In 2003, the Seahawks installed a giant flagpole in the south
end zone of what is now Century Link Field and began a tradition of raising a
giant flag…in honor of the fans. On any
given Sunday, the fans rush the stadium understanding the important role they
have of support, encouragement and cheering the team on to a victory. For me when I see that flag waving in the
breeze I get a lump in my throat because it reminds me of my ‘twelfth man.’
This past weekend my twelfth man…my childhood girlfriends…rushed
onto the island, raised that flag and man did we have quite a victory. There were touchdowns and a few fumbles. There were sacks and lots of huddles. It was us against the other team…the
challenges of life. We each came with
our stories of what happened…what is presently happening…what could possibly
happen. On that little porch we analyzed…we
laughed…we even cried a little. At one
point on Saturday night one of my teammates belted out ‘He Lives’ and every
person sang with such passion, knowing every word of that ageless song of
Christ’s sacrifice. We know that God
placed us together then and He moved us back together now. It is quite possible that it will be another
full year before everyone can get together again. But the flag remains waving…the support and
encouragement is only a group text away…the game still goes on.
God surrounds each of us with a twelfth man…that person or
people who walk with us through life in addition to our wonderful families. A twelfth man doesn’t walk away because of
politics, religion or social status. A
twelfth man waves its flag proudly and with loyalty. It remains standing
through the sun, rain, wind and storms of life...even the tough losses. If you feel you haven’t identified your
twelfth man say a prayer to God. He
handpicks people for us at different points in our lives and fills our stadium
with these blessings.
So, I will bring my sentimental words about a sentimental
weekend to a close. But thankfully one
of us created our own flag and brought it this weekend. What a flag to fly!
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