Parakalein

The NBA, its players and fans, have united as one to say: We Are One on the issue of maturity of character and mutual respectfulness of all regardless of anything.

The "We Are One" chants in the NBA were spurned by the racial slurs of Mr. Donald Sterling.  The Los Angeles Clippers which he formerly owned launched a web site http://www.nba.com/clippers/one It has become a rally point for the NBA.  It affirms that all people regardless of anything have the right of mutual respect and anything short of that is unacceptable. The NBA commissioner, Mr. Adam Silver banned Mr. Sterling from the NBA and any association with the NBA for life.  This decisive action and clear directive to stand as one with all players and owners on the issue of no racial discrimination and universal inclusion is a challenge to all of us.

My hope is that churches might follow this trend and clearly declare that "We Are One" even though we may disagree on many issues, "We are One" when it comes to embracing maturity of character and mutual respectfulness.

Jesus prayed that we might be one.  It may be time that we, act as one.  Even if only on this one issue.

Maybe Churches could start a chant:  "WE Are One"!  We do not have to sell T-Shirts like the NBA is but we do need to take seriously the challenge to stand as one and be counted!  Congratulations to the NBA for doing so.

Regardless of who wins the NBA Finals this year, the Clippers have challenged all of us to affirm our "Oneness" which is our greatest "Affirmative Action"!   Congratulations to the leadership of the NBA, the Clipper organization, and for all who join the "We Are One" focus.  They took a negative experience and have turned it into a "Rally to Live As One".  In the final analysis of what really is important, winning, the "WE ARE ONE" focus, makes us all champions. Everyone wins when we are one and live as one.  John Lenin sang of it.  Jesus spoke to it.  It is on us to live into it!

We Are One!