NFL PLAYER BENJAMIN WATSON’S VIRAL FACEBOOK POST
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NFL PLAYER BENJAMIN WATSON’S VIRAL FACEBOOK POST
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I Prayed
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Pray for a good report to be brought forth in the minds and hearts of our fellow countrymen.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” (Phil. 4:8)
Benjamin Watson who plays for the Baltimore Ravens posted the following on his Facebook page and it has since gone viral:
“At some point while I was playing or preparing to play Monday Night Football, the news broke about the Ferguson Decision. After trying to figure out how I felt, I decided to write it down. Here are my thoughts:
I’M ANGRY because the stories of injustice that have been passed down for generations seem to be continuing before our very eyes.
I’M FRUSTRATED, because pop culture, music and movies glorify these types of police citizen altercations and promote an invincible attitude that continues to get young men killed in real life, away from safety movie sets and music studios.
I’M FEARFUL because in the back of my mind I know that although I’m a law abiding citizen I could still be looked upon as a “threat” to those who don’t know me. So I will continue to have to go the extra mile to earn the benefit of the doubt.
I’M EMBARRASSED because the looting, violent protests, and law breaking only confirm, and in the minds of many, validate, the stereotypes and thus the inferior treatment.
I’M SAD, because another young life was lost from his family, the racial divide has widened, a community is in shambles, accusations, insensitivity hurt and hatred are boiling over, and we may never know the truth about what happened that day.
I’M SYMPATHETIC, because I wasn’t there so I don’t know exactly what happened. Maybe Darren Wilson acted within his rights and duty as an officer of the law and killed Michael Brown in self defense like any of us would in the circumstance. Now he has to fear the backlash against himself and his loved ones when he was only doing his job. What a horrible thing to endure. OR maybe he provoked Michael and ignited the series of events that led to him eventually murdering the young man to prove a point.
I’M OFFENDED, because of the insulting comments I’ve seen that are not only insensitive but dismissive to the painful experiences of others.
I’M CONFUSED, because I don’t know why it’s so hard to obey a policeman. You will not win!!! And I don’t know why some policeman abuse their power. Power is a responsibility, not a weapon to brandish and lord over the populace.
I’M INTROSPECTIVE, because sometimes I want to take “our” side without looking at the facts in situations like these. Sometimes I feel like it’s us against them. Sometimes I’m just as prejudiced as people I point fingers at. And that’s not right. How can I look at white skin and make assumptions but not want assumptions made about me? That’s not right.
I’M HOPELESS, because I’ve lived long enough to expect things like this to continue to happen. I’m not surprised and at some point my little children are going to inherit the weight of being a minority and all that it entails.
I’M HOPEFUL, because I know that while we still have race issues in America, we enjoy a much different normal than those of our parents and grandparents. I see it in my personal relationships with teammates, friends and mentors. And it’s a beautiful thing.
I’M ENCOURAGED, because ultimately the problem is not a SKIN problem, it is a SIN problem. SIN is the reason we rebel against authority. SIN is the reason we abuse our authority. SIN is the reason we are racist, prejudiced and lie to cover for our own. SIN is the reason we riot, loot and burn. BUT I’M ENCOURAGED because God has provided a solution for sin through the his son Jesus and with it, a transformed heart and mind. One that’s capable of looking past the outward and seeing what’s truly important in every human being. The cure for the Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin, Tamir Rice and Eric Garner tragedies is not education or exposure. It’s the Gospel. So, finally, I’M ENCOURAGED because the Gospel gives mankind hope.” (By Benjamin Watson, Baltimore Ravens, posted on SportsCastles.com)
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Thank you for sharing all your thoughts and emotions honest and true. You are a great voice in the midst this mad chaos.
and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us
Forgive us our Heavenly Father for the sins of our fathers that set the children’s teeth on edge, forgive for the trauma we have inflicted on all people groups forgive and heal, forgive and restore and revive our hearts to love You and our neighbors as ourselves. Remove the word “minority” and “supremicist” from our conversation. The Lord recieves all peoples.
Well Done
Jesus Christ is the answer to all that is
wrong in this country. Thank you for so boldly
speaking your heart. All the world should read
your comments.
Thank you, Benjamin! You are a man after my own heart! You expressed what so many of us truly feel, but not what we always hear in the world! I wish you could visit my Church in Montgomery, AL where color is not an issue! We are family together at Harvest Family Church and celebrated our 25th Anniversary today! Celebrating God sending our Pastor Bill and family back here to start this Church and we love each other!
As someone else said, you are my brother in Christ and I love you!
May God bless you exceedingly!
Ree
Thank you so much for going public with your heartfelt words and concerns. No one could have said it better and I’m so grateful to you for pointing out that it is a sin not a race issue. I’m even more grateful to you for pointing out the solution. It is only through Jesus Christ that we can overcome these issues and love each other the way God instructed. I’m proud to call you my brother and I love you, even without meeting you. You have the love of Jesus in your heart and they makes us brother and sister in a Christ. Your message is powerful and courageous and it teaches the gospel. May those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus come to this knowledge through your message of hope and redemption.
Dear Benjamin,
Tears are running down my face as I reflect on your heartfelt, genuine and oh so true reflection. You hit the nail on the head. It’s not cut and dry because there are many people affected in many ways over many different things which you so clearly spelled out for us. People everywhere are hurting. God can use this situation and turn it around. Racism is and always has been wrong! Forgetting what the National Anthem and US Flag represents, and forgetting Who gave us the freedom we have in America (God) is in opposition of what we should be doing. As you so clearly pinpointed, SIN is the cause of this fallen world, and this world keeps faling, falling, falling ever deeper and deeper. People, all of us, don’t even realize what they (we) are doing. When people hate or go against any of God’s perfect love they are only digging their way to hell. Jesus IS the answer and we must look to Him! Whether we are white, black, red or yellow, it makes no difference. Jesus is the ONLY WAY. HE IS the Way, the Truth and the Life! No one gets to the Father but through Jesus!
Standing firm and bold, with a heart for God, allowing Him to enter into our lives allowing Him to transform us, spirit first, then our minds and bodies is the ONLY way we and this world will change. You have written such heartfelt, truthful, moral, emotional, scriptural words that I am certain Almighty God heard you loud and clear. I thank you for taking the time to write and post your reflection. I am grateful that you are my brother in Christ and are using your words and your position as an NFL football player (people know you and can relate to you), to state the truth, that Jesus is the only Way. We can all take the same stand you are. I am with you as we unite in Christ, not divide by sin!
Thank you Benjamin for being an American and my brother. Skin color makes no difference to God. God created ALL in His image, every color, every nationality! Thank you Jesus for your shed blood. I thank You Jesus for the blood you shed for ALL people. Jesus, it is You who is our source and our Hope. You are our everything! It is in the name of Jesus that sin gets crushed!
The US was founded on the scriptures. We must remember how blessed we are. And we must push forward, always doing what God wants us to do. Open the bible, get to church, and be a doer of the Word. Love our neighbors. Love those who hate us. Let us walk in LOVE as Jesus commanded us to do.
Blessings and many thanks Benjamin.
Linda Howe
Dear Benjamin, Thank you for such transparency and honesty of heart. How true, the problem isn’t racism, it is sin. It is also pride that always divides and never unites. Pride sets us all up for a fall. God resists those who are proud but thank God, he gives Grace to the humble. Now is the time for all of us to humble ourselves and repent for our sin, one and all so times of refreshing can come by spending time in God’s Presence . And in His Presence we will all find stedfast love, forgiveness, grace, wisdom,truth,peace, and the unity that is so necessary for God to command the blessing of Life forevermore to make America Great Again. In Jesus’ name, I pray we will all listen to God’s heart speaking thru Benjamin and remember to pray for, love, and forgive each other even as Christ does each of us and then nothing and no one will stop America from being Great Again. Amen.
we all are made in GODS image and we all bleed red this is a spiritual war we face the enemy is here to kill steal and destroy wake up sheeple washington cant fix this majority of them sold there soul for money an power stand up for JESUS and be bold and loving and learn the teachings of JESUS like my brother in chirst benjamin did put GOD first know the ten commandments and live them pretty simple and love ur neighbor before urself wow thats not pc these days
Thank you Benjamin Thank you
Good analogy.
Hallelujah. What a superior comment by our friend, Benjamin. I would that our whole country could read it. Yes, the cross of Jesus, his forgiveness of his accusers, and His resurrection changes everything and especially me.
Thank you Benjamin for sharing the pain that we all feel of misunderstanding and the pain that follows on all sides. Thank you for the only true solution to overcoming the bitterness and hatred through the love of Jesus who spoke these words on the cross when he had no sin and was unjustly sinned against, “Father FORGIVE them for they don’t know what they are doing.”
Thank you Benjamin for sharing the pain that we all feel of misunderstanding and the pain that it brings to all sides. Thank you for the only true solution to overcoming the bitterness and hatred through the love of Jesus who spoke these words on the cross when he had no sin and was unjustly sinned against, “Father FORGIVE them for they don’t know what they are doing.” Therein lies our hope–thank you for sharing!!
God bless you my brother.
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8
Jesus love for me covers my sins (actually removes them never to be recalled against me anymore) and His love in and through me also covers the multitude of the sins of others.
The only reason we have a race problem in this country now days is because the Democrat party has only self interest at heart, sense LBJ said if we can get these people on Welfare we can have them voting for Our Democrat party for the next 200 hundred years. Period, they continue to perpetuate the racial divide!!!!!! to keep their cushy positions because they are a Bunch of Lazy, Lying no-good IDIOTS!!!!!!!! that only want to keep the masses against each other, George Sors is their master and Evil Nazi Hitler youth wanting to re-establish the Third Reich, wake-up people.
Benjamin Watson is a jewel in the darkness of our country that has drowned out a 2 sided discussion on our race issues in this wonderful country.
We need this kind of reflective thinking in every area of public discourse, media, political, educational and yes, in churches.
Thank you, young man. Your team is fortunate to have a man of your intellectual integrity playing for them.
Praise God,
Kindness costs nothing and requires little. Just open your heart and extend your spirit and let someone know you care. Then watch as the feelings spreads, touching many hearts and spirits. Watch your step get lighter as your outlook get brighter. It’s funny how an act of kindness feels as good to the giver as it does to the receiver.
Thanks Mr. Watson
I applaud the Mr. Benjamin’s comments and his heart that generated them. We need racial reconciliation in this country badly. I think that we are having difficulty in achieving that mostly because of the misinformation promoted in the media and the internet. This brings mento one of Mr. Benjamin’s points, i.e. his uncertainty on what actually happened with Michael Brown. The fact is that we do know what happened because of the grand jury investigation. Here is a quote from an online article by Larry Tomcsak of CharismaNews regarding what the grand jury found based on the testimony of witnesses at the scene. The Grand jury found that Michael Brown:
” * Was possessing and on drugs
* Was fleeing a robbery he had committed
* Was fleeing the scene after assaulting a frail minority store owner
* Repeatedly rebuffed police orders
* Initiated attack on a policeman
* Grabbed an officer’s gun
* Fired the gun two times
* Was shot in the altercation
* Never made the statement [My hands are up]”.
These are the findings of the Grand Jury. And they were not challenged by Attorney General Holder, so I find them quite believable. But I am willing to bet that most if not all of the players protesting have an entirely different story of what they believe happened. I wonder what they would say if they new the truth.
Praise You Lord Jesus, Father God, i ask that you would make Benjamins roads straight before him, blessing the works of his hands. I thank you Lord that it was thorough and helped me see the other side. I thank you Lord that it has gone viral. may it raise up other young football players to stand in the gap. Praise you Lord that also the gospel was given, and so we ask for more to be brought to your Kingdom through these thoughtful words. In Jesus name, Amen
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the people, but the Lord rises upon you and His glory appears over you.” -Isaiah 60:1-2
Abba Father, may You pour out your Spirit and stir the hearts of your people to seek your face and cry out for the lost like never before. Your beautiful Son paid a steep price for the ransom of all, so may your children’s hearts be broken now for the lost and may we shine your light and speak the truth in love as we walk in love to reach out in compassion to be peacemakers and reap a harvest of righteousness for Your Name’s sake. Help us to remember that we must give an account for every careless word spoken (Matt 12:36), so may we speak words of life and blessings and pray effectively through the help of your Holy Spirit when we don’t know how to pray (Ephesians 8:26-27) in Jesus’ name.
I am proud of this young man. I am an almost 80 year old great grandmother and pray much for our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. I would be proud to add this young man to my family. God Bless and keep you moving you forward, giving you favor, may you really be heard.
Thank you, Benjamin Watson. You have summed up the thoughts of many. Words of wisdom!
That is a breath of fresh air.
This should be posted on Facebook!
Dear Benjamin Watson…how very courageous in sharing your beautiful and well expressed thoughts. And most of all thank you for your righteousness and faithfulness in giving glory to an almighty God.
This man has met the Glory and Grace of Jesus and it appears that
he lives in the Victory of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Thanks for the post. I do not read Facebook other than Family
happening posts.
This man has wisdom and discernment, and I honor the work of God’s Spirit in him.
Pray against the infestation of America by the Demonic spirits originating from the Greek & Roman ancient Pan Mediterranean-games including the Roman Coliseum Gladiator games, Bolstered up by the Central American Mayan Ball-player games & their demons from hell. Pray Christians worship Jesus instead of ancient demonic sports spirits. This is an opportunity from God Almighty to transform America’s sports worship into a return to Jesus!! IF the CHURCH PRAYS & INTERCEDES>
Eph 5:11
11 and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even reprove them; ASV
2 Cor 6:14
14 Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers: for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? or what communion hath light with darkness? ASV
Courageous, Encouraging and Well Said.
Preach it brother. You’ve shared your heart on so many issues and your answer to it all is Jesus and I agree. The flag represents freedom, and we are free because so many have died for our freedom. People need to come up with ways to be a solution to the problems and not just protest which accomplishes no real healthy solution. Praying for our nation that we can unite and that each individual will dive in somewhere to help change occur!
Very refreshing to hear that you are a disciple of Christ and you are not ashamed to let people know. Christ is the answer and we must pray that all will come to know Him personally before there is no choice.
I am truly encouraged by this insight. I have spoken many times recently that if everyone that claims to be a Christian was a true bible believing Christian that they would realize that more than being brothers and sisters in Christ we are all connected. We all originated from Adam and Eve. We are from the same blood. And when “Christians” start acting as such and are obedient to what Jesus has called us to, we will truly see what it means to truly ” Love God with all our hearts, all our souls, and all our minds. And love our neighbors as ourselves”.
Thanking God for you, my brother in Christ! May your voice carry to the lost and hurting; that hearts will be touched and lives changed. The greatest way to overcome evil is to do good. This is good!
Thank you, Benjamin, for your honesty and boldness to voice a perspective and questions from both sides of this current controversy. While we have freedom of expression, we also must take full ownership of what we say and do and yes, deal with the SIN issue. I hope many people read this!
Thank you for sharing your faith-filled words. I agree with you…some. I was raised a “military brat” and color was never an issue. I knew many people of all different races and we got along well because we were all taught to obey the laws.
But it breaks my heart when I see/hear many blacks immediately bring up the subject of discrimination, bigotry, and the “woe is me…I’m really just a good black boy/girl” response against whites, police, teachers, anyone in authority, as well as any other excuse they come up with as their reason and RIGHT to disobey the law, to be destructive of other people’s property, to disrespect those in authority, to be lawless and destructive. I don’t know about them, but I was taught from childhood that we in AMERICA are free because of the laws and that we are ALL to obey the laws at all costs!!! No matter how seemingly simple or unimportant. Our laws are all important. It’s sad that the only ones who have a problem with them are those who ignore and break them!!!
I can fully understand police, and others in authority having a bad attitude about black and other lawbreakers, when they DAILY are faced with lawbreakers and murderers who are black and who have no qualms about shooting down those who are there to protect all of us.
WE as AMERICANS are to be a LAW-ABIDING People… no matter what color we are !!! Where does anyone… black or white or hispanic or asian whatever…get the idea that they are the persecuted ones and have the right to act like they want at the expense of others!! What are they doing to make our cities, states, or nation a better place??? !!
If the blacks want to not be thought badly of, then they need to start acting like they want things to be better by doing the right things. Lawlessness will NEVER cause people to think well of you, neither will the attitude of “POOR ME”. The Golden Rule STILL is THE RIGHT THING to do. Treat others the way you want people to treat you. Quit making excuses for your own bad actions and attitudes.
You sir, show a Godly character of honor and respect.
You have been given a platform to speak out and release TRUTH.
It’s really All about Jesus, not us. Releasing the Kingdom of God here on earth for such a time as this..Releasing His Love….
Blessings over take you….
Benjamin Watson, you are a transformed man! I love you as my brother in Christ. I love your boldness, courage and graceful words. Thank you for not hiding your light under a cover but shinning brightly for all to see Him. God bless you and may you continue to bless God.
Thank-you, Benjamin, for stepping up and pressing through with the Truth. God has blessed you to see in a different realm. The realm of true Freedom!
I can only add “AMEN” to all you have expressed!
Lamentations 3:22~23 … to GOD be the GLORY!
Benjamin Watson, you are my brother in faith. To me, your words speak Truth. May each of us seek God passionately every moment of everyday. May we learn to love one another! I am praising God for your heart and for the talents God has given you to articulate your thought so clearly.
Someday you will hear these words: “Well done good and faithful servant. Enter into these gates”. God bless you for your faith and courage, brother!
Dear Benjamin: I am white skinned, 80 years old and I am your sister in Christ and you dear Ben are my brother. I will gladly stand beside you, arm in arm, linked in heart, soul and spirit. To me you display the characteristic of one of King David’s mighty fighting men. You have courage that is lacking in the Body of Christ but YOU stated your own spiritual heritage so clearly in your facebook posting. It is inspiring that you are willing to stand and be courageous for Jesus Christ. May God continue to bless you with courage and love as you venture forth each day. May God Almighty protect you and your family. I am honored to be your sister in Christ.
Beautiful! Expresses many of our feelings regardless of skin color, thank you.
Praise God! for giving you the boldness, access and courage to speak the truth to the people. God is doing something in this season and He is going to need more people like you to be a spokesperson for the TRUTH. God bless you my brother.
Thank you, Sir, for opening your heart, soul, and mind to us in love.Thank you for causing me to think about others. This is a crazy time. And thank you for offering words of sanity for all of us. Thank you for not compromising but using your witness to us all the right WAY. May God bless you in all you do.
God hears you Benjamin and so do I. I am so encouraged by your post, it’s answered prayers.
Our skin color should never matter, it’s the blood that is so important and most people cannot grasp the concept that we all have the same blood….ONE BLOOD…the blood of Adam and Eve. The blood God created us with and the blood Jesus shed in order to cleanse us from these sins committed by those who don’t grasp what He has done for us! I pray for LOVE and HEALING for every soul in every nation, every day. The sooner we can spread the Gospel of God’s steady, unchanging Word, the sooner we can live in harmony and truly see the HOPE THAT IS AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN INTENDED FOR MANKIND.
My prayers continue for the lost.
My love to you brother Benjamin with abundant blessings
He said it well but would like to add the national anthem does not show racism it represents America NFL is wrong to Neal because they are doing it for the wrong reasons they are promoting nothing but hate and divide
Thank you for your wise words. They are a sweet balm in this time of pain. We are all better than this, we are all one people. I point the finger at every one of us, we all have an evil heart, the seed from Adam and Eve. I am encouraged by your courage and strength. Thank you again and God Bless you.
Well said Bro. Benjamin Watson, On the mark! It’s not about skin, it’s about sin! It’s not about race, it’s about grace! While many NFL players are taking a knee during the Anthem, what we need is to be on our knees before the Anthem. May God raise up more NFL players like you Benjamin Watson to stand for the truth that is only found in our Lord Jesus Christ.
¶ A Song of Ascents. Of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! Psalm 133:1
Thank you Benjamin for your wise words. They are words that UNIFY us. To God be the glory. May God bless and protect you and your family.
I’M ENCOURAGED!!! Because someone “gets it!!!” All this is so true, and should be the way all of us who have accepted the Gospel, feel and believe!
THANK YOU, BENJAMIN WATSON!!! MAY GOD RICHLY BLESS AND USE YOU…AND HE WILL!!!!
P.S. There is no difference in us because of our color or race…except some cultural differences, as there are in each individual family, and different historical backgrounds, as in every family, and in food preferences, as in every family, and in modes of worship, as in every family…but we are all a family!!! Let’s act like it…or maybe we are! 🙁
Now this is a commentary that should be required reading. Too many people are too aware of skin color since all this hated became so evident. All of us have the same color of blood even in different cultures. All of us are born with sinful natures, no one was born without this nature but Jesus Christ; and He did come to redeem us red-blood humans and only He can take the hate out of our hearts.
God would say ‘Well said my son’. God Bless you!
How FANTASTIC!
Very thoughtful. realistic, and comprehensive.
Praise God for people like Ben who -with God’s help- WILL restore America to greatness.
Thank you for your insightful thoughts. We all would do better to think so profoundly and recognize where the REAL problem lies, just as you described. Thank you Benjamin Watson.
Only the righteous prayers of the people and the power of God will heal our land.
Thank you for your hearts cry. I can say with sincere heart that I understand the contrasting of colors, and I am white. My husband is deaf and he is also set aside.
I agree with you on the answer, I will do my part. Thank you for doing yours. May this find you wherever you are and know that I too am with you……..
Blessings brother
I am encouraged by Watson’s remarks and wish more people felt as he does.