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Reflections from Rev Brad Kenney, Director of Soccer Chaplains United and the Lead Chaplain of the Colorado Rapids and Valor Christian High School

From the Rev: Story of the Scarf

There is a unique activity that happens in a football (soccer) match as the supporters or fans of a particular club or team will stand and raise scarves that bear their team’s colors and emblems. The practice, begun in the early 1900’s in England, was a way of showing team spirit and support in the midst of cold weather. English fans would stand, raise their scarves, sing songs and anthems about their teams and show support in this unified way. The practice has migrated not only to the US, but really worldwide as teams today in climates hot and cold, produce team scarves as a way for fans to show their loyalty. Scarves can vary – but the most traditional forms feature alternating team color stripes. Some feature team crests or logos as well as names. Some scarves are made for special fixtures or games. And other scarves even have player pictures and likenesses.

While many may be familiar with the history of the scarf, the tradition might have even a longer reaching history than 20th century England. In ancient times, there were several ways that a person might physically and tangibly demonstrate that they were in a covenant relationship with someone, especially with God. The similarities between these ancient practices and the raising of the scarf are amazing to consider.

For example, one ancient act for demonstrating a covenant relationship was the exchange of coats. Here, two individuals would exchange their cloaks which were the symbol of their identity with a particular tribe or group of people. The dyes, colors, and patterns would have been common amongst those people and so when the two exchanged the cloaks it was a way to signify that each was accepting, embracing, adopting the identity of the other. It was a sign of solidarity, a sign of commitment. This is perhaps best illustrated by the exchange of jerseys that occurs after a match, but the supporters and fans also participate in this show of commitment. The wearing of team colors – whether shirts or scarves – are a way of trading their own, personal identity for the identity of the team.

Another ancient tradition in covenantal relationship is the exchange of names. Here, an individual also takes on another identity. In ancient Hebrew tradition, the name for God was often added to the name of an individual who embraced or believed in God. For example, Abram becomes Abraham and Sarai becomes Sarah as they enter into covenant relationship with God. It is not uncommon to hear supporters in the stands declaring that they are part of the team, that they are one with the players that are out on the field. The scarf is an item that also becomes an adoption of a unique name that unifies individuals into a common people.

But perhaps the most telling ancient tradition that most closely represents the tradition of the scarf is the covenant cut. In ancient times, two people making a blood covenant, would make a cut on the wrist. They would then shake hands and let the blood co-mingle representing that two lives were becoming one. As time passed, the way that one would identify people of the covenant would be with the raise of the hand which revealed the scar. This is where the practice of waving the hand and exposing the wrist in greeting and also in oath-taking may have evolved from. 

So, the next time you take in a soccer game and see the supporters scarves raised in a wall of support consider the testimony that is behind that activity and consider the long history behind that – it is a history that includes the action and activity of a God looking to enter into relationship with his people. It is the work of people of promise, of people of the covenant, people that identify with God and God identifies with them, too.

Blessings,

Rev. Brad Kenney

From the Rev: The Widow's Oil

There is a story told in the scriptures of the Hebrew prophet Elisha and a widow who had two sons. The woman’s husband had apparently been in service to Elisha at some point, but since his death she was unable to provide and unable to pay off debts that were owed. As 2 Kings 4 relates, Elisha asked the woman two questions – “How can I help you?” and “What do you have?”

As I drove this past weekend to meet with and counsel a player, I looked at the gas gauge and reflected on this story and how some of you have supported the ministry of CrossTraining over the past few years. Interestingly, the woman in the story cannot (or at least does not) answer Elisha’s first question, “How can I help you?” Some of you that have been following CrossTraining and its growth and evolution over the past 10 years or so have walked with our little organization – and many times we have not been able to answer that question, either. Whether due to the youth and inexperience of our leadership (i.e. me) or due to the seeming overwhelming amount of work, there have been many times when we weren’t sure “how” we needed help – we just knew that we did.

The wise among you have not stopped at the first question though, you have asked the second question which is vital for helping people (and organizations, too) get unstuck at times. Reflecting on ‘what one has’ is a helpful way of looking at the resources, talents, skills, and blessings that already exist and offering those things to other who have power or abilities beyond our own.

The woman knows that Elisha is connected – to God. And she cries out to him for her needs – her need for salvation, help, deliverance for her sons. Elisha commands her – to take what she has and pour it out. In a sense, Elisha tells the woman to take the very last of what she has and to use it (by faith) in an outpouring. The miraculous result is a lot of full oil containers.

Sometimes people wrongly believe that the oil was unlimited – not so. The miracle is  limited by another factor – the number of empty jars made available in the village. Would there have been more oil? Perhaps, but we will never know. What we do know is this (1) the oil was enough to pay off the debt and (2) the oil was enough for the widow and her sons to live off of. Before considering whether this is some proof text for a prosperity gospel, we ought to consider that once the sons were able to start work of their own, they would have been responsible for caring for mom.

The key point of the narrative, as I reflect on CrossTraining and the ministry over the years, is the word “enough.” Over 10 years, God has faithfully provided for the ministry – whether in Denver to the Colorado Rapids or in Portland to the Portland Timbers. There has always been “enough” to pay for the ministry expenses and “enough” from our other jobs and work to provide for CrossTraining chaplains and their families to live off of. And there is so much that we owe to those of you that have prayed for and financially supported the work that we are doing. 

Sometimes, ‘thank you’ doesn’t seem to do justice to how we really feel about our supporters who have stood behind us time and time again. But, if I could take just a moment here, again, to say it – “Thank You.” You have helped us to multiply the work and things that we are able to do and for that we are tremendously grateful.

Blessings,

Rev. Brad Kenney

From the Rev: Oh! and Eight

Toronto FC, at one time one of Major League Soccer’s bright stars, has reached an embarrassing low. Starting the 2012 season with a league record of 0-8, the Toronto club has yet to get a win, or even a draw (tie), for any points on the season. The accompanying sense of frustration from the losing streak is one of the places where chaplains are often called to minister and speak into – sometimes with mixed results.

For some, the presence of a team chaplain, can represent a desire to meet holistic needs of the individuals that make up a team (players, coaches, staff, etc.). To others, the team chaplain can also represent something of a religious token where by superstitions and mythical beliefs get played out by players and staff alike. Or, there can be a mixture of both extremes and perceptions of a team chaplain amongst a team – much having to do with how well the chaplain represents himself, his work, and the nature of God to those that are being served.

No team likes to begin the season in a deep hole. And no team wants the dubious distinction of being one of the most ineffective or hapless teams of all time. Although, the Detroit Lions, at 0-16 in 2008 (the sum total of all league games for one season in the National Football League), will probably carry the distinction of being perhaps the worst team in modern sporting history for many years to come.

So a typical question that people ask is, “Does God really care?” (about sports, results, wins, etc.). Serving as a chaplain for a professional sport team for over 10 years, I have wrestled with this question often. What has been helpful for me is the example from the life and ministry of Saint Patrick. He would enter into a village and share the Good News of Jesus, and during the week he (and his team) would go out with the villagers and pray over and bless the streams (to produce fish) and for the fields (to produce crops) and for the woods (to produce game). Patrick realized that in praying for “our daily bread” involves how food gets put on the table. For the athlete, this means having success in their work, in their profession.

So while, 0-8 might be cause for alarm, for the chaplain – there is opportunity. There is an opportunity to pray for God’s provision (for all involved with a team or organization) and also for teaching people to understand more clearly the nature of God – His concern and care for us (our families, etc.) and the work we are called and gifted for.

May God bless the 8-0 and 0-8,

 

 

 

Rev. Brad Kenney

 

 

From the Rev: Waiting in the Wings

In 11 seasons of serving as team chaplain, and three seasons in media relations with the Colorado Rapids, I feel like I have “seen it all.” In those years, there have been many highs and many lows, that I have had the sacred privilege and honor of observing and participating in. But, there is perhaps no greater place of tension as a chaplain than ministering to those who are “waiting in the wings.” Every professional team has them – those players who work tirelessly (sometimes even harder than the starters) to gain a starting position. And in no other sport is it more difficult to get a chance than for those who fill out the reserve squad for a football (soccer) team’s roster.

Consider this: a National Football League team has 53 players. There are 11 on the field at a time – and usually there is little duality of roles (i.e. offensive players and defensive players do not mix). The resulting 22 “starters” leave another 31 on the sidelines, but there tend to be many ways for players to have specific roles (special teams, etc.) with an NFL team and are still able to play and contribute. There is no limit to the number of substitutions that can be made during an NFL game- only to the amount of players (46) that can dress on game day. So potentially, there are seven players that may not see action on game day. Statistically speaking, 13% of your roster that you have to try and keep satisfied, motivated.

A National Basketball Association team can have 15 players signed and practicing with a team, but can only dress 12 for an NBA game. There are five players on the hardwood for a team at a time, unlimited substitutions and flexibility of roles within a team make for the chances of each player being able to get some time playing the professional game that they are passionate about. The three players that do not dress, equals 20% of a ‘roster’ though the NBA is similar to the NFL in that they often designate these players as “practice squad” players.

The National Hockey League is similar to the NBA, but with more players on the roster. 23 players can be with the club, but 20 (18 skaters and 2 goaltenders) are dressed for gameday. The speed and pace of the game means that there are many substitutions (again, unlimited) and the 6 players (5 skaters and 1 goaltender) on the ice at a time allow for full participation of players in the game (coaching decisions, penalties, and situational circumstances aside). The three players excluded from game day represents 13% of the roster – again, keeping these players fit, motivated, and satisfied represent a challenge for the coaching staff.

Major League Baseball has a different system. There are 25 players on an active roster (an additional 15 players are on an expanded roster which has injured players or farm team players). With 9 players on the field at a time (the American league has an additional player hitting for the pitcher) there are unlimited amount of substitutions that can be made, but there is a limit to this as many of the roles in baseball are situational. Teams carry different loads of positional player to pitcher ratios (usually 12 pitchers and 13 positional players on an active roster) but if we merely look at the game-day roster of 23 and assume that there are 13 position players that could be substituted for 8 positions (excluding the pitcher) this leaves 5 that may not see game time (not including situational pitchers). But the sheer number of games in MLB (162) means there is plenty of opportunity for players to play. So, roughly, 22% of a MLB team waits in the wings.

Major League Soccer teams carry rosters of 30 (with some exceptions). Of this number, 18 dress for 11 positions on the pitch (field). However, competition rules limit the number of substitutions to 3 players. This means that in any given game (34 league games in a season) at most 14 players can compete. Games are timed (like in football, basketball, hockey) but there is no stoppage of the clock. 90 minutes for 14 players out of 30 means that more than half of your team is not seeing a minute of playing time (limited as it is) and among professional sports leagues, only the NFL has fewer games than MLS. 50% is a large number of individuals on a team to try and keep satisfied, motivated, and fit. And, so, when a player gets a chance in soccer, they have to make the most of it. 

As a chaplain, here is the rub – we support the players starters, subs, and reserves without reservation. But the competition and drive and desire to gain that position is a difficult place to minister. To encourage the younger player, to support the incumbent, to be received well by both can be one of the most challenging parts (if not the most) of my work. The fatal tendency for a chaplain can be to fall to one of two extremes: either gravitation toward the starters for their profile and fame or gravitation toward the reserves because of their openness and hunger for any and all support. There is a balance to be struck, I believe, but it is one of those heart-wrenching places for a chaplain because we want to see the team do well and individuals do well and succeed, too. And, so many times, I find myself saying an extra prayer for those “waiting in the wings,” that God would give them encouragement, strength, discipline, and patience.

Blessings,

Rev. Brad Kenney

 

From the Rev: The Beckham Affect

When David Beckham first stepped foot on American soil to play for Major League Soccer, there was a division of opinion. Some said Beckham was merely the latest in a long line of world-renown footballers, past their prime, looking to make a last stab at financial gain before retirement. There were other pundits who claimed that soccer had officially made it in America and that the Beckham brand would forever change the American landscape and attitude toward a sport with a sketchy history of attraction in the U.S.A. Now, five years later, the jury may still be out on many points of the argument but there is at least one thing (there are more) from this chaplains perspective that Beckham’s arrival did for Major League Soccer. I call it “The Beckham Affect.”

Perhaps a common fan would not have paid too much notice to some of the differences of Beckham’s arrival, and to be sure the changes are minimal considering where Beckham has played before and his popularity (truly, public obsession) in other parts of the world, but after being around MLS for the last 14 years the changes were a bit more obvious. There are  changes that accompany “The Beckham Affect.”

Change #1 – Tighter Security – With David Beckham walking your hallways, post-game, there was a visible change in the amount of security agents that worked MLS games. Some were uniformed, contracted off-duty officers, some were plains clothes but there were additional people brought in to make sure that there was a safe environment for the players. Additionally, people around the clubs and organizations who were “volunteer” were scrutinized heavily and many did not make the cut. To my knowledge, this had some impact on team chaplains who had been in place for several years – suddenly, they were on the outside looking in as “non-essential” people were not give the same accessibility to players, coaches, and staff.

Change #2 – Legitimacy – Beckham’s first few years were a mix of success and failure – at one point there was heavy criticism for the amount of money he was being paid for the number of minutes he was on the field and producing seemingly little results. However, last year’s MLS Cup Final win over Houston and Beckham’s subsequent return and renewed contract may have stemmed the tide of opinion against him. Beckham’s presence, though, did open the door for other, high-profile players to come and ply their trade in MLS. Although some still may view MLS as a pre-retirement destination, the league has grown in popularity and legitimacy in the years that Beckham has been in the league and looks to continue to grow in an upward trend.

Change #3 – Money – Beckham is an oft-critisized personality. Some have made fun of his seemingly un-sharp comments at times, but he has a lot of respect in terms of his personal branding and marketing. MLS has benefitted from the Beckham brand – a healthy and in-form Beckham is sure to help the local team sell out for the LA Galaxy game when the Beckham show hits the road and this means people in the seats to see the world-famous star. General Managers like to have their stadiums fill to capacity.

I will leave it to the experts to decide whether “The Beckham Affect” has been good for the league. It may take a few years or more after Beckham’s eventual retirement to make such a decision, but talks of Beckham buying into the league and owning a team may mean that the world-famous athlete decides to put a bigger imprint and legacy on the “New World” soccer league, as it were. But let me give one other consideration for your thoughts – the reverse of “The Beckham Affect.”

While we can speculate about how David Beckham has impacted MLS and the North American soccer scene, there is something telling in the decision this offseason to stay with the LA Galaxy and keep his family in the US. I have heard from many football players and coaches down through the years that the US is a great place to raise a family – and this attraction and appeal seemed to weigh heavily upon the Beckham’s decision according to many different sources. And for those of you who know about chaplaincy and our work around professionals, this might be a great opportunity – to influence a world influencer and his family. To care for them, in a way perhaps they have never have experienced in any other club on the planet. As chaplains, we can only continue to work hard to effect “The Beckham Affect.”

Blessings,

Rev. Brad Kenney

From the Rev: Mulling over Mullan

As I watched this afternoon’s match up between the Colorado Rapids and the Seattle Sounders, there was one thing on my mind: Brian Mullan. Many are aware of the controversy surrounding Mullan and the Sounders’ Steve Zakuani whose leg was broken in a tackle last April. Zakuani has been rehabbing and recovering and was relegated to watching today’s match from a players box suite in a suit and tie. Mullan, who did not speak with media before the match, shared briefly after the game a few comments.

In the hours immediately following last April’s injury, Zakuani was at risk and needed surgery immediately to relieve pain and pressure from the break. I know many on the Sounders were holding their breath – this was their prized draftee and a promising young player; career, even life seemed to hang in the balance. Mullan had no idea of the extent of the injuries until the game was finished and he was heading home.

For those that know Mullan, he’s a wily veteran with an extensive playing career, but ‘dirty player’ is not a title that would be used in the same sentence for one of two players in the league to have earned five championship rings.  He joined the Rapids to help them win the coveted Major League Soccer Cup, and that he did in his first year with the club.

The ensuing fine ($5,000) and disciplinary action (additional 9-game ban) in 2011 after the tackle and injury was reviewed by committee, was one the largest to be handed out in MLS history. But the sobering piece for Mullan was not so much the money or the suspension (which he did not appeal), but the extent of Zakuani’s injury and the vitriolic nature of the fans and media that were calling for Mullan’s “head,” so-to-speak. He issued multiple apologies and you can read more of the original story here. But, despite the efforts taken, it seemed as though it all might be too much for the quiet-natured Mullan.

Fast forward to today, the return trip to Seattle and one of the most difficult places to play in the league – but when 38,000 fans are ‘booing’ you every time you touch the ball, it can seem a lot more. I did feel that the fans were professional enough – any team will ‘boo’ the villan. I was wondering if there would be more pugilistic kinds of threats or danger toward Mullan, but it seems that the game went without incident in any sort of regard to that direction – although there will always be extreme fans or media members that say and do extreme things for attention or that cannot fully understand all the principles that come into play around such things. Professional players do not live in a reality similar to our own and media members and fans are often disillusioned about the lives of pro athletes.

Zakuani, for his part, has not only been professional and even forgiving – something that I think would be hard for anyone given the drastic nature of the injury. But Zakauni is known for his Christian faith, and so it is really great to see that thread of forgiveness present in his life – not just a lip-sync, but a true action. Zakuani’s attitude deserves praise as a testament to faith in a modern-day context.

Personally, though, there is some disappointment for me as the Rapids team chaplain. Perhaps I am too idealistic. Perhaps I am too romantic. Perhaps my desire for the beautiful, storybook ending just isn’t to be hoped for. I had imagined Brian Mullan walking over to Steve Zakuani at midfield, with the entire of Seattle watching as the two shook hands, hugged, and forgiveness and grace at center stage with tears and confetti while the Sounders faithful sang a new hymn of football reconciliation. But such things were not to be today – but maybe another day. We can only hope and pray.

Blessings,

Rev. Brad Kenney

From the Rev: Beautiful are the Feet

A Wall Street Journal editorial written in 2009 by Steven H. Webb Professor of Religion and Philosophy at Wabash College proclaimed “Soccer is Ruining America.” Webb’s claim? That “American energy, drive, and competitiveness are being undermined to the point of no return” by the global sport that “is a foreign invasion.” Amongst the arguments against the deprivation of soccer in America, was one that I find curious enough to comment on as it was listed as the first point of argument in his article and also included references to God and the Christian faith. I have included the paragraph for context below:

Excerpt from "Soccer is Ruining America" WSJ, March 12, 2009

 Now, admittedly there is a degree of sarcasm and perhaps some dry, academic humor from which the author is speaking. The relevancy of this article and its recent resurgence in the public square – it was originally published three years ago, but has comments (albeit few) that are as recent as minutes ago – might be debated since soccer in the United States has grown exponentially since then; however, I want to address some theological deficiency within Mr. Webb’s opening point (or cheap shot as some have suggested). Essentially, Webb’s deprecation of the feet is not quite the biblical response as Webb might want one to expect or believe.

First, the apostle Paul wisely points out the importance of unity in the body and names the feet specifically in his example. From I Corinthians 12:21-26 (NIV, 1984) –

21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!”22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

 Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase version, The Message frames it this way –

 Can you imagine Eye telling Hand, “Get lost; I don’t need you”? Or, Head telling Foot, “You’re fired; your job has been phased out”? As a matter of fact, in practice it works the other way—the “lower” the part, the more basic, and therefore necessary. You can live without an eye, for instance, but not without a stomach. When it’s a part of your own body you are concerned with, it makes no difference whether the part is visible or clothed, higher or lower. You give it dignity and honor just as it is, without comparisons. If anything, you have more concern for the lower parts than the higher. If you had to choose, wouldn’t you prefer good digestion to full-bodied hair? 25-26The way God designed our bodies is a model for understanding our lives together as a church: every part dependent on every other part, the parts we mention and the parts we don’t, the parts we see and the parts we don’t. If one part hurts, every other part is involved in the hurt, and in the healing. If one part flourishes, every other part enters into the exuberance.

There is value, honor for the feet as opposed to Webb’s supposition that the feet are some what “lesser” of a body part. In fact, Webb’s oversimplification of hands vs. feet might lend plausibility to the argument that soccer (or football as it is also known by) is a more demanding sport because of the difficulty and limitation that players use (primarily) their feet. Soccer aficionados also are quick to point out that American Football (or the NFL) rarely uses the feet and might better be called ‘handball.’ But, I digress.

A second point to add, Webb has failed to mention the blessedness or beauty of the feet, especially as it is found in the Bible. The Hebrew prophet Isaiah writes:

 7 How beautiful on the mountains
are the feet of those who bring good news,
who proclaim peace,
who bring good tidings,
who proclaim salvation,
who say to Zion,
“Your God reigns!”

The feet of the herald are declared beautiful (נָאָה). Isaiah isn’t the only one declaring the beauty of the feet – Nahum gives an anticipatory word of hope for the feet of the messenger (Nahum 1:15); Paul echos the words of Isaiah in Romans 10:15 using the Greek word ὡραῖος (hōraios) which speaks of a beauty that may only lasts in this world, but has an inherent timeliness in its beauty.

Finally, we see that the feet are the direct contact point for one’s stability – Christian believers are urged to ‘stand firm’ (Ephesians 6) and Paul’s words suggest battle. The implications being that the feet represent the staying and foundational power against an onslaught of foes. What does this have to do with soccer? Well, perhaps few games other than soccer have the ability to remind us that we cannot live life on our own – we need community and others around us who are supporting us, working alongside of us. Too, the fluidity of the game of soccer is much more like life – there are movements forward and backward, positive and negative, but the game continues to go (like life) there are few pauses or breaks – time continues to tick down to the inevitable end.

For those rankled by Webb’s comments – on God or soccer – don’t suffer him too much grief or attention – for he exists within a shrinking minority who do not realize that the Beautiful Game is played, watched, and adored by those of whom it might be said “beautiful are the feet.”

Blessings,

Rev. Brad Kenney

From the Rev: All Access

One of my best friends serves as youth pastor in Cardiff, Wales. He loves the image of the ‘All Access’ credential I wear around my neck at the stadium on match day. From the earliest days of my work with the Colorado Rapids, the badge around my neck has given me the chance to move freely – whether into the locker room or on to the pitch, into the stadium boxes and stands, or into the most obscure hallways and stairways. Even when the team played at Mile High Stadium and Invesco Field, as well as its current location at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park – there have been few doors that have been shut and inaccessible – an amazing sign of God’s mercy and grace.

At times it can feel like the gates are being welded shut against a chaplain.

Not all chaplains, though, in Major League Soccer have such access. In fact, CrossTraining’s ministry to the Portland Timbers is such a location. There, few doors are open to the work that Timbers Chaplain Ben Dudley is doing with players and staff – meetings are held off-site, a season ticket is purchased in order for Ben to be present at matches, and there is no credential; no open door. The work in Portland is tough. It is different, even difficult, and can be discouraging.

‘All Access’ – this can be part of your prayers for CrossTraining Portland and our work with the Timbers. How do the doors open? Usually, through relationship. Of the chaplains around the league who have access similar to that of CrossTraining Colorado, much of the access happens from being in relationships with people who make decisions – whether a head coach, an administrator, owner – these have sway over what happens (and does not happen) in the locker rooms and team facilities around the league. Many relationships rely heavily upon a person’s understanding of what a chaplain is and what a chaplain does and this makes continual education and relationship building a priority for those who choose to minister to professional teams.

 

This CGI rendering of the veil in the Jewish temple shows the monstrosity and what could only be the work of God to rip the barrier which separated man from God (what was known as the Holy of Holies) into two pieces.

Of course, the metaphor of ‘All Access’ is one that is not lost on Christians – several texts in scripture speak to the access that is granted to those who believe and have faith in Jesus. Romans 5:1-2, Ephesians 2:17-18, and Hebrews 10:19-22 all speak to the access to God and His grace and the reconciliation that occurs as a result of the sacrifice that Jesus made in going to the cross, dying a gruesome death, and being raised to life three days later. This ‘All Access’ pass that we have available to us is not merely about getting a peek behind the proverbial curtain of religion or spirituality – it is about having access to God, Himself and of being able to be in reconciled relationship with Him.

This first day after Easter, I hope that you have an ‘All Access’ credential to God – it is simple and easy to obtain – this gift of God is available through faith. It came at a great price – the death of Jesus. Do you know him?

Blessings,

Rev. Brad Kenney

From the Rev: Just Fools

Sometimes being a fool means serving in little ways - here I am helping collect stray soccer balls for the Colorado Rapids before MLS Cup 2010 - suit, tie, dress shoes, and all.

It’s probably a feeling and phrase that I have felt an innumerable amount of times as I visited the stadium or training grounds. It’s like a bad voice in my head that won’t go away. It feels condemning at times.

“You’re a fool.”

If you are reading this and have worked in any capacity as a chaplain before (whether professional sports, healthcare, or military) there are times when you cannot help but feel overwhelmed. The people, institutions, and organizations where a chaplain ministers can unknowingly and unwittingly contribute to the frustrating sense that is all to common to a chaplains experience.

During my years as a hospice chaplain, it was easy to feel the fool while in the midst of interdisciplinary team meetings as doctors and clinicians spouted out acronyms and alphabet soups and medicinal side effects like living medical dictionaries. The smart chaplains learned what the major medications were called and what impacts they had on patients – or they learned to feign indifference. But, it was overwhelming, nonetheless, as there seemed to be an expectation that chaplains should understand medicine like doctors understand spirituality – not that doctors necessarily do, but some believe spirituality isn’t as hard to grasp or understand.

There is little difference for the professional sports chaplain – although ‘professional’ may be misleading as it tends to condition the type of sport, and not the type of chaplain. For the sports chaplain there is a lot of waiting – waiting for a training session to be finish, waiting for a player to complete a treatment, waiting for a game or match to begin, waiting for a season to start anew, and more. It’s during these times when a chaplain, if not extremely careful and intentional, can feel the fool.

“What am I doing here?” “This is such a waste of time.” “Am I making a difference at all?”  “Does anybody, except me, care?”

The difficult truth maybe is in the answer to that last question – “No, nobody cares … save One.”

But that is why we are here – we are here because God cares. And He calls chaplains (really all of us) to be fools for it; to be fools that care about, fools that love, fools that serve others. Happy April Fool’s Day.

Blessings,

Rev. Brad Kenney

From the Rev: Waiting for…

It’s that thing that I wait for at the beginning of every season – I wonder how many sports participants, fans, and even the casual observer wait for it too. I liken it to getting a new car and pulling out onto the road there is so much joy and anticipation, but in the back of your mind something lingers. Something isn’t right…

Then it happens – the first rock chip, scratch, dent, or ding on the new car. No! It’s almost like we can’t believe what has just happened – perfection ruined, buyers remorse,

“What have I done?” “Can we start over? How could I have avoided that?”

Many times that is the feeling that surrounds that first damage to the car and the first team loss of the year.

The New York Red Bulls held the Colorado Rapids to a goal and ended up wining 4-1.

Until it comes, anything is possible: championships, trophies, awards, accolades, galore.

When it comes, it is almost like there is a huge relief of pressure. “Okay, we are human.”

 

Herein exists the tension – we desire perfection, but if we desire it too strongly it will dominate and master us until we are driven insane. On the flip side, we can become despondent when realizing that perfection cannot be attained and, so, what’s the use of trying? So what remains – how do we exit, how do we dwell in the tension of striving for perfection?

I find comfort in the words of Apostle Paul to the church in Colosse:

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.”  (Colossians 3:23-24)

Imagine – if we work as though we are working for God, and we leave the results in His hands, we will not only give of our best, but we will receive something that is lasting and of value – an inheritance.

When the Colorado Rapids went on to win the MLS Cup championship in 2010, the first loss of the season came in the third game of the year – had the team stopped and fretted over missing the mark of perfection they wouldn’t have gone on to achieve what they did. However, if they had given up, if they had stopped striving and working (for even a moment), they also wouldn’t have gone on to win the final game.

So let’s be thankful – for first losses and all that come with them. May we continue to do and give our best in service to God.

Blessings,

Rev. Brad Kenney

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