We Usually Think

WE USUALLY THINK of ghosts in terms of movies and the imagination. But when Harold “Red” Grange ran wild against Michigan in 1924, sportswriter Grantland Rice could describe Grange’s performance in no other terms.

The Wheaton, Illinois, native earned the nickname “the Wheaton Iceman” from his summer job working on an ice truck. After scoring 75 touchdowns in high school, he enrolled at the University of Illinois. Although the 5-foot-11-inch, 175-pounder enjoyed a solid sophomore season rushing for 723 yards and scoring 12 touchdowns, national acclaim didn’t follow until the Fighting Illini hosted the University of Michigan the following year.

The Wolverines had allowed only 32 points in their past 20 games, but Grange returned the opening kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown. On the next three Illinois possessions, he scored on runs of 67, 56, and 44 yards. After taking a breather, the running back returned and scored on an 11-yard run and threw a 20-yard touchdown pass in a 39–14 victory. In total, Grange tallied 212 rushing yards, 64 passing yards, and 126 return yards as Illinois snapped a 20-game Michigan winning streak.

Rice, covering the game for the New York Herald-Tribune, described Grange as “a streak of fire, a breath of flame eluding all who reach and clutch; a gray ghost thrown into the game that rival hands may never touch.”

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POINT Red Grange made the Wolverine defense appear like it was chasing a ghost. When Michigan players neared the running back, he eluded and eventually brought fear to his opponents every time he touched the ball.

The Bible often mentions the three persons of God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Some Christians refer to the Holy Spirit as the Holy Ghost. But the Holy Spirit isn’t elusive or scary. He offers guidance and comfort.

GOAL! Today is a day when many people celebrate and dress like evil spirits. As Christians, we need to be set apart. Focus on the Holy Spirit. And thank the Father for giving us his Spirit to help us.