That he dares to be authentic in his love of me may make others look at themselves. Tim Tebow may open doors for other people who were questioning their relationship with me.”

I had been instantly redirected by God. Always, when we open our eyes to the Big Picture we receive the Big Answer. I suddenly felt ashamed of myself.

 During this period in history when we are experiencing painful global unrest and we are searching for answers, God has put Tim Tebow in a position of power and respect. He is reaching the masses with his Hail Mary throwing prowess and his “Hail Mary” prayers. The message of Faith is being heard because of his position with the NFL.

 Because of Tim Tebow Faith is suddenly an option. Imagine all the adolescents saying “If Tim Tebow can pray and get good results, maybe I can.” What doors just flew open for people who felt alone in the world? What strength will they gain now that they have a relationship with a divine source? What happens when hundreds of thousands of young adults take on the Lord’s Prayer or Hail Mary? Only heaven knows, but it truly leaves me feeling hopeful.

We suddenly have the potential for a kinder and gentler nation. I believe Tim Tebow’s position as leading quarterback in the NFL was written in the Big Picture long ago. I’m glad I got to see it.

 If Tim Tebow threw his final Hail Mary pass last night due to the team’s ensuing loss I say “c’est la vie”. But to his representation of powerful prayer and the honor he bestows it I say “Amen!”