Standing Up

I read an article on Wednesday about Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow. Tebow is an outspoken Christian, the son of missionaries. He has never been afraid to share what he believes in or why, and even participated in one of the most controversial commercials during the Super Bowl — a commercial that advocated a pro life stance.

Tebow was in the commercial with his mom because it is a part of his story. While pregnant, doctors suggested that Tebow's mom should abort him due to complications. She chose not to follow that suggestion, and that is part of why they did the ad, because all Tebow is and stands for could have been erased in an instant before he even entered the world.

The article was about the fact that Tebow's faith was causing division among fans. Some were grateful to find a positive role model in the world of sports. Others were angry that he is so public with his faith and think it detracts from his ability to play football. Sadly, Christians in all fields seem to get painted with that brush when they stand up for what they believe in.

When I worked in a newsroom, sometimes I struggled with the idea of letting my light shine. Sometimes it just didn't feel worth it to me to engage in debates with the liberal people I worked with. That's why Tebow is an inspiration to me; he isn't afraid to be honest.

It feels often like Christians fall into two camps — those that want to beat the world over the head with the Gospel and those that want to blend in and not make waves. I think Tebow and others show us that we should be aiming for the middle ground.

Attacking people isn't the best way to win them over to your side, but failing to suit up for the conversation ensures the message will never be presented. Recently I struggled with whether to post something on my Facebook page. It reflected my feelings about a particularly political issue that is tied closely to my faith, but I knew some people who see my page would not like it and it would lead to comments I would not want to see. So I didn't post.

But about an hour later, I thought about Tebow and realized I was taking the cowards road. I have, in fact, gotten ridiculous comments that made me angry. And it took everything in me not to fire right back — in fact I think five years ago I would have, which is evidence of God's work in my life. But the important thing is that I wasn't afraid to stand up for what I believe in.

I wish more Christians could say the same.