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Immanuel Baptist "On the Journey" Articles |
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| On the Journey Wanted: Loving Mediators Sometimes you find the most inspiring stories of forgiveness and reconciliation in the most unusual places. On Tuesday of this week, I found one of those stories in the Sports section of USA TODAY. The word, Citadel, in the headline drew my eyes to the article. The Citadel is the military college of South Carolina located in Charleston. My brother, Russell, is a graduate of this historic institution. During his years as a student, I became enamored with the traditions of the school. One of my favorite authors, Pat Conroy, is also an alumnus, and he wrote a novel entitled, The Lords of Discipline, about the school. The headline also contained the name, Buoniconti. If you are a football fan and remember the unbelievable success of the Miami Dolphins in the 1970s, you will recognize the name, Nick Buoniconti. He played middle linebacker for the Miami Dolphins during their undefeated season and in their three Super Bowls. He is also a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. So, you are asking by now, “What do these two names have to do with each other and with forgiveness and reconciliation?” Well, Nick Buoniconti’s son, Marc, enrolled as a cadet at The Citadel after high school graduation. He was a member of the football team playing the position of linebacker. In a game against East Tennessee State in 1985, Marc made a tackle. After the collision, he fell limply to the ground. Marc sustained a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed. Three years after his injury, Marc sued The Citadel, the team trainer, and the team doctor. The lawsuit left deep wounds. Marc felt estranged from The Citadel, the corps of cadets, and his former teammates. Yet, twenty-one years later, this story has a wonderful conclusion. On Saturday, 30 September 2006, during a home game against Chattanooga, Marc’s jersey, No. 59, will be retired. When asked about the improbability of this event, Marc replied, “I thought we’d cure paralysis first.” [USA TODAY, Section C, 19 September 2006, page 1] How did this amazing story of forgiveness and reconciliation come about? Well, it required a friend and former teammate who loved both the traditions of The Citadel and Marc. The teammate’s name is Joel Thompson. Over a year ago, he initiated the process that has led to the restoration of the relationship between the Buoniconti family and The Citadel. Life goes on even after tragic accidents and painful lawsuits. Along, with his father, Nick, Marc is heavily involved with The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis. Together, they have raised millions of dollars for research. The lives of teammates go on too. Yet, across the years, former teammates rarely called Marc. As Marc was dealing with paralysis, they, too, were dealing with the reality of having a teammate nearly dying on the field before an ambulance rushed him away. A little more than a year ago, Joel went to visit Marc. He discovered Marc’s home jersey hanging in the closet. Marc had also kept other memorabilia from his days as a cadet. After this visit, Joel was inspired to seek a reconciliation between Marc and The Citadel. At The Citadel, there is a chain of command. Joel made his way through the chain of command calling upon former teammates and cadets to call, write letters, and attend meetings to secure this reconciliation. Finally, The Citadel’s new president welcomed Joel’s efforts and the Board of Visitors voted unanimously to retire Marc’s jersey. In March of this year, Marc was welcomed through the gates of The Citadel for Corp’s Day. What does reconciliation require? Rarely are two or more people, estranged by an event of life, able to build a bridge back to one another. Hearts may not be completely closed, but it is difficult to make our way back to one another without the assistance of a loving friend. Reconciliation requires a friend or an advocate like Joel Thompson who loves both estranged parties and dreams of restoring the relationship. As a believer, I am often puzzled as to why there are not more stories of forgiveness and reconciliation flowing from the Great Church. After reflecting on the process between The Citadel and Mark Buoniconti, the poverty of these stories among people of faith may be due to our reluctance to be mediators. After all, a mediator like Joel Thompson loves both parties. Maybe we are afraid we will lose two friends before we achieve forgiveness and reconciliation. Yes, it is surprising to find where forgiveness and reconciliation occur—and where they do not. Surprising for we, believers in Jesus Christ, are called to be ministers of reconciliation.jamie |
Website last updated: Thursday, September 27, 2006 Website Related Questions/Comments: Chris Cash-ccash@vci.net |
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Immanuel Baptist Church - 3465 Buckner Lane - Paducah, KY, 42001 - 270.443.5306 - www.immanuel-paducah.org |