07 February 2016

I am a long suffering Cleveland Browns fan. In many ways my journey has mirrored that of the Jewish people, which is to say, it has been a long road of suffering, wrestling with God, and awaiting the Messiah who will lead our people in conquest over our enemies and oppressors into the promised land of the Super Bowl end zone, and the Lombardi trophy presentation stage.  

Today, my thoughts turn back to January 11th, 1987, when, in our first Temple, Cleveland Municipal Stadium, the invading Broncos from Denver, led by that Nebuchadnezzar, John Elway, marched 98 yards down the field of battle in an improbable and heart wrenching assault that tied the contest at 20, fate then handing those battle horses the ball, a field goal, and the victory. We remember this lamentable occasion as only: The Drive. 

On this holiest of holy days, Super Bowl Sunday, our second Temple, First Energy Stadium, TM, stands empty. The glory departed when the first Temple fell, and it has never returned. The clouds that overshadow us are not the Shekinah, but those of depression and disappointment. It's easy to understand why most among us blame and curse one man to this day: Elway. When the Broncos fall, Cleveland, our Jerusalem will rise again.  

But I met a man who taught me something different. No matter how many  Devils of Denver are slaughtered by the saviors, San Francisco-Joe, or Carolina-Cam, there will not be peace in this city of Shalom until there is peace in the hearts of its people, and love even for our enemies. Because, the truth is, the men under those blue and orange, "D" helmets are not our enemies, and they *never have been. 

Our enemies are our own poor practice habits, poor play, poor draft choices, poor coaching choices, poor spending habits, and poor attitudes. These are the great Satans who hold us back, keep us down, and incite us to riots. We are indeed oppressed. But I have met the enemy, and he is us.  

Who helped me to see these things? Who opened my eyes to the truth? Let us just say that he is something more than a Manning, though a Manning he is. He stands trial today in the house called Levi. And though by sundown he may be crucified, he has made a believer of me. That is why today, this Cleveland Browns fan will be rooting for the Denver Broncos to win the Super Bowl.  

Go Bro(wns)ncos