Video of the Day: Scene from the 1971 film “Brian’s Song”
Bible Verse of the Day:
Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective, James 5:13-16.
Biblical Connection:
Mekhi Phifer plays Gale Sayers during his rookie season as a running back for the Chicago Bears. The film Brian’s Song debuted as an ABC movie of the week which follows the relationship between two teammates, Gale Sayers and current running back Brian Piccolo played by Sean Maher. When Brian developed a cough and difficulty breathing in the fall of 1969, this led doctors to discover a grapefruit sized teratoma cancer mass in Piccolo’s chest. Subsequently, as Gale Sayers receives an award in today’s clip, his thoughts and prayers are with his friend who is fighting for his life.
As someone who grew up in the state of Delaware, the second highest rate of cancer deaths in the nation, I understand the helpless anguish that Gale Sayers endured as he watched his close friend die. One of my best friends from high school, Maureen, never completed her sophomore year of college before succumbing to cancer. As a high school Bible teacher, I lost two promising students who were champions for Christ before their lives were each cut short. The grim reality of life is that God doesn’t always answer your prayers. Sometimes death prevails which tests my faith as I press on and continue to pray for the living.
Closing Song:
May the Holy Spirit open your eyes daily to intercede and pray for those who need your help.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 