Day 3 - Thou Shall Not Take The Lord's Name In Vain

In 2012, we faced the New England Patriots in Seattle. This was the first encounter between the veteran legend Tom Brady and the budding talent Russell Wilson, a clash between two teams each with a 3-2 (win-loss) record.

Everyone was well-versed with Brady's reputation; his uncanny ability to secure victories in the most pressing moments when the odds seemed stacked against him. I remember an aura of reverence around him, a testament to the countless battles he and the Patriots had weathered. Even our coaches barely dared to utter his name, they wanted to normalize him, naming him ‘#12’.

On the other hand, we were young and eager, itching to establish our presence. The Patriots carried a name that commanded respect; they were the reigning dynasty. A throne we wanted.

As I steeled myself for this monumental challenge, words shared from Pro Football Hall of Famer Ray Lewis echoed in my mind, "You have to be willing to punch the guy across from you in the mouth more times than he’s willing to punch you in the mouth."

Game on.

This raw sentiment perfectly captures the intense stakes and ferocity of football—a sport predicated on intimidation and a test of one's mental. Yet there existed a contrast mood on the opposing sideline, amongst this brutality, Brady stood apart. His play was not about inducing fear but inspiring awe. A player who earned respect not through blatant force, but a display of nuanced power and a quiet confidence that was truly captivating. His skill was such that his opponents often found themselves bested before they even realized the contest was over. He had what we call the intangible it factor.

This lesson is not confined to the gridiron.

In the broader scheme of life, there’s a uniqueness in us all. We seem to have lost touch with our inherent divinity.

Know there’s a being, a magnificent Power in which we are all guilty of normalizing. We have deep spiritual roots. But how, we slowly let in an illusion of separation from a powerful, kind, and radiant Divine energy plagues me. On Day 3, I feel it’s essence, an energy, the same one we all come from at the heart of our beings

Friends, let us relieve ourselves of the casualness of religion but instead understand we are operating on a frequency in which we have been given the power to invoke an authority higher than Tom Brady or Michael Jordan, but instead, the Master of all things by name.

What a gift.

Reflection:

1. Jordan, Phelps, Serena Williams. What comes to mind when you hear those names? Do you revere your Creator the same way?

Practice:

1. The Creator has taken on many names whatever that name may be, work on respecting it. Whether you read a religious book or connect in nature, find four moments to pause on how “God” is revealed to you.