Shades Of Blue

Shades of Blue

Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

In the spring of 2008, Eve Carson, student body president at the University of North Carolina, was murdered in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, just days before the North Carolina Tar Heels were scheduled to play a basketball game against archrival Duke. Located only eight miles apart, the University of North Carolina and Duke University are fierce competitors in athletics and academics, but especially in basketball. But even in a rivalry as fierce as this one, this was a time for compassion and caring.

Duke’s basketball staff contacted North Carolina for permission to hold a joint moment of silence before the game. In the stands, Duke fans wore their customary royal blue, but also wore light blue ribbons on their shirts in tribute to Carson, who had been an enthusiastic Tar Heel. The players and coaches stood, not on the sidelines, but stretched across the foul lines, facing each other on opposite ends of the court. Their gesture said we stand together, united on the things that are really important, more important than a basketball game.

That’s how we all should be: aware of and ready to share each other’s burdens. As sad as that shooting was, it reminded a large crowd of basketball fans to focus on the important things in life. Tragedy tends to put life in perspective. It often causes us to reflect and even reprioritize our lives. There is a compulsion to reach out to others in need, doing what we can to share in whatever they are going through, maybe to alleviate some of the pain. We hug our spouses and children longer; we make phone calls to family and friends we haven’t spoken to in a while. Things that were “important” now seem trivial, and things that had slipped to the bottom of the “important” stack are put on top.

Sports has its place. Sometimes it’s more than revelry and rivalry. Sometimes it redirects us to the more important things.

Uncommon Key > Be aware of people who could use help with a burden they are carrying. Whether you are part of a united effort or implement something yourself, be a willing participant.