GroshLink

I've been following the Mets season this year, trying to step into the ethos of a Mets fan (it's been a long time since enjoying the '86 World Series victory with my Aunt, who has grown up with the franchise).  There are only a few games to go and the angst level has increased. ... I must confess that I had no intention of watching the game last night, distracted by another team of Villians than the Cubs, as our fictional Heroes have plenty more to contend with as thanks to the return of the writers, they continue to mess with time (Note:  I have a much stronger preference for Doctor Who).  And I must confess, desiring to take advantage of watching some TV with Theresa, as Doctor Who and baseball seldom fit the bill for her :(

But as the Mets season wraps up and Heroes takes off, Ellen and Hayley's cheering for Upward flag football comes in stronger relief.  In Upward, neither team fills the role of villian or hero.  Instead our girls cheer for and encourage both teams attired in contrasting home/away Dolphins colors. How confusing in our culture (and to me as I cheer for the only set of cheerleaders who at times seem totally out of sync with the 3rd grade flag football game), but that is what the twins learn from the beginning. 

Even more countercultural, the twins receive Upward materials and half-time messages which remind them (and their parents) of our own interests in the ways of evil.  So despite the cheering for everyone, which finds popularity in certain segments of our society, the presence of evil lying within each person and needing to be addressed everywhere on the field has not been forgotten.  We are all encouraged to come to Jesus the Christ and by His grace live in relationship with the Father through Jesus the Christ and by the work of His Spirit become more like Christ.

So good and evil do face off at Upward, in Shea, on TV, and as I step onto campus today.  But it's neither as clear cut nor as confusing as our culture declares.  Praise God that His Story is a foot.  I long for the day of the new heavens and the new earth.  Come Lord Jesus, Come. ... More later.