by sassychick ~ As you know, I have complained, just a little, about my husband fanatical sports addiction. That aside, I recently mentioned he has moved into a NASCAR phase.
There are so many routes I could go with this. I have my own, ummm, opinions about NASCAR. Mostly stereotypes and jokes, yes, I have jokes. But I am an equal opportunity blogger and it the spirit of telling the truth I have a confession.
I am becoming a fan.
Screams, panic, mayhem and what I’m sure is an overwhelming fear that you just thought you knew sassychick, but let me tell you why.
NASCAR PRAYS, on NATIONAL TELEVISION, before every race. Not only do they pray, they pray in, wait for it, JESUS’ NAME.
I know. I can hardly believe it myself. While I am sure you all knew this, I did not. And while I was right in the middle of making fun of NASCAR, they stopped everything, drivers, crew members, and fans bowed their heads and a NASCAR chaplain commenced to praying. Then I had to stop and pray and ask forgiveness and immediately research this phenomenon. Apparently our children aren’t allowed to pray at public school, yet every NASCAR race is opened up with a not so watered down prayer on national television, in 2008, in front of millions of people.
How is this, you ask? Well, what I found was a wonderful organization called Motor Racing Outreach. And this is what they are about:
OUR MISSION
To introduce the racing community to a personal faith in Christ, to growth in Christlikeness, and to active involvement in the church through relationships that provide care in times of stress, knowledge of God's word, and assistance in the development of leadership skills.
OUR VISION
MRO hopes to unify and mobilize believers worldwide to support the development of young people, who have a reason to face the future, singles, with a sense of fulfillment, husbands and wives, who honor one another, and peaceful resolutions to disputes rather than bitterness and regret.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
MRO is committed to operating on a day-to-day basis using the principles found in God's word, the Bible.
How amazing is that?
This is insanely important to me because the shear amount of sporting organizations that not only steer clear of any spiritual references, but downright discourage their organization from being linked to Jesus in any fashion.
Motor Racing Outreach, which operates on donations, has some guts. Not only does this ministry exist, NASCAR supports and celebrates it. They give it a prominent place at the commencement of every race. I wish other sports (NBA, NCAA, NFL, NHL, MLB, etc.) organizations would follow in their footsteps.
Kudos NASCAR! I’m officially a fan.
That's awesome. I think in the far corners of my mind, under some cobwebs, perhaps I knew this. There were always lots of articles about Nascar on Baptist Press.
I think that's part of the reason I love my hometown basketball so much. Did you see the signs the crowd was holding with Bible verses on them? And myself and a teammate from back in the day prayed with the girls before the last games. It's just natural there. The kids instigate it and it's no big deal.
(i can't handle another sports addiction, so i will be supporting nascar from afar!)
Posted by: photochick | March 04, 2008 at 11:28 AM
that is awsome! can't say that I will watch it but it makes me feel good that there are still poeple who believe in the power of prayer.
Posted by: socialchick | March 04, 2008 at 01:09 PM
Awesome! Still not a fan of the sport itself, but I admire the stand they're taking!
Posted by: singerchick | March 04, 2008 at 02:10 PM
I know!! I saw/hear then once when nothing else was on and I watched a race. I think that's pretty awesome that people..even 'celebritys'...still stand up for God.
Posted by: Jessica W. | March 04, 2008 at 09:25 PM
My Dad is also a sports addict. When we are at his house or he's at ours and NASCAR is on we watch it. It's a boring sport (in my opinion) but it's really cool that they PRAY!
Go NASCAR!
Posted by: Lisa Nall | March 05, 2008 at 09:30 AM