-Isms: Views on life in rural America

Where were you when the world gathered together in prayer last week, as 24-year-old football player, Damar Hamlin fought for his life?

I was working on last week’s edition, partially listening to “Monday Night Football,” partially carrying on a conversation with Scott. I saw the play but not the fall following the tackle, tuning out television’s white noise for a few moments to concentrate on an article. Then, a quick glance at the big screen caught my attention. I noticed ESPN was on what seemed to be an extended commercial break and, once commentators were back on air, I couldn’t stop watching.

This situation was different. You could see it on players’ faces and hear it in announcers’ voices. Suddenly, a routine, weekly football game turned into a breaking news story that brought together sports fanatics as well as the casual observer of human nature.

From a journalist’s perspective, the sports network nailed coverage. Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Lisa Salters offered facts of what they saw and heard in the stadium. Suzy Kolber, Booger McFarland and Adam Schefter shared their feelings about watching a player laying motionless on the field.

Once play was suspended, Salters’ play-by-play of what happened brought tears. Scott Van Pelt’s “Sports Center” coverage was thorough and heartfelt.

Through all the coverage, each on-air reporter offered prayers of support to Hamlin, his family, Bills and Bengals players and communities.

I said prayers for recovery of a young athlete I do not know and likely, will never meet. Did you, too?

I believe the outpouring of prayers played a part in Hamlin’s miraculous recovery. He still has a long road to walk, according to medical personnel. Continued prayers for healing will be needed.

I believe when a powerful wall of prayer surrounds someone, it channels into the psyche of others, too, building a compelling wave of positive energy.

I’ve experienced it first-hand. I still remember a group of my students from Lutheran High Northeast circling my then-husband’s hospital bed, praying for a full recovery after a touch-and-go surgery and stroke suffered as a result. The only way to describe it is like this: An intense swell of calmness washed over me. Did anyone else feel it? A weight lifted and I knew he would pull through this medical crisis. I also realized it would be a long road to a complete recovery.

I believe we all should learn from this experience. The entire flood of responses is bigger than football, larger than life. Why do we tend to wait until times of tragedy to offer prayers for others?

Maybe Hamlin’s collapse will serve as a catalyst for discussion about the place faith has, not only in sports, but in each of our lives. Hamlin’s storyline reminds me that in times of trouble, we rely on a supreme power to bring hope and understanding.

All it takes is faith and the power of prayer.