Ten years ago, the Believe campaign was unveiled in Baltimore City. It was designed to motiviate city residents to care about their neighborhoods and had a specific focus on encouraging drug users to seek treatment.
Today reviews are mixed as to the campaign’s effectiveness, but I have to say I Believe in the Baltimore Ravens! Their weekend victory over the Denver Broncos was spectacular and there was an amazing spiritual aspect to the whole ordeal.
From post-game references to Ray Lewis’ team message last week centered on the Biblical reference “no weapon formed against you will prevail” (Isa 54:17) to Coach Harbaugh’s post-game presser where he opened with comments about the special spiritual focus of his team – it all seemed a bit surreal.
Except…I have been hearing this kind of talk from Ravens Senior Offensive Assistant Coach Craig Ver Steeg for 5 seasons (since he arrived here with the Harbaugh regime). I Believe that Coach Harbaugh, Coach Craig and a host of others (including Ray Lewis and Ravens team chaplain Rod Hairston) are leading a special movement here.
Coach Craig, who visits HUM regularly to talk with the guys, openly shares his own faith walk and the spiritual focus of others associated with the Ravens. I don’t Believe the Ravens have any special supernatural hookup for winning games, but there is something special going on in hearts there – and its fun to watch them on the field, too!
One Day at a Time,
Pastor Gary Byers
Deputy Director
PS Yes, I am drinking the Ravens Kool-Aid during this playoff run – but, yes, I am still a Redskins fan!